tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399905087948142433.post5082192517569375475..comments2023-11-16T02:56:51.776-06:00Comments on The Ramblings of a Minnesota Geek: Franchise Collection: Harry PotterAndrew Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10882456440562600101noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3399905087948142433.post-56200182088298473552010-04-19T10:16:45.059-05:002010-04-19T10:16:45.059-05:00Great post, Andy! I did a similar breakdown of th...Great post, Andy! I did a similar breakdown of the first four films prior to Order being released several years ago.<br /><br />I totally agree that the first 2 are cheesy with uninspired direction from Columbus. They may be closest to the books, but they can come off as dull to the adult audience. The only times I bother watching them is when I'm having a Potterthon, right before a new film is released.<br /><br />As for Prisoner, I agree that the film looks great and is very entertaining, but I feel important information was left out regarding the map and Lupin's knowledge. I'd trade Harry's ride on Buckbeak for a few more minutes of dialogue explaining all that rich history of Harry's father and his friends. Any non-reader of the series would be lost, as evidenced by my husband who kept asking me questions.<br /><br />I find it sad that Goblet doesn't get much love. I think a lot of it has to do with it being the first film to really suffer the axe of cutting down the source material, and for that it pays a steep price. However, I think the film serves the purpose of the story perfectly: it shows the basic plot of the Tri-Wizard tournament and the true return of Voldemort. It cuts the excess fat of the damn house elves and SPEW, etc. Yet it still keeps the spirit of the wizarding world alive. And it shows the death of a student, which is pretty hardcore for the series up to that point. Not to mention Brendon Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody is just brilliant. I could go on and on, but I won't.<br /><br />On the flip side, I think Order gets more love than it deserves. I really do love the film, but to me this one felt chopped down and rushed far more than Goblet. It was the longest book and the shortest film and the math doesn't add up there. It took me a few times to watch to realize this, but it all just happens too fast. I will agree that it does boast some of the best moments of the enitre franchise with the scenes at the ministry.<br /><br />Anyway, highly anticipating the beginning of the end later this year. It'll be sad, but at the same time I'll be glad to see it end, because that means they actually accomplished it with almost the entire original cast for a decade. And none of those folks (poor Maggie Smith) are getting any younger.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12386248680892197260noreply@blogger.com