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HARRY POTTER & THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS review
It is better than the first HARRY POTTER film, however it still has an excruciatingly awful ending that just never seems to end and that serves no point other than to add an extra twenty minutes to a film that could have been, should have been, twenty minutes shorter.
I’ll get to that ending problem after a great deal of praise. You see, these movies are absolutely superb children movies. Infinitely better than those non-animated Children films we’ve seen of late. There’s genuine chemistry between the kids, they aren’t just saccharine brats, they’re well developed kids with a great deal of character… independent and different characteristics ta boot.
As is often the case with second films, they improve upon the original simply because they’ve already established the universe that the characters exist in, now they’re free of introducing all the characters again and can just throw them into adventure and further good times, further develop and add to the characters and expand the world they occupy while continuing to embrace us with the familiar that we enjoyed the first time out.
The true magic of these Harry Potter films, and this one in particular, are the amazing cast members they assemble. I mean, once you get past the miracle of finding children this good.
Daniel Radcliffe has an air about him. He feels like someone with a destiny, emotional baggage from a history he has been discovering. In this episode, he’s moved past the wide-eyed OHMYGOODNESS of turning every corner with a huge goofy grin. This time, he kinda has the hang of things. He understands the basic magical order of things. He’s still very humble and a bit afraid of the ‘amazing’ things he can do. However, I can’t help but notice that when he kicks ass… it is all either luck or extra-natural help from beyond guiding him. I mean, he goes running into the CHAMBER OF SECRETS, where there’s supposed to be this huge deadly monster thingee, and first thing he does is drop his wand into a puddle. LAME! I mean, that’s so Jamie Lee Curtis in HALLOWEEN of him. I mean, just because you see a still body, doesn’t mean you drop the BUTCHER KNIFE and turn your back on it. I mean… This kid is about as bright as a dying ember at times. At other times, he’s a friggin founding member of the Hardy Boys.
Having not read the books, and having no clue what is to come, all I can think is that if Harry ever actually paid attention in classes, he might be able to really kick some ass without having to GET LUCKY. I mean, Hermione…
Yes, let’s talk about the impossibly cute and inquisitive and smart Hermione Granger. Emma Watson is simply way too good in these films. She completely has that, over-achiever thing going for her. She’s obviously way smarter than both Potter and Weasley. I mean, throughout the film she’s constantly… well.. let’s face it. Hermione is the Velma of the Mystery Gang, but cuter. She puts in the time to not have to be lucky, but right. I loved the whole “half-breed” sub-plot of muggle/magical types and their spawn. That really was something I wasn’t expecting to be broached here. But BRAVO! Way to go.
Then there’s Rupert Grint. Is it just me, or is the character of Ron Weasley the genetic fictional descendant of Ralph Malph from HAPPY DAYS? I mean, Grint has a more than a passing resemblance to Don Most, he has that same “wimp factor” thing going, except he has far superior comic timing, and giving him a broken wand… CLASSIC! However, I just couldn’t help, but wonder why Harry wouldn’t just throw Rupert 3 of his gold coins, which he has apparently a mountain of to get a new one. I mean, what the hell? Give a brother a hand!
Richard Harris’ final turn as Dumbledore carried a sadness today. This time out, I felt he wasn’t nearly as saccharine as he was the first turn… There was a winsome sparkle of magic in his eyes. The scene with the birth of the Phoenix was something truly lovely. His voice has this warble-y warmth that cuddles to the ears like a pair of muffs on a chilly day. He will be missed.
Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall is very strong this time out. When she is asked by Hermione to explain what the Chamber of Secrets is and if it is real… Well, the story she tells is told with that perfect, “It was a dark and stormy night…. …as we got out of the car there was a BLOODY HOOK on our door!!!” sort of flair.
I wasn’t a particular fan of Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid this time out. He really didn’t have much to do. His ummm… “exit” scene was very nicely done, but mostly he’s just kind of wasted this time out. Most of his comedic and mysterious touches are handled by Dobby the House Elf this time, but I’ll get to him in a bit.
The intensifying of Tom Felton’s Draco Malfoy in terms of his hatred and jealousy towards Potter was a bit overdone to me. I think he has all the absolute right snobbish self-important twit ticks that his character seems to need, but it’s spread like my nephew spreads ketchup on his plate… TOO MUCH EVERYWHERE.
Also back is Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape. He rules. Just flat out, Alan Rickman is the gab-blamed mudderwonking bomb in these films. You can tell he wants to be evil and good all at once. Like a stud that’s become a gelding. You know he wants to just whup arse up and down every hall of Hogwarts, but he seems like he’s always concerned that he’ll forget something or get caught. The scene between him and Branagh’s Gilderoy Lockhart is just classic.
However… As good as any of these original cast members are, the best elements of HARRY POTTER & THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS falls upon the new blood. Specifically three characters that outshine everyone else. Gilderoy Lockhart, Dobby the House Elf and Lucius Malfoy.
Let’s go in order of appearance shall we…
Dobby the House Elf is a wonderful lil bugger. His self-abuse reminds me of Moriarty in disturbingly odd ways. In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact that Dobby is much cuter, you’d think he was Adam Sandler pulled out of PUNCH DRUNK LOVE. Except, I actually dig Dobby more. Dobby is my hero, I think Dobby is just cool. He is very very CG, but that just seems to be the look of the ILM CG these days. It feels very illustrated living, as opposed to flesh and blood living. There is a bit of Scrappy Doo to him, especially there towards the end, but the character animation work on him.. the devilish expressions and the looks of worry are just very very good. Watch him be a devil at the Dursley’s house at the beginning. When he first spotted that cake… I squealed with glee. The look on his face was just EXACTLY correct. In a second I knew what he was up to. And when he’s trying to blackmail Potter… EXCELLENT!
Next is Kenneth Branagh’s Gilderoy Lockhart. Ok, just fantastic. I mean, wow. I’m a Branagh fan (with the exception of the excruciatingly slapdash hunk of gunk called MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN) and was curious ever since that very first review of Potter… all those months ago started talking about this being a brilliant work of self-parody. He plays Gilderoy as a pompous, snobbish, arrogant, showy, narcissistic, effete puffed up Pomeranian and had Fran Drescher shown up petting him and cooing over him… I’d have been just tickled as pink as Branagh’s knickers in this flick just had to be. The film is worth seeing, altogether, just for his fantastic turn.
Lastly we have Lucius Malfoy played by Jason Isaacs. He’s Richie Rich’s Daddy basically. However, nothing ever so bland. Lucius Malfoy’s character look is simply perfection. I loved the subtle tiny things that Jason was doing with his face. The sneer, the scowl, that weird Elvis-like lip snarl. That long white hair, that Hyper-Nazi feel to his character and his little Aryan bastard he has. I love that we have a villain here that is more akin to Lex Luthor in the John Byrne world than Valdemont’s JOKER-esque turns as a maniacally mad man. I get the idea that Lucius is gonna do some really nasty bad things before all of this over.
Ok… So what’s this one about? Well you Potheads already are familiar with the basic story, but frankly I rather giggled as it all played out because I recognized some very similar parallels to the old Larry Todd Underground comic book… THE FORTY YEAR OLD HIPPIE. And I wonder if J.K. Rowling in her earlier days happened to stumble across some issues during her herb research years. You see, in THE FORTY YEAR OLD HIPPIE comics there was a plotline about THE POTTY MONSTER. Essentially there is a POTTY MONSTER in the film that is paralyzing and petrifying students, kitty cats and others. Now in that comic it was actually a sludgie poop monster, and in this it is a Larry Flynnt photo spectacular of a snake. I mean, longest damn snake that anyone has ever planted. I just kinda ponder how something like that could possibly sneak around Hogwarts. I mean… Man… It’s HUGE!
How’s the action? FAR BETTER than in the original. The Quidditch match is exhilarating. The flying car stuff is spectacular. The final battles are awesome. The spider things… very cool. The only thing that really doesn’t work for me in action areas is the Tree thing. It’s just a badly designed tree. I don’t like the look of the tree, and it moves like a Fleischer no boned toon. It just didn’t work for me.
My favorite twist in the film is the CURSE OF THE DEMON twist that Harry Potter pulls on Lucius Malfoy… and it also has my biggest problem with the film. The movie should have ended right there. It was a great capper, wasn’t overly cutesy. Just real good.
Had the film ended there, I’d have walked away just singing the praises of this family film and just happy as Lardass in a pile of cherry pies, but NOOOooOOOoOOOoOOoOOoOOO…
It doesn’t end there. They have to continue with what felt like 20 minutes of excruciatingly self-congratulatory pats on the backs and clappings and hugs and presentations, and huge entrances and laaaadeeedaaas…
Now just like last time, where I was enraged at Dumbledore just arbitrarily awarding points for disobeying Hogwart rules therefore further encouraging the misbehavior that they allegedly attest to disapproving of. This time, this time it is many times worse.
What is HOGWART’s? It is a SCHOOL right? A place of higher learning for the future witches and warlocks and wizards and whatnot. Well, at the end, Dumbledore as he’s once again heaping buckets of sugar on the dragging ending of the film, he decides to announce as a reward for two characters kicking ass and the safe return of everybody everywhere… He CANCELS EXAMS!
Cancels Exams?
At a school?
When there is no more danger?
Because everybody is happy?
Total and complete bollocks. Nope, the train stopped with Dobby and I got off. LOATHE THAT! Now, I understand in the book, the exams were canceled due to the on-going menace in the school. Now it is a reward for the entire school. You’re just gonna exempt the whole school from midterms? I DON’T THINK SO! YUCK! EWWW! PATOOOIE!
Why is everyone and their brother (literally) cheering Harry hugging Hagrid? Hagrid is just a groundskeeper… right? I mean, in these films he seems to completely ignore every character except for Potter and his brood and Dumbledore. Why would anyone else care for the verge clipper? I mean, would Springfield ever applaud Groundskeeper Willie? I don’t think so. In fact, I’d go so far as to say absolutely not.
As for the return of Hagrid and Hermione… Frankly I don’t think we needed to see it. We knew the potion was ready and we heard Dumbledore order the release of Hagrid. End of story. But noooooOOooOOOoooo… Ok, show Harry and Ron eagerly bedside as the potion is administered to Hermione… show her waking up to hug Harry and shake Ron’s hand, but no more award banquet bullpucky.
This is a minor nitpick in an otherwise magical film. Nothing else felt drawn out or lame, just the ending. Nearly every aspect is greatly superior to the original for me.
Now I took my lil Sister Satan and nephew Kublakhan to this. He’s 2 1/2 years old, and he was entranced. When the mummified hand clutches Potter he literally levitated 18 inches straight up. CLASSIC! The flying car thrilled him, as did the train. He was riveted by the Quidditch match and was scared, but happy with the Spiders and the end battle. HOWEVER, literally the moment after Potter kicks butt… He fell asleep, opting for the back of eyelids than the remainder of the film.
Smart kid.
BTW – there is a funny lil gag at the end of the film, after the end credits, so stick around, you should like it!
Next we have Alfonso Cuaron. I’m curious to see what is going to become of this series outside of Columbus’ hands. Both of these films have been very nicely crafted and told. Both of the films have been Chris’ best work to date. Watching someone like Cuaron handle this… I just can’t wait to see what he does, what aesthetic he brings. I mean, I take it we won’t see any… ahem… action in the next one, because these are kid movies, right? We’ll see, I’m very curious.
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stupid muggles
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It's nice to hear someone's opinion who hasn't read the books, and who isn't absolutely biased and believes that any Harry Potter movie is going to be the be-all and end-all to fantasy movies ever made. Refreshing to hear that improvements need be made on the future installments.
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For corn's sake, put the freakin' DVD remote down for a minute and read the books, would you please? Not because they're affecting your reviews, but just because. Read 'em, goldangit!
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I take my little cousins to go see them and watch them on video. dammnit, they're cool.
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and maybe that's why the ending is like that, hugs to Hagrid and all. Maybe the makers of the film just thought it's good for the young 'uns to see bit of community and celebration. And as a kid, exam cancellation might just feel like winning the lottery. Granted, 20 minutes of this stuff sounds like overkill, but we are not the target audience either.
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my first act is to kill the whole lot of you and burn the town to cinders!!! Groundskeeper Willie was wrestling with wolves while Hagrid was still sucking at his mother's teet. Willie deserves his own animated series 'nuff said.
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...is if Columbus is actually going to explain all the important things (like why Snape hates Harry, where Harry got his invisibility cloak, and WHY magic is kept secret from Muggles in the first place) that were in the book, but were never explained in the movie. Though I liked the first movie, I personally didn't feel it stood on its own. Sure, you could watch it once and THINK you understand it fine (the movie is long enough so that by the end you've completely forgotten that where he got his cloak was never explained), but then you'd watch again and realize "hey! I don't think they ever explained that!" And is the movie just going to start with Harry in his new room, or are they ACTUALLY going to EXPLAIN why he doesn't sleep in the cupboard anymore??
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It's a big deal with hagrid at the end because now he can use magic as well as be treated equal again. :D wait till the third movie. Harry Potter and The Prisioner of Azkaban is the best book.
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The Potter books are kids books. They sure are NEATO but don't pretend the characters are three dimensional. Not in the books, not in the movies.
I just hope the ending is a little better than the end of the first movie.
"Wise wizard, how was I able to suddenly acquire the power to burn that guy's face off just in the nick of time?"
"Oh, uh, well that was the power of love, Harry."
Riiiiiiiight.
And Harry, another genius review hilited by this brilliant bit of deep thinking --
"I mean, would Springfield ever applaud Groundskeeper Willie? I don -
I though if it was backpain and how much i needed a piss that was urging me out of that cinema. But Harrys point has made me realise this great film really dragged out the ending to the point of almost leaving me with a negative opinion of it.
Great effects, great action, great film all in all. -
I'll post my reviews here if anyone wants to read them. If you don't like them don't read them. They're not for everybody. But they are for laughs only. Hell, I've been doing these reviews for 3+ years and I'm my biggest critic, so 'you suck' feedback isn't necessary. If you would like to get on my e-mail list, shoot me an e-mail at moviereviewer@hotmail.com I'm not posting it to whore myself. Just like to give people something to read while they're on the toilet.///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////****DISCLAIMER**** These reviews are for entertainment purposes only.... So don't think you own me You cannot show me Just how Your girl blows me And I'm not too crazy About this whole thingy Whoops! Another baby! I'll name him Billy Bobby My baby daddy What an ugly kiddie Looks like a male Rosie I'm moving to Hawaii That's not my little shorty I can't stop rhyming This paragraph? Is too long It's kicking my ass I can't seem to stop I'm beating it like a cop So sorry if I hurt you I just don't have a clue Can't find my other shoe Winter time? Got the flu Single again and feeling blue Got the drill but nothing to screw So back to my review.....word.//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////If there's one thing I've learned about living in Los Angeles, it's to avoid going to the theater on opening night whenever the movie you're wanting to see is starring a rapper or has rappers in it or involves or hints to plot points about gang related activity. If your said county or city has a curfew it is guaranteed that every single white, Latino and black teenager will be breaking that curfew to see said movie. This was the case on opening night for 8 Mile. About 70,000 little gangsters and wanna be gangsters were running around with their hats on sideways, pants drooping and cell phones blaring. (I heard one of the little gangster guys turn away from his friends and say on his cell phone "Yo ma, stop callin'." Pretty funny.) So what can you do to protect yourself if you're not one of these wily little crackheads? I have included some tips to help you survive on opening night in L.A.://////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////1. Look everyone straight in the eye including the popcorn vendors as you speak. You must convey confidence and attitude so the thugs around you cannot single you out as an easy target. " A large popcorn and large Coke." will not suffice in these hard urban situations. You must adapt to your environment no matter how uncomfortable you may feel. "Gimme that muthafukkin' popcorn bitch, and top it wit some C to the O to the K to the E." //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////2. Wear a hoodie. You must sacrifice any fashion sense you may have and wear something with a hood. I have no idea why, but just in case you want to wear it over your head and hide your face you can. This will send the message to others around you that you are hardcore and not to talk or look at you. In most normal societies it would mean you're probably really ugly and/or a leper.//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////3. Bring a gun. I know I know. A gun? Is that really necessary George? Yes it is. I would not feel right if you went into the theater unprepared. If necessary pop off a couple of rounds during the movie to show everyone that you have a weapon and you are not afraid to shoot the ceiling./////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////4. Bring your "I'm Actually A White Person." identification card. This way when the riot police do show up after the movie ends to stop all of the fights, you can whip out this card letting them know you have nothing to do with the altercations taking place and that you are just trying to get home to your 'crib' in Beverly Hills. The police will let you pass. Now if you are a Latino or African-American and you are a good citizen, you will be harassed and probably arrested even if you've done nothing. I'm sorry, but we cannot take any chances with colored people. I'm pretty darn sure most of you are up to no good.////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Our 'Black in the Saddle' movie this week is 8 Mile (a.k.a. Eight Mile or After Seven Mile or Before Nine Mile. Depending on your geographical location) starring Eminem as a teenager named Jimmy Smith Jr. also known as B. Rabbit or just Rabbit ( I know, I know. This sentence is much longer than it should be, but the guy has more damn nicknames in this film a 20's gangster) living in urban Detroit and trying to survive. His goal? To get up out this bitch and become a famous rapper. Also starring Kim Basinger as Jimmy's alcoholic loser Mom who can't pay the rent. Why Kim Basinger took this role I have no idea. I guess Alec Baldwin must have hit her just a bit too hard...I am going to be sued for these reviews one day. I just know it. 8 Mile was directed by Curtis Hanson who is most credited for directing L.A. Confidential. So of course, everyone is saying how great this film must be. I'm sorry but the guy also directed The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. So take it for what you will.///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////8 Mile takes place in the 313. The end credits also let you know that this was shot entirely in the 313. Now if you don't know what the 313 is, then you are one ignorant fool. Detroit baby. 313 is the area code for Detroit. I myself am 818 all the way, but even I don't compare to the 313. There is really no beginning to 8 Mile, we are just kind of thrown in to the mix. 8 Mile starts out with Phlegminem looking at himself in the mirror throwing his hands around practicing his rappin' body language. Or he's epileptic. I don't know. He's at a shelter where they hold rap battles. Contests were you have 45 seconds to insult the other guy as good as you can all the while making your insults rhyme. Wow. And I thought Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo had some tough competition. Eminamy freezes up and the rest of the movie is spent with his friends telling him he has to "battle" to take whatever title it is they hold dear. I don't know. Heavyweight Battle Lippin Champeen or something like that. Along the way Semenem meets Alex played by Brittany Murphy. She's apparently the only white girl still in the 313 who hasn't been raped or made up to be some pimp's ho. So of course, these two wacky kids have to meet! There's a cast of characters as Eminem's friends but they really serve no purpose to the story and as such, are not worth discussing. No one watched Fat Albert for Rudy. Everyone watched it for Fat Albert. Me? I watched it for Mushmouth. I remember when I was 10 years old, I had Mushmouth's lingo down. So every time I walked up to a black person I would talk like Mushmouth. "Howba areba yooba doobing?" They all cocked their heads to the side and looked at me like I was an adorably handicapped white boy. It was fun watching my father try to explain to these people that he wasn't a racist and neither was his kid. If it's one thing I learned from my father growing up, it's that when the opportunity strikes...you run like hell.///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////I wish there was more to tell you about 8 Mile but there really is no plot to this movie and I have no idea what message it is trying to convey to its audience. Is it about rapping? Is it about Emineminem's personal struggles to become the MTV poster boy that he has become? Is it a love story? Is it about how if you're white and growing up in Detroit, you must have colored friends as a means to survival? Is it about believing in yourself? I have no idea. But I did learn that if you throw your hands up in the air and wave 'em like you just don't care during the middle of the movie, big black guys will smack you in the back of your head. It was a painful lesson, but one I had to learn.///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Every review you may have read about 8 Mile talks about one thing. Eminem's on screen charisma. How he commands the screen. How his eyes are like Cary Grants. Ok, for one thing, don't insult a great actor like Cary Grant by comparing Eminem to him. The man is dead. Stop spitting on his grave. Another thing, Eminem is the only guy in every single scene in this film! He of course commands our attention because there is no one else to look at. As far as his eyes go, he looked really baked throughout the whole thing. Not commanding, but really, really stoned. He had the emotional range of a Llama. Never smiled, never cried, never showed that this life is getting to him. He was Mister Kool-Whip the whole time even when he was gettin beat down by the bruthas. Cracka please. It was not an acting performance I would say is Oscar worthy. Kim Basinger tries her best, but it feels like she never really got into the role of a white trash mother. I mean, come on Kim. You were married to Alec Baldwin for God's sake. No need to pretend that you're a broken down beat up has-been!! Just act natural baby! ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////After ninety minutes 8 Mile takes us to the big rap battle at the end. The point we all knew we'd be at since no one talks about anything else besides "battlin' yo". The audience was really into this and clapped and laughed and threw their 40's of O.E. in the air after Eminem would rap and insult the other guy. Ya. Of course it's gonna be good insults. It's a movie. They had months to write it and tons of takes to get it right. Not as improv as it tries to make you believe. Once that whole mess is done, the movie is over with and we are treated to another Eminem song as the end credits roll. Everyone in the theater applauded. Of course, everyone in the theater was 15 years old, so I don't know if this was the thug's version of Star Wars or not, but I didn't get it. 8 Mile had no beginning and no ending. We just watched the middle. Okey dokey.//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////So is 8 Mile worth your time? I don't know it depends on if you're an Eminem fan or not. If you are, you're going to like it despite the fact that it really isn't about anything. If you're a casual listener to his music, you may want to wait. If you're not sure who Eminem is, then turn on your radio. They play his new single every 15 minutes. Me? I didn't care for it. I could have spent my hour and a half writin' my rhymes yo. I just didn't get the whole point of 8 Mile. But that special appearance by Rosie as The Notorious F.A.T. was amusing!//////////////////////////////////////////////////////My Rating: Wait For Video/DVD //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Wanna read more? Go to http://www.videowrestling.com/george.html
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So how did you get to be a studio plant?
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I was suprised by how much I liked the first one, but I kind of lost my enthusiasms in the wake of Fellowship. But sometimes movies benefeit from endings that aren't, well, rushed. I appreciated that last year. Sure, the action and effects are neat, but the best thing about these films is the world it creates, and it would be a shame to cut it off short. Anyhoo, looking forward to this now with these positive reviews coming in.
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I would have to agree, the first installment (and it looks now to also be the second) of Harry Potter was easily the best work Columbus has done in his career. Very solid presentation that was not greatly dumbed down, very watchable. The cast for Chamber of Secrets just kicks to much ass to pass up.
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Nov 11, 2002 12:57:18 AM CST
Did they get rid of those 'CGI rubber kids' from the quidditch m
by cash bailey
Because, goddamn that was some disturbing shit.
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I am excited about this movie, but even more so for "Prisoner of Azkaban" and especially "Goblet of Fire". The series doesn't hit its stride until Books 3 and 4, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turns out on the big screen.
And to the person who said this franchise is washed up -- what does that make LOTR, since Harry Potter outgrossed it? -
I understand you had some feather up your ass about being able to see the movies without the preconceptions that the books would raise, although by that theory nobody who has read Tolkein can properly enjoy or review the new Tolkein movies. But now that you've seen two Harry Potter movies, would it kill you to read at least the first book or two? It's no skin off my nose, but it's getting irritating, like a dripping faucet.
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While more than thrilled for the new film I feel I should be shipping great heaps of feces to the heads of the W.B. for there crap headed reasons for delaying film number three. The Matrix is cool and all but I have a feeling you would still sell a bzillion tickets for Harry Potter regardless of how close it comes out to the "Trix sequels.
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Nov 11, 2002 2:12:40 AM CST
Harry sounds like the teachers pet we had in every class durring
by spanaird
Remember that kid who had the highest grade or just was really nerdy and his only friend was the teacher? There was always one in every class during school and he would always remind teacher that she forgot to give out an assignment or a test.From this review sounds like Harry was that kid, and he still is only now he kisses studio ass.
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It's explained in the books (READ THEM, HARRY!) that Potter would love to split his fortune with the Weasleys, but knows that Ron or the rest of the family would never accept it (well, maybe Fred & George circa Book 4 when they're trying to get their joke shop started... but they'd never ASK Harry for the moolah). The Weasleys have had to struggle to get by, but they've managed, and they've got that stubborn working-class (and British, to boot!) pride. But it's one of those things that's never addressed verbally by the characters, and would be fairly awkward to script into the films. If Harry ever offered, it was in-between the written events; the prose treats it as a given fact, Harry knows Ron would never accept his monetary help. But Ron's got no problem with letting Harry buy tons of Bertie Botts' Every-Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frogs and all that stuff, and sharing the wealth that way! :D
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Nov 11, 2002 2:48:09 AM CST
"20 minutes of excruciatingly self-congratulatory pats on the ba
by respect the cock
Excuse me...but isn't that the way every STAR WARS movie ends?
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Your reaction to the ending doesn't surprise me. The 'sappy awards giving' ending was one of a long list of things I hated about the first one. As for Alfonso making the third. Harry are you that naive to think he'll have any effect on the franchise considering how much of a hold JK has on it. Look at the length of the film and the appaulling ending you hated. He'll just be like Chris and be a lap dog. Sorry to be so harsh but it's true. The length of this also helps bode well that the third one will probably run for 4 hours. Even though I haven't seen 'Chamber Of Secrets' I feel my view is valid. Regards, The Moose.
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I personally think that all these movies in the next like 40 days are gonna kick arse. I Care about all of them..Yes even Harry Potter:P TTT im looking forward to the most but does not mean I dont want to see the others...
Im looking forward to calling in sick at work and saying Fuck You to my managers when they say I dont sound sick and when they hear movie music in the background heh. *COugh Cough* I...threw up sir!
Anyways..Just my two sence. Can't wait to see them all! -
I saw HP2 yesterday, and while the fucking scuttling spiders scared the BEJAYSUS out of me, i thought the battle in the chamber of secrets was limp. (SPOILERS KIND OF) I wanted Harry gushing blood in the throes of pain, i wanted Ginny bawling her eyes out. Instead it was just "ooh dear im hurt" and "ooh dear where am i." (END OF SPOILERS) But i suppose it's a kids film. I would just love to see the 15 rated version.
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Nov 11, 2002 4:08:05 AM CST
Sorry to sound like a broken record Harry but read the bloody bo
by gabba-uk
Trust me Harry, when you read the books and look back at your reviews and the parts you didn't like you ARE gonna go 'DOH!!' I saw this last night and if this is what they can do with the weakest of the books so far I cant wait for The Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry read the books to pass time before TTT comes out. You know it makes sense!
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I'm AMAZED that, at least in Harry's eyes, Harry Potter:COS turned out so much better than the first movie, considering that the 2nd book is noticeably inferior to all the others in the series. I can see how they can upgrade the acting, the CGI, and the pacing, but how can they disguise the fact that Chamber of Secrets, at its core, has a convoluted plot and an absolutely far-fetched resolution (you WILL scoff at the ending). If Harry thinks this is a good movie, then the next to should easily knock him dead.
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this review sounds like a different movie to the one I saw on Friday....It's great and the whole ending works. You'll all go see it anyway so it's kind of pointless nitpicking.
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Um, they explain in the first movie where the cloak comes from, and in the third book why Snape hates Harry (although I think some things work equally well without saying). As for keeping magic secret from Muggles, that is logically for everyone's protection - Muggles and wizards alike. Which I think is made explicit in the fourth book but I could be wrong. So if you want the answer to these and other niggly little questions which are troubling you, I suggest recourse to the books, cause if they put too much detail in the films they'd be four hours long instead of 160 minutes. Although I admit that they could have slotted quite a bit in in place of that overblown ending. And was it just me who thought the Lord of the Rings trailer beforehand still blew away harry Potter itself?
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Enough already! I'll see the damn movie! It'll probably take less time to do so than read your review again.
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Nov 11, 2002 4:52:07 AM CST
This movie was downright awful. Harry knows it but for reasons k
by monkeyspunk
Harry Potter 2 is utter wank.
sbs -
When does some characters die next movie or the forth. I can't wait to see the movie going kids faces, just like bambi only worse. Unless they puss out and ruin the only risque part of these books. You know except for the rampant satanism but who cares about that really.
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Well, it was.
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i had to take my 9 year old niece to see this on friday, she liked it as much as she liked the 1st one i disliked it almost as much as i disliked the 1st one wayyyyy too long very dodgy "special" effects (don't these ovies cost around $100m?) where does the bloody money go?. why does a short book (250 pgs) make a 161 inute movie, i just hope they change the writers along with the director, as not only will my niece ask me to take her to the next one, but i love the 3rd and 4th books, while i'm not overly impressed with the 1st 2. (before some smart ass asks why i bothered to read all 4 if i didn't like the 1st 2 it's because i was given last christmas and my 2 best friends swore that it was worth it and with poa and gof they were certainly right) by the way having seen the 1st 2 movies i'm even more convinced they shoulda gone with spielbergs make the 1st 2 books 1 movie thing, mighta saved a few hours of my life.
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Is the film too long for a 4 year old to sit through? Or do you think she'll be cool with it? I wonder. She sat through SPIDER-MAN and AOTC okay, and she's watched HARRY POTTER at the house. I'm thinking she'll be cool with it. And I'm glad to see Harry give this a constructive review. Unlike most of the blind masses here who just spout out how HP sucks. Or the CGI jerks who would have bitched about how the monsters looked fake during the Sinbad/Harryhausen days.
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Nov 11, 2002 9:02:44 AM CST
Harry needs to remember that these are, at their core, children'
by the g-man
And to a kid, there could be no happier ending, nor no better fantasy character, than a teacher or school principal who cancels tests. I agree with the poster who told Harry to unclench his anus.
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at the final paid preview at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse. 9pm, Sunday. Does that count as a sophisticated audience. And I bumped into two of the many people who auditioned for the part of Tom Riddle inside and outside the cinema. I enjoyed the film a lot more than the first. It moved quicker, and was more muscular. Some of the acting was a bit OTT, and it really is fairly distracting seeing so many well-known faces in small parts (and my trying to work out how many of the cast I'd seen on stage. I make it four: Richard Griffiths in Art, Gemma Jones (Madam Pomfrey) in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Toby Jones (voice of Dobby) in The Play What I Wrote, and Christian Coulson in Cabaret at Cambridge University 2 1/2 years ago). The action was great, although a couple of scenes reminded me of Jurassic Park. Everything felt a lot tighter this time round, except for those endless CGI sweeping shots. The biggest laughs were for the "You Can Read?!?" line, and for Hagrid's hint about the spiders. Although I think it dawned on the audience just how cheesy it was getting with the "Of course! The healing properties of phoenix tears!" line. We have memories, we don't need to be told again in that Scooby Doo way. And why did they need the endless hugging of Hagrid at the end? He didn't play a pivotal part of the film, did he?
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Nov 11, 2002 9:23:23 AM CST
this is a fun sounding flick. TTT-guys, this is how TTT is gonn
by kingkarll
......50 straight minutes of fightfightfight walk walk walk fight fight fight fight 'DUH-A Talking Tree George! He talked to me! How did he do that? He said he is the Branch Manager in Fangorn! I donno how he did that George-this is too much like OZ mixed with Braveheart! Mommy-" Okay? There will be gobs of Mindless action and it will NOT do as well as the first one. Heck I LOVE the trilogy-but let's be realistic-you are gonna have alota people turned off by the Jar Jar-ness of Gollum and then whole HR Pufnstuf of the Ents-it's schizo. Yes I do hope it works. But c'mon. You Tolkien trekkies act like it's the Only film out there-stop wanking off about it already. HP Too sounds like fun. Bond is fun. There are OTHER films out there, other worlds to watch, read through, experience. Ya might wanna try 'em sometime.
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Ah, sweet, sweet, sweet! Very nice review Harry. This movie is gonna be that 1st comfy film experience of the winter. Especially looking forward to Isaacs' Lucius Malfoy; I'd forgotten he was introduced in this part of the series. I haven't read the TB yet, so here's hoping the TT vs. HP BS will be kept to a minimum. Out.
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No, I will not read the books. Harry, please, don't read the books - its not necessary. I'm 25 years old, and I'm not going to read Childrens' books - sorry "young adults". Call me elitist, but my reading time (and yours, Harry) should be spent somewhere other than "the book the movie was based on". It's a little bit much, don't ya think? Harry - read "Fast Food Nation". You may never eat a hamburger again. Or anything by Ian McEwan. Or Saramanga, or other writers who actually write for people over the age of 14 and wish to challenge them. There's a whole other world out there.
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These are not auteur films (thank god)
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Nov 11, 2002 1:50:47 PM CST
I agree, the ending completely ruined the realistic feel of the
by user id indeed!
No self-respecting wizard would EVER cancel exams! See, this is why I don't come here anymore.
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they're not GAY, they're just British.
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Nov 11, 2002 3:56:27 PM CST
You shouldn't read the books because they're necessary to enjoy
by minderbinder
The movies work fine either way, but the books are great reading (and they're a quick read as well, any complaint that "it takes time from important reading" is just stupid). So Harry, read the first book or two already!
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Just for clarification, I HAVE read the books...more than once, and am a huge Potter fan. I just thought that the first movie, by itself, no sequels, did not make sense unless you read the book first. The book explains that magic is kept secret so Muggles don't try to pass laws prohibiting it, etc, but that wasn't explained in the movie. As a matter of fact, had I not read the book first, I wouldn't even have known that magic was kept secret. I would have just thought this took place in some fantasy Earth where magic exists and everyone knows about it...but the Dursleys don't approve of it, and that's why they never talk about it. The only scene that suggests the Muggles don't know about magic is when the guy at the train station says "think you're being funny?" Also, no, the movie didn't explain who gave Harry his cloak. It explained that he got it as a present, but when Ron asked "who gave it to you?", Harry replied "there's no name". At the end of the book, Dumbledore was supposed to explain that he gave him it, and he's also supposed to tell Harry that Snape went to school with his father and they didn't like each other.
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Mmmmmm, okay. Usually I read non-fiction like Lippman, Kissinger, Kennan, Toynbee, Halberstam, or even... yes, Cheney policy papers. (He's a tactical not a strategic thinker, but I've read some of his writing.) I also read the Potter books this past September and I enjoyed them a lot (especially Prisoner of Azkaban). I recommend the books, but you are right that it is an individual decision.
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Even "South Park" is going to be touching on this this week when the kids bring back "Lord of the Rings" to the videostore.
Although I will admit that I do prefer HP over LOTR (they shouldn't have tried to put the entire DAMN BOOK into the movie! There is such a thing as "cutting out the boring parts" -- that's what they teach us in film school), there shouldn't be this huge rivalry between the two factions. I probably won't see The Two Towers only because I was so bored with the first movie, and I'm not a Tolkien fan to begin with. But I'm not going to start a war with someone else over it. -
or is it the 4th... I forget. They don't actually say he does, the book just says that harry makes sure ron is asleep, and this is at night in bed when hes thinkin oh what's her name. so yeah. the fourth book.
SPOILER
lucious malfoy sides with the baddie from the 4th film, not in this movie, though
and i think they say in the book why harry dont lend ron cash -
...and Harry, it's obvious you just don't get it. Harry Potter is as much about community and friendships as it is about magic. I thought the final 5 minutes (it feels like 20? Only if you really have to take a whiz) were spot on. It was important to show Hagrid's return because, among other things, it sets up a plot point for the next film. But more than that, it showed something that's sadly missing from most films these days--heart. I, too, thought the final confrontation with Lucius Malfoy was kick-ass (much more satisfying than the book), but had it ended there I would've felt cheated. Harry, for a guy who loved Phantom Menace, I think the kid in you has gone soft.
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Yeah, but a lot of it is boring as hell. If you can't read both kinds of books, maybe you should budget your time better. Re: Emma Watson pic--shades of Mousketeer Annette! (Older guys know what I'm talking about) Good thing Hogwarts students wear robes.
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And another thing...the comparison between Hagrid and Groundskeeper Willie is just absurd, Harry. Didn't you ever have a teacher, or lunch room assistant, or janitor at your school who was just everybody's favorite? Imagine what would've happened if that person had been wrongfully accused of murder and mischief and sent to the worst prison imaginable. Now imagine what would happen if said person was freed and cleared of a crime that's been haunting them for 50 YEARS. You're telling me that's now worth a pat on the back and a standing 'o' from the kids? Groundskeeper Willie is a right bastard (and I like him that way), but Hagrid is different. I think his return works just fine.
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Obviously I meant "not worth" instead of "now worth." You've made me so mad, Harry, I can't even type!
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Harry guest star on King Of The Hill
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"You can't have any pudding if you don't read the books!"
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Nov 11, 2002 9:51:57 PM CST
People Should At Least Begin Reading The Books. Get To A Booksto
by iloveewksandjjar
if you get interested, buy it. Don't write it off just because it's a children's book. Even Though I'ts actually for 11-14 year olds. And soon 15 year olds.
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Did you perhaps mean to namecheck Jose Saramago? Or is this Saramanga some terribly obscure writer I've never heard of? I suppose while I was reading Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Little Women, and other useless children's literature, you were discovering this "Saramanga" person and reading the latest trendy softcover. [I'm harsh - Fast Food Nation is really worth reading,and I know nothing about Harry Potter. Disregarding children's literature out of hand, however, is just silly. :)]
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Thank God for that---otherwise the poor kid would suffocate!! Har har ha--coughgagspittle...
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Bring on the Matrix! Nice to see the talkback community so supportive of trying to accentuate positive morals in children...oh, well.
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Nov 11, 2002 11:05:22 PM CST
While I agree that there are many more interesting books to read
by virkku
...Than Harry Potter, I wouldn't say it's not worthy reading because it's children's literature. Little Prince is also a "kiddie book" and it also happens to be maybe the greatest book ever written. And yes, I have read my share of "adult" literature from Joyce to Dostojevski, from Kafka to Miller. Harry Potter sounds like a good, fun read, but I already have over 100 titles on my must-read list.
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Nov 11, 2002 11:58:02 PM CST
Harry, they UNDERDID the rivalry with Draco in the first film, s
by drath
if they over did it this time I won't be surprised. The ending you didn't like in the first film underplayed that Malfoy had already become the Quidditch seeker for Slitherin and that Slitherin WON The Quidditch cup(which sort of cut down on the sense of Harry beating everyone at everything and Dumbledore favoritism in the book). So when Harry came along and stole his thunder, it was a real blow to his ego. That's why he hates Potter soooo much, and that rivarly was so woefully underplayed and cut down in the first film--it really shouldn't have been--that I expect even if they got the rivarly right this time it probably feels sudden and forced. Harry, I think your reason for not reading the books is a stupid one, but I know a lot of people are telling you that and it's only making you hold to it more. Okay, Mr. Contrary, be that way, but I think you've spoiled yourself to a lot of the magic of the books by waiting for this inferior film series to tell you the tale.
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Nov 12, 2002 12:04:37 AM CST
Is it me.. or does Harry seem like he's just smoked himself a bi
by thaguru
Maybe it is just me. As for the complaints. I mean they are slightly founded, seeing that harry is a HP Virgin and doesnt know shit aside from what he sees. But having read the books, All of the character flaws Harry speaks of are dealt with in many different occasions in the books. But I do agree a bit about the ending of the first two books/movies. They're just a bit too perfect. Gryffindor didnt the deserve the House Cup in either of the stories. That was just too much of a cherry on top for that sweet ass cake. That's what makes Books 3 and 4 so excellent. They're endings are a bit more uncertain and with a dark tone (the GOF ending fucking rocks) But what the hell... its entertaining as fuck and I'll enjoy every minute of the films and read every crack-laced page of the books for years to come
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I'm a big Harry Potter convert as of my last year of University, and I'd probably rank the first movie as one of the most disappointing I've ever seen. Yeah, they adhered strictly to the book PLOT wise, but what they fail to mention is that they stripped those scenes of all the flavor and heart. Not to mention the awful sleepwalking performances by the actors who should know better. I'm just holding on for Curaon.
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I don't hate this franchise, nor do I love it, though I'm probably much more closer to the hate side of the spectrum. Yet, I can't help but feel incredibly bored with the whole thing. Will I see it? Meh, maybe, if someone pays my way. Or if they attach a Two Towers trailer to the end of it. Other than that, you can expect me to not be staking out my nearest theatre for tickets. And to the boob who pointed out that HP outgrossed FoTR: screaming 8 year olds who don't know their asses from their elbows does not a better movie make. It just proves how easily youngun's can be conned into the "latest and greatest" thing. 5 years from now HP will be a forgotten memory just like Pokemon and any other franchise geared towards the kids.
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Harry Potter, although good for kids, is really just a rip off of Ursula Le Guin's vastly superior 'Earthsea' Quartet - read it and gasp at the uncanny simalarities!! Oh and Harry - its not like the Harry Potter books are going to take up years of your life to read, you can knock each of 'em off in a couple of hours.
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ladies and gents,i present for your boredom ..........another lame ass review by harry.
hey,do you even go to movies to have fun anymore.?
these movies are entertainment to us and the center of your universe.
its sad.
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Lizzy - I must have been channelling James Bond there - yes I meant Saramago (can't believe I didn't proof that). Sherlock- yes the book was a condemnation, rather than an investigation into the meat delivery system of the US - so you don't believe it? You don't think that there are fairly alarming trends in the industry? You think he's lying? I'm not vegan or any of that - but you do yourself a great deservice by off-hand dismissing on that kind of a basis - pidgeon-holing the designs and ethos' of others. You seem to think your judgements are water-tight. Quite frankly, your wrong about the intentions of the book, and as for it being dry and pedestrian, that about as elitist a comment as one can make.
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maybe you shouldnt "squel with glee"......just a thought.
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No one cares, it's BLATANTLY off-topic, NOT funny, and you screwed up the talkback width. Jackass. Anyway, that said, a rare, tightly written review by Harold. Devoid of swearing, which I like since this is a kiddie movie review. No excessive, What-did-I-do-today build-up. And folks, get off his ass about reading the books - I kind of like reading the reviews this way. If you want the review of one who's read them, go to Dark Horizons, or a billion other review sites.
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Because they are fun, in answer to your question. Ever heard of it? FUN. What's wrong with a little fun? Why is that depressing? I think YOU'RE depressing. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to slit my wrists after reading some of your posts. What the hell kind of question is that? "I think it's depressing that people have tastes other than mine" is what you should have said.
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I can't say I agree with you about Potter. The books are fantasy adventures and not just for kids. What I DO agree with you on is Fast Food Nation. Fuck, I honestly haven't eaten any fast food since March 2002 because of that book. I'd like to think I have a little something to do with the fact that McDonald's had to close 170 of it's stores.
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I meant 'its' stores, not 'it's'.
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The book is not about the food and how gross and bad it is so much as it is about the effect that the fast food culture has had on American society. That is what fucked me up. McDonalds has turned humans into fast moving, obese, idiotic human dolts, and it has turned our towns and cities, for the most part, into cookie cutter ideas of what "life should be." We have completely changed as a culture and we are also killing out all the farmers. Fuck that place, and fuck fast food.
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By the way, here's a link for you: http://maddox.xmission.com/sponsor.html
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jpx, it's "grammAr"
I agree with Harry, it a film wants to be remembered as a film then it has to stand on it's own as a film totally apart from the book. I did read the HP books before I saw the first movie, wich was dissapointing to me - the child performances were slightly annoying and the pace of the film at once too fast and too slow, everything was brushed over and quickly disregarded apart from the major plot point which were endlessly exposed, the ending particularly. I am holding out for Cauron to squirm from beneath JKR's iron fist. I aknowledge intellectual authority and all that but for a book to be made into a film it has to be by people MAKING A FILM, not people making a film of a book to milk the cash cow. I wish i knew some way to get past the military-grade defences she has put up with anyone interferring with her vision. The best Star wars movie was the one directed by
Irvin Kershner, not George Lucas. Apart from all that I *am* looking forward to the next film. I have now forgotten the point of my post and so I sign off. umm yes. ok.
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why the Nick Park has nobody at aicn put a post editing facility - or even a way of ammending a post - making life much easier when misleading typographical errors appear!
(I noticed a spelling mistake in my last post - go figure). -
Well people, you didn't even try. Hell, you exceeded my expectations. I should've known better than to hope you TT vs. HP fanatics could play nice for a while. But then, out of nowhere, so many more shiny-happy examples of humanity came out of the woodwork: the pedophile; the arrogant English major; the know-it-all film student; the literati; the illiterate. Bra-fuckin'-vo people. Out.
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I like that Harry reviews the films as films, not as adaptations of kiddie book drivel.
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I couldn't agree more, regarding the impact of the automobile - however, lets not levy all blame on that - the automobile didn't force McDonalds to organize against unionization, it didn't force the practice of collusion amongst beef and potato purchasers, it doesn't promote land ownership and leasee agreements - And it doesn't necessarily support advertising aimed at children 8 and under. Not that I consider McDonalds evil - just powerful and duplicitous, but not necessarily evil - they will do want customers want, we just have to demand the right things.
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was the gay porn version of the first film. It featured a twenty minute rim-job scene at the end which I felt was quite unnecessary, but somehow it was still better than the real Harry Potter movie (I've heard). - I know Kung Fu.
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I agree with you as well. However, whereas automobiles are beneficial in many ways (as many as they are detrimental), fast food is completely unneccesary. One can claim that fast food is cheap and therefore great for the poor, but honestly, can't you take your 6 or 7 bucks and buy cold-cuts and bread? Can't you? Yes. Fast food is not in any way helpful to society as a whole. Cars give us a wider range of travel, allow us connection to other parts of the world more easily, speed up snail mail...I'm not going to go into the benefits of the car. You already know them! We also both know the negatives of car emissions. But at least the negatives are counter-balanced by positives. What good, exactly, comes from fast food, aside from loosening your bowels and cleaning out the pipes?
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Nov 12, 2002 2:03:59 PM CST
How the hell did this turn into a discussion on fast food and th
by tv casualty
Remember folks: In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
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I know you didn't say fast food was good. I was merely making a point. Am I not allowed?
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I thought you were a girl at first. How are Michael Jackson and McDonalds similar? 39 year old meat between 11 year old buns.
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Okay what the hell? "Daniel Radcliffe has an air about him." The boy cannot act! Okay he is better in this one but no way is there an air about him! I cant believe he got the part! He must have a rich daddy who's chums with columbus.He speaks in one tone, a technique thats better suited to hannibal lector rather than harry potter.Chuck him out!And damn who ever it was who insulted the British even though our accents are quite gay.
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Automobiles and fast food have a tendency to make even the best of us go apeshit. No harm no foul.
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There's a flying one in new Potter. Don't know if they take go for a burger with it. Batman did, remember? And Leo Getz got it right, they fuck you on the drivetrough.
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Don't mind me writing. Illiterate and all that.
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Nov 12, 2002 5:18:23 PM CST
From Harry's review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: "A
by spam gamgee
So Harry, when were you planning on doing this? You said in that review that you were gonna read the first book, but a year later you still haven't read a word of it. Read the fucking books, you lazy fuck. They're real page-turners. You'll have 'em finished in no time.
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Harry, wat ben jij 'n vuile, vieze, vette klootzak. Vuile hoerenjong. Krijg de tering, vetzak. Krijg de tyfus, rooie flikker. Jij bent de meeste lelijke persoon die ik ooit heb gezien. Ben je onlangs nog in die vieze, vuile, dikke reet van je geneukt? Ik weet zeker dat jij en Moriarty holmaten zijn. De groeten.
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Nov 12, 2002 5:37:27 PM CST
The person who translates the above post correctly gets to spend
by spam gamgee
Be quick before it's too late. Tomorrow I will post the correct translation. BTW, it's in Dutch and no, that's not the fucking same as Germany. Note to Mike Myers: If Goldmember came from the Netherlands, then why the fuck did he say "Scheisse"? "Scheisse" is German and it means "Shit". And that supposedly Dutch accent sounded more like a German/Swedish accent to me. Have you ever listened to Paul Verhoeven or Jan de Bont. They're from the Netherlands. That's how someone from the Netherlands speaking English sounds. Do your fucking homework before you decide to create a character from a foreign country.
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Nov 12, 2002 5:46:33 PM CST
Did you know that our prime minister looks exactly like Harry Po
by spam gamgee
Funny, huh? Here's a comparison: http://www.tiscali.nl/content/article/618208.htm. And here's a parody on the Harry Potter poster: http://www.tiscali.nl/content/article/507510.htm. His name is Jan Peter Balkenende and his party, the CDA, is the biggest party of the Netherlands. But in January, there are going to be new elections. It's a long story and I don't want to bore you with that.
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On of the first things I asked myself and my friend who let me borrow her books, was "Why doesn't he toss his boy Ron some gold so he can have a new wand and some decent clothes." I enjoy the books, but this imaginary character is indeed - a punk ass.
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...is that some people believe every book should be 'War and Peace' and every film 'Citizen Kane'. God forbid that an adult should enjoy some light-hearted entertainment, even if it is technically made for kids (just as I believe a certain film called 'Star Wars' was). I'm 18. I've read many books considered classics and enjoyed them. I've seen many films considered classics and enjoyed them. I also happen to enjoy the 'Harry Potter' books and the first film. God forbid that some can enjoy different things with a different level of sophistication!!! God forbid that a guy can enjoy many different types of work!!! Am I going to see this film? Yes. Do I thing it will be good? If it matches the first film in certain areas then yes////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Oh yes, odd thing is (or at least, odd to some people here), I am also looking forward to 'Die Another Day', 'The Ring' (it isn't out in UK yet) and 'The Two Towers'. Yes, I actually want to see more then one film. Isn't that weird?
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Actually, I asked the same question early on in the first story: Why doesn't the rich-ass Potter just buy his friend Ron a few nice things. It's not like Harry's ever going to wonder where his next meal is coming from. The thought that came to mind that it might be a matter of pride for Ron's family. His parents are doing the best they can, so wouldn't it be a little offensive to have some eleven year old go and upstage what you, as a parent, have provided your child? Harry wouldn't want to make Ron's family feel bad, or that their stuff is inadequate. Besides, didn't the author come from public assistance in her adult life? I suppose Ron's poverty might be a statement that you don't need a lot of money to have character. Pardon me if I took the earlier point more seriously than it was intended, it's just that the same thought occurred to me. On another point, I thought the first movie was tedious, overlong, and a very average Columbus hack-job. I expect this new film to be pretty much the same, but I'll go see it because my girlfriend really enjoyed the first one. It's not like it was wretched (Star Wars prequels), it just wasn't all that inspiring.
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In the 4th book, Harry explicitly expresses his desire to give half of his gold to the Weasleys, but he knows he can't because they'll never accept it. He wants to give them enough money to never worry again, but it's their pride that won't let it happen.
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It seems the majority of your criticisms are criticisms of the story. How's the actual movie? As for the ending, I guess Rowling feels it's her duty to end her books on happy, party moments. After all, she feels they are childrens books in the end. To the cancelling of exams, I'm afraid that it's not much better than what actually happens in the book. The headmaster and grounds keeper are obviously biased throughout the entire series. Sure they're biased toward Potter and his struggles, but I think we are also to percieve that Slitherin (sp?) represents all things sneaky and deceitful, so we are expected to pull against them. Sheesh, look at me defending Harry Potter. Who'd a thunk. I didn't care for the first film at all. But I guess it was because of film flaws and directing and scriptwriting decisions. Your comments seem to be more jabs at the book than at the movie itself. Hopefully it is that much better. I guess I can curb my resentfulness of Potter stealing LOTR's deserved limelight just for the moment. This time around at least Potter is being crammed down everyone's throats. I can go to the film and leave it behind when I exit the theatre.
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!@%^*?:"{}+_|~!@%&^*()> Oh yeah, get your lazy ass off that couch, go to bookstore or library and and start reading those fucking books, Harry. Harry, the Ultimate Couch Potato Sittin' in Front of His Telly and/or Computer All Day Watchin' DVDs and/or Gay Porn.
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Apparently, Mr. Knowles-it-all is basing his expectations of Cuar
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Nov 13, 2002 10:30:33 AM CST
Curse of the Demon twist? Another plagerism from JK Rowling.
by riskebiz
JK Rowling has got to be the biggest plagerist of all time. Why she hasn't been sued yet is beyond me. I swear she sold her soul to the devil to get this banal Harry Potter crap to be so ridiculously successful. (ptui)
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My complaint is that in the first book, he didn't even TRY or THINK about tossing some coin to Ron. I mean, here's a kid who's been mistreated all his life, and then finds out there's a whole other world that exists AND that he's a legend in this world AND that he's freaking RICH. He's then befriended by this guy who likes him as a person rather than his legedary status, sticks up for him and guides him around this wizard world. Ron was a true friend from the start, and Harry didn't even think... "Damn, I should hook my boy Ron up. Yeah he's got that pride chip on his shoulder, but he's my main man and I'm gonna find someway to get him a better wand either directly or indirectly." It's the principle of it all!!! I mean little kids are reading this or having it read to them. Okay so in YEAR FOUR he finally expresses his desire to help the family out. YEAR FOUR!!! It takes him four years to think of this!!! Hey, it's just fiction, but it really bugged me from the start. He's in the position to help and he didn't think about it or even attempt to act on it until much later. He may be a fictional kid, but he's a fictional "good kid" so feelings of empathy and sharing were not foreign to him. Afterall he did buy all that candy on the train for Ron, Herminie and himself. Hmmmm? Okay, I gotta get back to work. LOL
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What's with all the people who haven't read the books? It takes freaking ten minutes to read them. . .and they'll be some of the most magical minutes in your life! Anyone who doesn't like these books (or the movies for that fact) just has a stick up their ass. . .they're good fun for all ages, in the same vein as Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and Cooper's The Dark is Rising series. 3-D characters? Who cares. Poignant social commentary? Screw it. Magical wands? HELL YEA!
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Nov 13, 2002 4:47:00 PM CST
If this site had audio and video, I'd see a bunch of people scre
by sea bass
So he didn't read the freaking books, maybe he wants to review the film on its own merits. Maybe kid's books aren't his cup of tea. Maybe he doesn't give a fuck. What is it about these books that makes people so psychotic about convincing others to read them? Kids being taught to be wizards. It's stupid. I don't want to read about that. Don't try to make me and others feel like a phillestine for it.
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Heh, the only reason JKR had Dumbledore cancel exams was that there's a problem - Hermione's been in the Hospital wing for months. How's JKR going to let Hermione advance with her class if she wakes up to exams?
Now, I admit it's flimsier than a barge made of Kleenex, but the fact stands - this was in the book, and the reviewer should read the book for himself before counting it against the movie.
"I understand... the exams were canceled due to the on-going menace in the school."
Wrong. 100% wrong: "Professor McGonagall standing up to tell them all that the exams had been canceled as a school treat."
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Okay, folks. Let's get a grip. This is a children's fantasy....keyword being fantasy. And, as fantasies go, I would much rather see this than anything about Barney or Poke-things. I was at the screening with Harry and a whole bunch of very excited kids..not to mention adults (including my mid-20's girlfriend who is a divoted fan and reader of the Potter books). They all loved it. I'm a bit older and I liked it too without having read the books (maybe even more so because I haven't). It's not perfect (no movie is) but it's not a bad way to pass a sunday. One thing Harry, I get the feeling that all the movies will end with a happy banquet scene....end of the school year thing and all. Just a hunch. Also, for all you readers out there....were they hinting at a budding "thing" between Hermione and Ron at the end?
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Dobby rocks!! Hope we get to see him in the next one.
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yes! do it!
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Well, my kid can't wait.
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Whoops, I mean Harry Knowles is fat.
How does it feel to know you're God's only mistake? -
#2 was the best book of the series, and 3 will need some massive edits to make it worthwhile in the theatre, it is so confoundingly dull.
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hate to spoil anything, but obviously, some peeps have not been reading the book.... the part on examns.... if memory serves correctly, Prof. McGonagall was going to go ahead with the exams because Dumbledore wanted the school to be kept running normally as possible in his abscence, unfortunately the movie did not relay this point across, so the cancelling of exams in this movie made perfect sense... thought i let peeps know about this, in case anyone did not know
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Harry Potter? Can't wait to see it. I would have liked to have heard Harry's review on XM radio afternoon drive but I'd have to sell a kidney first. Once I've bought several hundred dollars worth of this new "XM" equipment they are now going to charge me $10.00 a month plus a start up fee for something that I used to get for free? Hey, where do I sign up! But, yeah, the kids and I can't wait to see Potter.
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Nov 16, 2002 1:47:03 PM CST
Harry Potter SUCKS ASS, The Two Towers will wipe it's ass on HP'
by vistasierra
Okay, I'm saying this as a diehard LOTR fan, and a I have to say is this, HP is for children, LOTR is for adults, The first HP was a souless movie with average special effects and a BORING screenplay, FOTR was a TERRIFIC piece of filmmaking that NONONLY became one of the biggest films of all time, but IT WAS NOMINATED FOR 13 OSCARS AND WON FOUR OF THEM. Nearly EVERY film organization around the world nominated the film as best picture, where the Harry Potter film walked away empty handed.
Now as for The Chamber of Secrets, it IS a slightly better movie with better pacing and acting, HOWEVER, it is just as long as SSSSLLLLLLLLOOOOOOWWWW as the first one.
All, I'm saying is this, The Two Towers has already been claimed as being superior to the FANTASTIC first film, and if it's even half the film as FOTR, that will still be enough to kick The Chamber of Secrets ass all the way to the dollar theaters by next month! -
Nov 16, 2002 1:53:01 PM CST
Harry Potter SUCKS ASS, The Two Towers will wipe it's ass on HP'
by vistasierra
Okay, I'm saying this as a diehard LOTR fan, and a I have to say is this, HP is for children, LOTR is for adults, The first HP was a souless movie with average special effects and a BORING screenplay, FOTR was a TERRIFIC piece of filmmaking that NONONLY became one of the biggest films of all time, but IT WAS NOMINATED FOR 13 OSCARS AND WON FOUR OF THEM. Nearly EVERY film organization around the world nominated the film as best picture, where the Harry Potter film walked away empty handed.
Now as for The Chamber of Secrets, it IS a slightly better movie with better pacing and acting, HOWEVER, it is just as long as SSSSLLLLLLLLOOOOOOWWWW as the first one.
All, I'm saying is this, The Two Towers has already been claimed as being superior to the FANTASTIC first film, and if it's even half the film as FOTR, that will still be enough to kick The Chamber of Secrets ass all the way to the dollar theaters by next month! -
"VistaSierra should calm the fuck down sir!" Look guy, yes, 'The Two Towers' does look like a great film and I'm roasting in my own juices waiting for it. HOWEVER, I also happened to see 'Chamber of Secrets' today and thought it was very good. I know, shocking isn't it! I'm liking one film yet also wanting another. It gets weirder because I think both FOTR and 'Philosopher's Stone' are good movies in DIFFERENT WAYS!!! Try to understand that no film invalidates anothers existence. Is one better then the other? That I cannot say ,as, with everything, it depends on mood, time, company, level of sobriety, etc (watching 'FOTR' and arguing that Aragorn did a smear campaign on Boromir is an experience everyone should have at least once).
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unfortunately as much as i dig Lord of the rings, i get so fucken angry that this lovely trilogy spawns the same uppity asshole know-it-alls as star wars EG: HP sucks ass, TTT will own this summer, etc. fuck you you fuckin' fuck. man shit like that gives franchises a bad name when arrogant assholes start putting down other films cuz they feel theirs is the best. FUCK YOU YOU FUCKIN' FUCK! anyways, i thought the first harry potter was quite lame, but i'm glad now that i have seen it so i can catch the references in this far superior sequel. it's a family fantasy film, jesus. you're attacking a family film you assholes, it was fun cute and i'll say quite harrowing with that giant monster (no spoilers) i tell you this, this finale had something to it besides AOTC (flame on, bitches) sure HP:COS needs some retooling some areas but all in all, great visuals, they fixed the rubbery kids now, and it was fun. something that felt like albeit manufactured fun, was much more enjoyable then the bland manufactured toy commercial that was AOTC. ah well, onto TTT, which is gonna be a kick in the ass. fuck you fuckin fucks.
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It's just a movie, so take it for what it is. If you like the books or have kids who like it or whatever, then go see COS, it's fun. If not, then then go fucking do something else, who the hell cares.
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That's how I feel sometimes reading these talkbacks. In the last 3 days I've watched the extended LOTR DVD, AOTC DVD, and Harry Potter 2. In the next few weeks, I'll see a new Bond flick, a new Star Trek, and TTT. WOW!!! I am a geek movie-lover, and these are GREAT times to be one! It has just never occurred to me to "join a camp" so I can complain about the other geek camps. If I want to complain about a movie franchise, I'll complain about the "Friday" series. Heck, the first was hilarious, but without Smokey, why bother?
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Harry, it's so easy to excite you, man. You probably watch paint dry and go "Wow, I was enchanted". I liked the first HP, but this one is a long, dull, plotless, lifeless, episodic hunk of crap. In the end, it turns into Anaconda. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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That said, I wish the damn 3rd flick would come out next year...
Has anyone heard any rumors about how "Goblet of Fire" is going to be handled? I mean, if little ol'"Chamber of Secrets" is almost 3 hours long, how are they going to deal with that 700+ page epic?
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In the first film, Emma is this feisty spirit, self confident to the point of bordering on cocky. Then, when I saw her appear on screen in the second movie, I thought: "What's up with Emma?" She had fear in her eyes. She looked slightly sick. She looked afraid and neurotic. She also looked far too young to be playing Harry's romantic counterpart. They were a cute match in the first film, but somehow a year later Harry had grown up two years and she had grown backwards negative one year. ******* I think Emma is entering the stage where young girls go into a cocoon and withdraw from the world, and then a couple years later they come out again blooming with their newfound womanhood. Good luck to her. In film one she was a bodacious child. In film two she is a withdrawn hormonal basketcase (like all girls in that stage). She will need a couple years in the cocoon before she emerges with her wings again. Not having read the books, I have no idea what kind of role her character will play in the next film. I hope she is up for it. Go Emma!! She's making that awkward transition from child to woman, and film two caught her right in the middle of it.
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PS: and she pulled off the role in film two very well. Make no mistake about it, she did a great job. It's just that you could see her hormones weren't playing in her favor.
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she's not harry's romantic counterpart, she's ron weasly's
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I don't understand why you feel the need to slam HP to justify your feelings for LOTR. Is there some cosmic order that says only one of those movies can be successful? Or does it just make you feel better about TTT if HP isn't any good? If so, then I would suggest you evaluate your feelings for LOTR, since it's obvious you don't stand it can stand tall completely on its own. Meanwhile, the sane people will goto both movies, hope and expect them to both kick ass, and have a great time in both.
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The thing is, some LOTR fans are a bit resentful because just when their favorite book made it to the big screen, another fantasy series came along and stole some of its thunder.
I'll say right off the bat that I am a fan of both LOTR and Harry Potter. I don't understand this childish rivalry between fans of these series, but in all honesty, most of this is coming from LOTR fans.
HP fans just want to enjoy the books and movies in peace, but for some reason LOTR fans feel the need to call these people "childish".
Let's be honest again, LOTR may have been written for a different audience than Harry Potter, but the subject matter is pretty similar. I find it hillarious that some people are calling Harry Potter "childish", and then claiming that LOTR is the epitome of what grown-ups should be reading/watching.
As I said, I love LOTR, but it's no more or less childish than Harry Potter, the Wizard of Oz, or Pinocchio, or Star Wars.
I know, Tolkien's book is filled with "deep meaning" and "big important issues" and "made-up languages", but at heart, these are both adventure stories. Nothing more, nothing less.
Stop taking these movies so damn seriously. They're meant to entertain, so lighten up and let people enjoy what they want to enjoy. Does it bother you that much that people like Harry Potter? Because this franchise is here to stay, so get used to it. $87 million opening weekend indicates that Harry will be around for a long time. -
Nov 17, 2002 4:46:13 PM CST
I just saw Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets. Terrific movie
by red raider
Solid FX, superior sequel. Nuff said...
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I'm curious to see what the Harry Potter talkbacks will read like once Prisoner of Azkaban, and more to the point, The Goblet of Fire, rolls along. By that time, Return of the King will have come in gone in theatres. What will trollers say then? "Uhhh...you're lucky that LOTR was only threee books (I know it was really only intended to be one book, but you get the point), because if it was still being released, it would eclipse Harry Potter and own its ass once it came out in two months. Or would it be "LOTR was better than this will be." Maybe "'His Dark Materials' will own HP's ass." Or if all else fails, maybe it will just be "Harry Potter is childish. It sucks."
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I just saw it again. The "excruciating" last bit that Harry said feels like 20 minutes lasts for FIVE MINUTES EXACTLY. Deal with it Harry. I think the ending is just fine.
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Nov 18, 2002 8:31:09 AM CST
Saw it Friday, it was great and the crowd ate it up (and Dobby g
by minderbinder
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EEeyyoo.. Ich bin winston smiths.
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(I'm looking at you, VistaSierra) I saw three of them at the theater the other day when I saw HP. They waited in line for over an hour to get the *best seats in the house* and then sat and complained loudly how much "Harry Potter sucks" and "LotR Rules!". Those little brats were not only the youngest ones in the theater, they weren't a day older than twelve. Meanwhile, the teenagers and adults around them had a smashing good time. I know that's a tough age and you're trying desperately to appear cool to your friends but in actuality, you're quite pathetic. Give it up. But take heart in that 1) you will grow out of it and 2) you're not nearly as pathetic as the over-twelve LotR fans who behave in this manner.
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Nov 18, 2002 2:18:15 PM CST
"Studio Plant" is obviously a fica in Sherry Lansing's office
by alpha zebra
And Paramount is jealous because the best they can serve up for the holidays is yet another Star Trek movie -- not that there's anything wrong necessarily with that.
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Nov 18, 2002 2:18:20 PM CST
"Studio Plant" is obviously a fica in Sherry Lansing's office
by alpha zebra
And Paramount is jealous because the best they can serve up for the holidays is yet another Star Trek movie -- not that there's anything wrong necessarily with that.
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Hairy Pooper and the Philosopher's Bone
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What is the English equivalent of "pineapple"?
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Harry mentioned something worth waiting for to see after the credits. I already saw the movie and don't plan on seeing it again, so can anyone tell me what happened? One of the those nagging curiosities in the back of my head now.
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Can I get an "Amen" here? How old is the actress who plays her anyways? Bueller? Anybody? How many more years until this kind of post becomes legal?
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the fucker can't even write. he probably has to dictate his awful reviews because his fat fingers can't reach the keyboard around his tubby torso.
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I find it really hard to conceive how anyone could think the chidrens acting (with the exception of Ron, who's quite good) is anything but really shit. Daniel Radcliffe is awkward and stale from start to finish, and the little girl who plays Hermionie is no better than any other 12 year old with an ego and pushy parents, that grace the stages of any amature stage. -
Hogwarts Eliminates Quidditch, Wrestling Amidst Title IX Concerns
-- From The Daily Prophet
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stunned students, faculty and alumnae when he announced that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would no longer field the sports of quidditch and wrestling upon the conclusion of the current school year.
"I'm shocked," said Draco Malfoy, Hogwarts precocious 135 pound sophomore wrestler. "We've just finished one of the best seasons we'd ever had here. And with our off-season Greco training, we were even starting to show success against the Trolls. What did we do wrong?"
While the elimination of a 13-3 wrestling team that showed unexpected success in the post-season was a shock to many, the real bomb came one sentence later when it was announced that the school's quidditch players would be using their broomsticks to clean out their lockers.
"The days of revenue-producing sports being safe from Title IX quotas are over," said Jessica Gavora, author of Tilting the Playing Field; Schools, Sports, Sex and Title IX. "Quidditch draws big crowds and makes lots of money for schools. The layperson would think it would be immune from Title IX bean counting. But the disparity in the numbers of boys and girls interested in sports, combined with the demand that the gender breakdown of athletic participation mirror the overall student population, well, it makes a decision like this inevitable."
"It shouldn't have come to this," said Donna Lopiano, head of the Women's Sports Coven. "Title IX is not a quota. Cuts come when administrations don't allocate their resources wisely. The quidditch arms race that we've seen over the past decade has resulted in massive excesses and huge financial losses for schools. I mean, does a fourth-string bludger really need a Cleansweep Seven broomstick?"
Hogwarts had been granted a reprieve from Title IX litigation three years ago when
it added equestrian and womens' crew. However, a WSC investigation revealed that all of the participants on the two teams were apparitions, the result of spells cast by Dumbledore himself. Donna DeVarona, member of the Office of Civil Rights Commission on Opportunity in Athletics called the tactic a "deceitful attempt of compliance." "The OCR is very clear on this. The policy clarification of the three -prong compliance test (created in 1995 when Brown University attempted to meet roster minimums for their gymnastics team by gating in female demons from other dimensions) demands that a school can claim to be 'substantially proportionate' by measuring only actual, non-hologram players. Moreover, the policy specifically forbids unused roster spots being filled with players created by illusionary spells."
Eric LeSher, Title IX expert and head of the organization "Muggles Against Quotas," found the elimination ironic. "Advocates of the current interpretation of Title IX are always saying that the reason that more women don't come out for sports is because of the stigmas of being a female athlete. That societal pressure discourages otherwise interested women from participating. Well, I can't think of an accoutrement more associated with women than a broomstick. Witches, maids, you name it. Yet over 85% of quidditch players are male. They don't seem to have a problem of being labeled a 'sissy with a broom.' The argument just doesn't hold up to any sort of scrutiny."
Oliver Wood, head coach of the Hogwarts now swan-song quidditch team, agreed. "There's this belief that quidditch is some sort of utopian sport. That boys and girls play together with equal interest and ability. Well that's fine for some politically correct fantasy world. But at tryouts this year, I had to cut twelve males - all walkons, all willing to ride the bench for as long as it took for them to get a chance to whack a quaffle. Meanwhile, the six girls I have on the team are all on full scholarship and three of them were recruited by me in our cafeteria. And unless I let them be seekers, they don't want to play."
While there is much discomfort all around the campus, the affected athletes must quickly ponder their future. Although Hogwarts has said it will honor all existing scholarships for those eliminated, Malfoy is considering transferring, even if it means to a non-magical school. "I don't know what to do," the young wizard said. "Wrestling means everything to me. Why can't I play the sport I love and get a non-Muggle education at the same time?" -
Check out the themoviespoiler.com for the surprise ending.
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I'm still stunned by the amount of people who act like all 10-14 year old actors should be amzingly talented and incredible actors. It takes time to develop. Acting is a skill folks, I've done it and it's not easy. In fact one of the funniest things is to watch someone who thinks it is easy try to do it because they almost always suck. (Eminem lucked out and had a great director, otherwise his next movie would costar Dennis Rodman and Shaq). These kids did a great job for a simple reason, they were all PERFECTLY cast. I will say that Dan and Rupert both seemed to be trying a bit too hard in some scenes, but they are 13, they are learning. ANd besides, Dan IS Harry. The kid was just picked while watching an opera or something, he wasn't even looking to be an actor. His ability was secondary to his persona fitting the role, and it works. And how can anyone say that Emma Watson isn't just pure charisma? If any of the three become stars beyond the series, my money is on her. The success of these films ( I mean conceptually, not money-wise) stems from the fact that they are perfectly cast down to the smallest extra. Heck, Collen Preevy was in it for like 3 min, and it's like they yanked the kid right out of my imagination from when I was reading the book. So, my point is, when you have this many kids that are this young, you go for fitting the character first, and acting tallent a close second. (I directed a theater production of "Annie" and that's the formula I used to great success. ) Really, you guys sound like those psycho parents at little leauge games who yell at the kids when they mess up a hard play. (I umpired a T-ball game and this 8 year old hit a screamer up the middle to a 6 year old pitcher, right at his head. The poor kid just stuck up a glove and ducked and this guy yells "you should've had that, pitcher!" And I was like, yeah your right, he should have...if he was TWELVE!" ) The point is dont forget that these are KIDS who helped bring a fun, enjoyable fantasy tale to life.
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First, let me say that I listened to the first book on CD. It was fun, but I really don't plan to read any more. My main pet peeve with this kiddie film was the presence of the giant spiders, who didn't really advance the main story. What was worse was the fact that Rowling actually created those magical spiders to begin with. Since it is impossible for a giant spider to move without assistance, one would *have* to use magic to make a giant spider to "run". The problem here is that if the spiders had magical levitation power, they would've just chased the car as it went off into the air. I've given up on understanding how these things actually fed themselves when there obviously wasn't enough food around to sustain their colony. If they had magical appetite suppression, then why would they attack in the first place? The presence of impossibly large arachnids and bugs on film has been an annoying reality for far too long. One thing I'll give the film credit on was with the reaction to Hagrid. As the guy is a former student and the only resident giant, it stands to reason that all of the Howarts students know who he is. Another is the way that they weaved sleight of hand trickery into the story (the whole thing with Malfoy/the diary/Potter's sock). Since magic is a theme, I liked the way that Rowling integreted some real-life magic into the tale. Overall, this was a fun film, but nothing to get too excited about.
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Did anyone else notice Lucius muttering the first word of the "avada kedavra" curse when he attacks Harry at the end...made me giggle.
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Nov 20, 2002 8:47:55 PM CST
Harry OPENED big, but, The Two Towers will be the REAL deal this
by vistasierra
You guys wanted me to respond as to why I think that the Potter films suck, well, here's why!
Everyone knew that this film would OPEN big. However, with Die Another Day opening this weekend, look for the grosses to drop. As for the film, it follows the book TOO CLOSELY, and there is absolutely no originality to this or the first Harry Potter film.
Only the true diehard HP fans will appreciate everything this movie has to offer, and thus has a niche audience as well. I have noticed a trend: It seems that instead of watching the HP films for what they are, people are constantly comparing the movies to the books, noting the similarities and differences in each. Given, anyone that watches a movie after reading the book will more than likely make comparisons. It seems that the director was trying too hard to please the diehard Harry Potter fans more than make a film for his own sake.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring managed to do what the first Harry Potter couldn't, to be a great book AND film at the same time. Both Harry Potter and The Fellowship of the Ring were big hits at the box office, but Lord of the Rings managed to win just about every kind of award conceivable while, (Four Oscar wins) Potter was recognized for what it is, a children's movie with NO Oscars!
In contrast, The Lord of the Rings films (also based on books) are Peter Jackson's own vision of the series, rather than just a routine retelling of what happens in the novels. He managed to incorporate the entire LOTR phenomenon into the films, not just the books themselves, and as a result, the world of Middle-Earth is a living, breathing tangible entity. Plus he didn't feel the need to stage things exactly the way they happened in the novels. A good example of this is his use of elements mentioned only in the appendices of the last book, most notably the scene in the first film between Aragorn and Arwen. Arwen was barely mentioned in the first novel, but Jackson manages to make you care about this little known character who's willing to give up an immortal existence to spend a mortal life with the man she loves. It's these reasons I feel LOTR is the far better series, and I have complete confidence that The Two Towers will knock everyone's socks off just as The Fellowship of the Ring did!
GET READY FOR THE TWO TOWERS OPENING IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE ON DECEMBER 18, 2002, ORDER YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nov 20, 2002 8:48:29 PM CST
Harry OPENED big, but, The Two Towers will be the REAL deal this
by vistasierra
You guys wanted me to respond as to why I think that the Potter films suck, well, here's why!
Everyone knew that this film would OPEN big. However, with Die Another Day opening this weekend, look for the grosses to drop. As for the film, it follows the book TOO CLOSELY, and there is absolutely no originality to this or the first Harry Potter film.
Only the true diehard HP fans will appreciate everything this movie has to offer, and thus has a niche audience as well. I have noticed a trend: It seems that instead of watching the HP films for what they are, people are constantly comparing the movies to the books, noting the similarities and differences in each. Given, anyone that watches a movie after reading the book will more than likely make comparisons. It seems that the director was trying too hard to please the diehard Harry Potter fans more than make a film for his own sake.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring managed to do what the first Harry Potter couldn't, to be a great book AND film at the same time. Both Harry Potter and The Fellowship of the Ring were big hits at the box office, but Lord of the Rings managed to win just about every kind of award conceivable while, (Four Oscar wins) Potter was recognized for what it is, a children's movie with NO Oscars!
In contrast, The Lord of the Rings films (also based on books) are Peter Jackson's own vision of the series, rather than just a routine retelling of what happens in the novels. He managed to incorporate the entire LOTR phenomenon into the films, not just the books themselves, and as a result, the world of Middle-Earth is a living, breathing tangible entity. Plus he didn't feel the need to stage things exactly the way they happened in the novels. A good example of this is his use of elements mentioned only in the appendices of the last book, most notably the scene in the first film between Aragorn and Arwen. Arwen was barely mentioned in the first novel, but Jackson manages to make you care about this little known character who's willing to give up an immortal existence to spend a mortal life with the man she loves. It's these reasons I feel LOTR is the far better series, and I have complete confidence that The Two Towers will knock everyone's socks off just as The Fellowship of the Ring did!
GET READY FOR THE TWO TOWERS OPENING IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE ON DECEMBER 18, 2002, ORDER YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nov 20, 2002 9:00:59 PM CST
With a dead Dumbledore, don't look for any more Pothead films!
by vistasierra
HA! HA! With Dumbledore dead and gone, look for some buffoon to take the role of that Gandalf RIPOFF!
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Please...it's just really not worth it.
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Nov 21, 2002 11:15:01 PM CST
VistaSierra, I don't remember asking you for your opinion on tha
by confabulat
You are such a dork.
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That was such an original and stupid post, YAWN! Oh yeah, and go suck on a dead dog's dick while you're at it, DICK!
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I take your point, but I strongly believe, having been involved with theatre and TV my whole career, kids the age of the Potter leads are capable of puting out quality performences (Natalie Portman - Leon, Halle Joel Osmand - sixth sense)..... I think that the "their only kids" excuse is perfectly valid for the majoraty of AmmatureTheatre in particular community theatre, and they can be commended for even trying.
However, when Kids like Daniel Radcliffe and Emily Watson are put in the most expensive kids film series in history, and are making a hell of alot of money out of it, I don't feel like I'm being unfair when I state that I feel they could have found far better actors to fill the roles...because ultimatly they detracted tremendously from my enjoyment of the film -
WELL FIRST OF ALL THE FIRST ONE WAS SHIT , AND SECOND ONE NOT MUCH BETTER AND WITH DIRECTIORS CHANGING HANDS AND CAST DYING OR GETTING OLDER THIS WILL TURN OUT LIKE THE BATMAN FRANCISE AND REMEMBER HOW SHIT THAT WAS. HANG ONE, CAN A SHIT FILM BACOME SHITTIER
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will my entry even be read, after all the ranting that has taken place already? oh well. i have two points. first, i am a die hard HP fan and have read all the books many times--i believe this is why i could not enjoy either of the films so far, although the first one was tolerable. i saw CoS tonight and was gravely disappointed in the lack of depth and bare bones treatment of the story. in spite of some inspired casting and nice special effects, i kept thinking of the things that were missing and that the whole thing felt so disjointed and flat. this is partially my own fault, as i've explained already, and i felt guilty for being so critical and high-minded. however, my husband, who has no knowledge of HP whatsoever, reacted in a similar manner to the film, saying that it seemed to be a sad skeleton of a clearly larger, more intricate weaving of story and characters. of course, who can blame the powers that be for cutting this saga to bits to fit a reasonable viewing time? the 2nd book is long and it's only going to get worse. people who've read book 4, you understand what i mean. this brings me to my second point. the people in charge should not pander to the masses by "hollywoodizing" a popular story if they can't make a coherent and layered film. either switch to TV, with a miniseries format, or make better theater movies (such as LoTR) that don't waste everyone's time and money. period.
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I think people (well maybe not the kids) will grow tired of the potter mania pretty soon. The series will come to an end as soon as the actors are replaced with new and (probably) even more talentless ones. I thought both movies to be quite okey, but they were forgot as soon as the credits appeared. The Potter movies should NOT be compared to LOTR because it would be the same as comparing The Mummy and Indy. Which ofcourse is nonsens. Overall I would say that this second Potter movie could have been saved and would have proved itself worthy of future viewings if C.C had choosed NOT the show a thousand closeups on Harry stupid and annoying smile. Well... will I buy this on DVD? Yeah, I guess.
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Look you ass clowns, the only reason the first Potter outgrossed LOTR:FOTR is because of the kids. If a kid wants to see a move, the parents are dragged along which generates at least double the revenue.
How anyone in their right mind can compare the two frachises is beyond me. Peter Jackson and his cast spent 14 months filming the most epic story ever written. Plus countless other hours of editing and re-shoots. Anyone who has read LOTR knows that it is impossible to transfer the whole story on to the big-screen. But Jackson did what he had to do make it work and at the same time try not to stray from the book's main story line. LOTR was voted by millions as the greatest literary work of the century on Amazon.com. All Harry Potter is, is a nice children's line of books that has been slapped on the screen with minimal effort.
We'll see what franchise wins out in the end. Just remember, FOTR, TTT, and ROTK is one story split into 3 parts. Harry Potter is several stories, sloppily slapped onto the big screen with the sole purpose of raping parents of their money once a year.
And yes, I did see HP:COS.. I read the book, and I still think it is garbage. To compare one of the most celebrated literary works of all times to the HP franchise is rediculous. -
Dec 06, 2002 3:37:21 PM CST
DONT COMPARE POTTER AND LORD OF THE RINGS THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT
by jamboreech
Harry Potter is a chronicled children's story.
Lord of the Rings is an epic tale. It's one story that continues on through three parts. It's not totally COMMITABLE to film.
Small children are likely not to want to see Lord of the Rings, it's a little over their heads.
Adults may or may not want to see Harry Potter because it's geared more towards young children.
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You're referring to the FIRST book in your comments.
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