Wow. I really find it amazing how those devoted to the book have such an opposite view of these movies. I won't get into an argument over these things, but a lot of these complaints about the third film, in my eyes, were what was wrong with the first two, and that the third film finally got right. Odd how backwards we see it.

don't read the books...wife loves them

the third movie is the only one i liked

I don't think even the most severe critics of the film can discredit Cuaron's visual style. It was clearly well done. One complaint on the visuals is the way Lupin looked, absolutely horrible. Like a Great Dane Hulk dog. Other than that it was incredible. It would have been nice if it was consistent with the other films but that is more of a wish. Actually I wish this visual style was used in the first two.

The complaint comes from how much he ripped out of the story. Many claim that it called for a much faster paced and tightened movie and any more added would have slowed it down. Alright, then why the hell did he decide to spend so much time on inflating Harry's Aunt and going on the Knight Bus. Totally pointless visual effects. Sure it adds to the universe but if it comes at the sacrifice of key elements of the story then that is a worthless trade. Virtually all of the gripes could have been solved if just ten or fifteen minutes of pure story was interlaced throughout the movie.

I for one choose story over visuals and it is a shame that Cuaron failed miserably on this respect. He could have easily made it an excellent movie but instead sacrificed major plot points and character development for trifle visual tricks.

That scene with the aunt, disassociating from whatever is in the books, was most assuredly a moment of character development, showing a Harry who's grown a bit more fierce, and willing to stand up for himself. That it was done with elaborate effects work and in a funny way doesn't change the fact that it does add to the character, and isn't just a throwaway gag. If you want tiresome visual tricks, how about lengthy Quidditch matches which barely seem to do anything to the plot whatsoever. Fortunately, Cuaron had the sense not to do that.

All I'm saying is the film works, and tells a satisfying story. Cuaron may have left out story and plot details that are directly from the book, but on its own the film does tell a good story, and definately develops the character, moreso than I'd say either of the previous films ever did.

It may infuriate you that he didn't follow the book to a tee, but watch it not thinking about those other things you know, and you'll see a film that's not only a wonderful adventure film, but also a nice movie about a boy who's coming into his own. Whereas the films before felt like a this happens, this happens, this happens, then it ends type of movie, without real character development and instead just a travelogue of popular moments.

And I guess that's what my post is about. Every complaint you have I don't see. Except for the fact that Cuaron changed a lot from the book. But not following the book to a tee doesn't mean that this film doesn't have character development and is just a special effects frenzy. That complaint, though, would be exactly how I would describe the previous films. And, there you go...how odd we can see these films completely backwards from one another, based upon our knowledge of the books.

All I know is watching this movie, I actually cared about these characters. I wanted to see Harry succeed. I wanted to know what happened. With the previous films, I was just waiting to see the next moment of special effects. And I really don't think that's just the visual aesthtic talking.

But again, I see this opinion reflected a lot depending upon our devotion to the books. And...it's just a rather interesting thing to note. I just don't see what was so important that was missing that would've filled it out. I've heard things like who made the map or explanations of the stag, but that's more like plot details, while what was more important to me was that Cuaron made Harry seem like a person, and told a full story about how this story changed him and affected him, rather than just a note by note retelling of the Harry Potter history.

There's no reason to try and convince each other though...I doubt we'll change each others mind. I see HP3 as a truly excellent fantasy adventure film, while the first two as fairly boring, pretty special effects marathons, and your opinion seems to be just the opposite.

The Prison of Azkaban is the only Harry Potter film worth watching more than once. This is coming from an ardent fan of ALL the books.

These people shouldn't even bother watching any of these films. If you're gonna cry about the excising of minute details pertaining to the Maurader's Map then just read the book for the tenth time and let others enjoy the cinematic interpretation of these stories.

Wow. The troll of Star Wars becomes the champion of Prisoner of Azkaban. Interesting variation.

I agree. From a filmaking standpoint the 3rd one is the best. But since I read the book before the movie I was dissappointed with some of the omissions