When the first Harry Potter came out, I jumped at the chance to see Rowling's beloved series put on the silver screen. I saw it the opening weekend and was sorely disappointed. The first movie felt abridged, yet it was still a very long movie. There are certain books that simply cannot fit into the realm of a three hour film, and the Sorcerer's Stone was certainly one of them. After I saw the first Harry Potter movie, I promptly gave up on the series.
Over the years, I have seen bits and pieces of the other films. This is the best way to see them. If you see a quidditch scene on its own, or the maze scene at the end of Goblet of Fire, you are not disappointed by what the directer and screen play writers could not accommodate. But, I felt like swallowing my dislike for the Harry Potter series for the Half-Blooded Prince, not only because there's something to be said for second chances, but also because it is my favorite book of Rowling's series. I went in reminding myself not to expect all the details and to enjoy the movie for the aesthetics--the sight and sounds of Harry Potter coming to life. Heck, hearing John William's soundtrack in surround sound isn't so bad.
I saw the movie in an IMAX theater. The first twenty minutes of the film were in 3-D, which was both breathtaking and frightening. Frightening, because it made me wonder if eventually all movies will be in 3-D, in which case movies will make real life seem exponentially flatter. Breathtaking because the cinematography is spectacular. Alternating between dark blue hues for the more sinister moments and rich warm light for the interludes in the dorms or on the Hogwarts train.
Many critics talked about how they felt somewhat paternal of the actors who have grown up throughout the series. Emma Watson is now a composed beautiful woman--which doesn't totally match the Hermione in the novel, but we'll let it slide. I will say that Daniel Radcliffe is noticeably short, which is typical of Hollywood, but you would think the "chosen one" would be able to get on a Six Flags ride, at the very least.
I left the theater feeling the same way I did when I the first film's credits rolled. The movies, while perfectly entertaining and appealing to the eye, don't quite capture the magic of Rowling's novels. They are a noble attempt to do so, certainly, but they fall short. I am glad to hear that they will break the last book into two movies, because it may mean they will finally be able to do a better job of fitting everything in. Though, I may just hold off and see them all in pieces, as I know the movies are good for a mere taste, but not for a whole meal.
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