Harry Potter

Having spent the majority of a recent weekend indulging in a Harry Potter marathon, I figured instead of writing an individual post for each movie, I would use this post to rate the eight movies in order of my favorite, starting with my least favorite and moving up to my favorite. So here we go:

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

This may be my one irrational rating because I'm pretty sure I find it more watchable than the first two movies, but feel that I must place this on the bottom out of principle. The principle that makes me put this at the bottom is Dumbledore. I know we all like to criticize Michael Gambon because he followed what most consider the fitting and fabulous Richard Harris in the first two installments, but lets be honest, Gambon was barely in the third, was great in the fifth, and owned it in the sixth and on. It is in "Goblet of Fire" that he was just off. Blame it on the actor who had never read the books or the director who told him to act as an old man out of control (I like to blame it on the director since so many other problems are throughout this movie), the point is, this was not Dumbledore in the movie, and that makes me sad every time I see him on screen. His portrayal is an example of what is wrong with this movie as a whole. As far as the narrative goes for the story between The Boy Who Lived and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, this is a huge turning point, a shift from a named, yet formless, fear to an actual, tangible, threatening enemy. The story itself is filled with drama and suspense, action and thrills, yet everything in this movie is played up as overdramatic, which in turn makes it fall flat. I understand you need all facets of film making to create those emotions on screen, but you don't need to overindulge and shove it down our throats. Present it, don't force it. Let the mystery and panic of the Death Eaters at the Quidditch World Cup take us, don't give us an over the top Hitler look-a-like, crazed and out of control, making it comical. Let the angst of asking someone to a school dance, getting rejected, and being at that teen drama-fest remind us of when that happened to us (that's happened to all of us, right?), don't turn up the volume on every emotion and make it annoying rather than humorous nostalgia. Let the sadness of Cedric's death slowly penetrate us with the realization that a beloved character has died, that this is just the beginning of darker days ahead, don't cue sad and loud music and expect that to force the emotion in us. Whilst I don't think the actors, and the director directing those actors, is the only reason, they share a strong majority of it along with the music. It's just over the top, over dramatic, taking away from events and a story which are dramatic in and of themselves. The one saving grace of this movie, and which should actually make it higher on anyone's list, is the scene in which Voldemort returns. This was in my eyes brilliant. Ralph Fiennes was obviously a great choice. The entire scene as a whole will even allow me to forgive the KKK look-a-like Death Eaters (seriously, what's going on with making these and other people look like Muggle historical figures?) and the fact that the camera cuts Voldemort's mouth off when he speaks the line "Harry Potter, the boy who lived" (it drives me crazy every time, like my parentheses are doing to you) because these flaws in technical proficiency or artistic taste are more than compensated by the emotions induced by the scene. Overall I would call this movie bipolar, brilliant in places (crying window shot anyone?) and horrendous in others (the Yule Ball in it's entirety anyone?). The problem is, with this being such a pivotal juncture in the overall story, this needed to be more than that and it wasn't.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330373/

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

This, for so long, held a strong nostalgic place in my heart as one of my favorites. Watching it this time around, I struggled to make it through. I know the kids are cute and adorable and that it's so magical to see Hogwarts on screen and the characters come to life, but let's not kid ourselves, this was taking a popular book series and capitalizing on a chance to make a lot of money. I'm glad they did it because it lead to better movies down the road, but in all seriousness, this is probably the weakest movie of them all. The kids' acting is at it's worst, which is understandable, and the director of photography needs to learn how to push his camera in and not use the zoom every time (yes, I understand that is personal and artistic preference, but I'm pretty sure that my preference is right on this one). I do understand that as a first in a series, especially one that is so deep and rich, explanation is needed, but it often felt like over explanation at times. This could be stemming from the fact that I had read the books before seeing the movies and knew what a Muggle was, what Quidditch was, and so forth. And yes, I'm about to say this to all you Michael Gambon haters out there, Richard Harris as Dumbledore was not that great. I'm not saying he was bad, he was good, and I'm sure I will bring up my case for Michael Gambon often, who in all honesty had more movies and time to do more with the character than Richard Harris. Richard Harris certainly portrayed the aged wisdom of Dumbledore and had a flash or two of his quirky, eccentric side, but it's not as if he was overly impressive. What this movie did give us was a fantastic musical theme that would stick throughout most the films (yeah, I'm talking to you "Deathly Hallows: Part 2"), great casting of the characters that would stick throughout the films, and perfect casting of Snape throughout the films. But as all of the films came out, this one just seems to become a bit more dated and out of place with the rest, but you have to give some credit to the movie that started it all, and that credit is not putting it at the bottom.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

This would have to be a hard movie to make from what is considered by most to be the weakest book of the series. And while this may be the most faithful adaptation in the series from book to film, we are talking about the film (and yes, they are most certainly different). I will start off by saying that this, to me, is basically on equal level with "Sorcerer's Stone." This was just technically better which makes me put it above it's predecessor. In comparison to the previous movie, the cinematography in this is miles ahead, the acting is better (which isn't saying much), and they do better at conveying the emotion of the story and scenes, rather than just making a movie they know is going to make a lot of money. This definitely seems like they took more care and interest in making a good movie, but not much. This also definitely pales in comparison to how future movies did. Like the first, this is mostly a money machine that follows the same formula: take the best take of the kids' acting, throw a bunch of famous British actors around them (admittedly Kenneth Branagh was fantastic), and tell the story that was written. And if that's all you want, then yes, you should enjoy this movie. If you're looking for a faithful adaptation, then yes, this should be your favorite movie. But if you're looking for more than that, you will find it in later installments. I would also like to take a poll of which is worse, Draco's acting or his hair?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295297/

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Okay, so this is where it starts to get fuzzy for me. The previous three entries I have some pretty big qualms with. The remaining five movies I really like. A couple of them I downright love. Part 1 of the final episode I really like. From the beginning monologue of Rufus Scrimgeour (I love Bill Nighy), Hermione erasing her parent's memory of her, and the Dursley's leaving, you just get the sense that this really is the epic finale, the beginning of the end. Like most of the later episodes, this perfectly convey's the right emotions throughout. Danger is felt throughout the escape from Privet Drive. Tension is built when they sneak in to the Ministry of Magic. Tears are held back after the tragic departure from Malfoy Manor. When Ron gets angry and leaves, you're ready to get up and leave the theater or your couch too wondering when something is going to actually happen in this movie. I delivers and induces the proper emotion from the scene you are watching. There are one or two knocks I could nitpick at, but when Daniel Radcliffe seems to be acting himself and not acting like Harry, that is compensated by the emotional departure of Ron immediately following, and the out of place animated story segment is overshadowed by the fact that it is just plain awesome. I wish we could have gotten more than just a line of dialogue from newbie Bill Weasley about Mad-Eye dying and this movie (like every other one) could have used more Snape. But again, these are forgivable because the excellence in other areas. Godric's Hollow was dark yet beautiful, heart-warming yet thrilling, an overall breathtaking scene. Ron's frustration and later repentance, Xenophilius's awkwardness as he tries to hide his desperation, the Malfoy's topple from grace and struggle to conciliate themselves, Voldemort's zealous desire for both Harry and Wand, Harry's determination, Snape's stone-facedness, the music, the production design, the feel, the emotions, this all felt as if an increasingly desperate situation to begin with was now a lost cause, that You-Know-Who had won and all was being done in vain. The end left us with little, if any, hope. What hope we did feel by seeing the escaped friends reunited is lost in Voldemort's obtaining the Elder Wand. The breadth and depth of emotion this movie explores and conveys makes it so hard to put it this low on the list. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've just convinced myself to move it up now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
This is the movie that perhaps the best decision was made throughout the entire series, bringing on David Yates who would direct this film and the rest of the films following. I have to imagine that this movie also presented one of the biggest challenges seeing that it is the longest book in the series and that means trying to cram as much pertinent story in as possible; luckily there's not a whole lot of pertinent story in all those pages of book. I also find it ironic that this turns out to be the shortest movie in the series. However, this is also one of the strongest installments as well. Whilst we may find fault with things they may have omitted (I could have used a bit more of a epilogue after the climatic events at the Ministry of Magic), you have to agree that the story they presented and details the provided were fantastic. After the debacle that was "Goblet of Fire" Michael Gambon was great as Dumbledore. In control, commanding, and every inch the great wizard we all knew. Behind Alan Rickman as Snape, Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge might be the best casting of the entire series. Every second she in on the screen she is annoying, intolerable, and utterly brilliant. I cannot help but give a mixed laugh/cringe when I first hear her laugh. We also get more screen time of Sirius which is good because I'm pretty sure Gary Oldman is one of my favorite actors and his turn as Harry's friend/father figure is slightly melancholy when one considers the tragic situation that creates that relationship and how it ends. The Department of Mysteries and Hall of Prophecies was just as aesthetically cinematic as I expected. The duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort was breathtakingly exciting and epic as one could hope (need we compare it to the duel between the White Wizard and Gandalf the Grey?). The music was superb in both effectiveness and diversity. This really is the one where things take off. After the pivotal events at the end of "Goblet of Fire," things really start to hit the fan in this one and David Yates does fantastic throughout this film, and the rest, guiding the story to the end. I love how this ends on such a tragic event, but with the slightest effort in a few scenes following, we are filled with hope for our heroes and are left wanting more, wanting what's next. What better feeling can a movie incite than one of wanting more?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373889/

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
I will be honest in saying that I think this belongs lower on my list, but to me this is it, this is the final chapter, the end of all things, and the most important criteria to judge this movie can be summed up in one question: was this a satisfying ending? And the answer is yes, it was. I can tell you that I missed hearing "Hedwig's Theme" over the opening titles, that whilst vaguely implied we are never told that Harry is in possession of or at least master of all three Deathly Hallows making him the one master over Death (yes, i know, his invisibility cloak is implied as the third Deathly Hallow but never explicitly stated), and that we had the same problem from Part 1 of seeing or hearing of people dying yet not being witnesses to the departure of characters we had seen, come to know, and were emotionally invested in. But that doesn't matter. It was a more than satisfying ending to a cultural phenomenon which should put it at the top. Unfortunately I won't be doing that because there are still two movies I liked better. But there is a lot I liked about this one. If you weren't convinced about Snape being the best character in the movies by now, you sure better be by the end of this one. His death scene was so intense, yet showed so little and the emotion he showed when dying and giving his memory filled tears to Harry was spectacular. For a man that showed little emotion range throughout, we see such depth to the character that was previously hidden and his duel with McGonagall was certainly too short. My biggest fear coming into this movie was how they would handle an epic and destructive battle, then have to cut away for Snape's memories and Harry in King's Cross. Going from such heightened action to pertinent exposition seems like a cinematic nightmare, especially if this is the climax of not just your movie, but eight movies. The fact of the matter is, these are integral parts to the climax and it was handled beautifully. The montage of Snape's memories was concise, fluid, and carried the heightened emotion from the battle sequence. It showed what was going on, what motivated Snape, what set Harry apart from Voldemort, and why the small band inside Hogwarts continued to battle despite the overwhelming odds. Love, the magic that Voldemort could not understand, that which would prove to be the driving force that would defeat him, is successfully captured within Snape's memories, it is perpetuated by the stirring Resurrection Stone scene, and culminates in Harry's selfless sacrifice of himself. This kind of selfless love is what separates the two sides. Fill it with all the magical context you like, this is the difference and this is what is felt watching the movie and I cannot think of a more satisfying ending.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1201607/

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Let me start of by saying that I think this is the best of all the movies, the most complete and well crafted. This is especially astonishing when one considers that this book has the most necessary information that needed to be included by far. This challenge will also lead many to dislike this movie because of the creative license one must take in order to make a film. Well guess what people? These aren't the books, you can't have everything and you don't get everything, and anyone who bases the merits of the movie solely, even predominantly, on the 100% accuracy of it's adaptation of minute details is a fool who should like "Chamber of Secrets" best and "Half-Blood Prince" least. As I said, a fool. Now, as far as technical assembly, this beats almost every other movie out in any and all categories. Acting? The best. You can go ahead and throw out the kids in this category. If anything they've at least been consistently serviceable and it holds true here as well. The real highlights are the adults. Jim Broadbent as Slughorn was hysterical and Snape was once again........well, Snape. The best was of course Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. I don't care about previous performances, whether by him or a previous actor, because he owned it in this. This was the best performance of Dumbledore in all of the movies, and lets face it, it had to be. We saw the various aspects of the character, whether it was his humorous eccentricity, un-matched wisdom, or considerable power, Michael Gambon showed us all who Dumbledore was.  Music? The best. I loved the diversity in the music and how fitting it was to the emotion of the various scenes. It never detracted, yet always fittingly accentuated. Cinematography? The second best. Second best to what? What do you think? Still the camera work in this movie is incredible. The shot composition is even more incredible. The lighting, color, tones, imagery; all that is captured within the scope of the lens is fantastic. Screenplay? The best. Considering the information that needed to be included, this must have been the most difficult. Luckily it succeeded; the necessary story and plot were presented. Yes, changes were made, things were left out, and things were added, but it got the point across. It adapted the pertinent story, not the inconsequential details. Not to mention this was the funniest movie of them all which goes to show just how great a screenplay it was, balancing the dark nature of the story, yet have light-hearted, humorous moments. Now, setting aside technical prowess, the feel and emotion of this movie was just spectacular. The drastic and improved change that "Prisoner of Azkaban" brought to the physical world of Harry Potter, "Half-Blood Prince" brought to the emotional world. This more than adequately set the stage for the remainder of the series. Obviously all the technical elements contributed to creating that, but this is something else. This is an instance of the whole being greater than the sum of all it's parts. That despite all of the successes in various categories, this was just touched by something extra to make it that much better. This was the shift in mood, feel, and emotion that was needed in "Goblet of Fire." And whilst I wish it had come then, I'm glad it came in this movie, making is that much greater.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417741/

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
I love this movie! This probably seems like a weird choice as my favorite movie because it seems that most people I talk to this is their least favorite. I have various theories as to why they think that, but I'm not here to talk about why they're wrong in disliking this movie, I'm here to tell you why it's my favorite. The simple answer is that this film just changed the world of Harry Potter, and changed it for the better. First is the change to the physical world, the production design was just better. Whilst the first two films had a nice, clean, well-manicured, proper, pristine, and tidy look to it, the changes they made were just better. The rockier terrain, a darker castle, Hagrid's hut, the Dark Forest; they all just looked better and more what I imagined Hogwarts would look like. The robes were better, their hair was better (yes, I'm talking to you Draco), their wands were better, it all just looked better, more realistic, truly a fantasy world, but set in our reality. This would be the change, and the necessary change, in the physical world of Harry Potter that would carry through the remainder of the films. Second would be the music. The first two films had basically the same music throughout. Hedwig's theme here, followed by the dark theme there, then bring back in Hedwig's theme, and repeat over and over and over and over and over. "Prisoner of Azkaban" was the first movie to bring variety to the music to more adequately match the mood of the scene (which is kind of funny seeing that John Williams is responsible for the music in the first three films). As far as acting goes, the introduction of Gary Oldman as Sirius Black and David Thewlis as Remus Lupin would go on to be spectacular additions to the series as a whole (have I mentioned my man-crush on Gary Oldman yet?) and this was the first movie where it was actually required of the children to act. That's not to say that they were great, but it was certainly better than the previous films. And what movie put "Half-blood Prince" second in the cinematography category? This one of course! The way the camera moved, the extended length of shots, composition of what was in the shot, I absolutely love! I will admit that I have a particular taste in cinematography, and it may not be the best, or even good, but it's what I like and this movie was just filled with it. I cannot get over how much I am in love with the cinematography in this movie. Mock me all you want J. Micah, but that's how it is! Now, I understand that these may not seem adequate reasons to place this movie at the top of my list, but I really can't adequately explain why this movie is my favorite. It just is. Like "Half-Blood Prince," this is just a movie that is greater than the sum of it's parts, touched with a bit more magic than the rest, appeals to my aesthetic eye, fills me with awe for both technical achievement and storytelling ability. I get excited at the prospect of watching it, whilst watching it, and after watching it. I simply just love this movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0304141/

Well, there is my list and why. You may disagree, but you know what? Good. I hope you do. In fact, I would love to see your list and why so that I can tell you why you're wrong. But this is my list and I'm sticking to it...............until I sit down and watch them all again.