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Reviews
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Disappointing
This movie gets a 7 out of 10 solely because despite all its shortcomings, it is STILL Harry Potter. This movie is a drastic step down from the first two movies--mostly because of a new, inferior, director. The set has been greatly changed (did he think we wouldn't notice Hagrid's hut is in a completely different location?), the student's no longer have to wear their school uniforms--a sudden change in centuries of school policy--and the change in camera techniques are annoying. There are very few still shots in this movie. The camera is panning from up right or left and "swooping" down to the opposite corner while coming toward the subject on nearly every shot. It would be okay, I suppose, but it gets quite annoying after awhile.
The magic and grandeur of the first two movies is sadly lacking from this incarnation. When shooting the magic stairwell, for example, where Columbus shot it from the ground-up, giving it a majestic, magical quality; this new director (whose name we do not speak) chooses, rather, to shoot downward at it--giving it a carnival-ride, ho-hum, feel.
Finally, this book departs from the book far more widely than its two predecessors. The books have been thoroughly enjoyed and were well-written. Why would someone choose to depart from them? There were not just scenes from the book that were altered, but themes that were not at all addressed by the movie.
The movie is certainly worth seeing, but if I did not love the Potter series so much, and if I were not hoping beyond hope that this current director does not continue with the fourth, my rating would be much less than 7.
Please bring back Columbus.
School Ties (1992)
wow
It never ceases to amaze me what some people write in their comments. People who didn't like this movie on the grounds it was unbelievable completely astound me.
The movie is stacked with soon-to-be stars who perform wonderfully. The most dominant theme, of course is prejudice, but there is so much more going on in it. Among many secondary themes are what people are willing to do to at least give the appearance of success, the lengths "educational" institutions will go to for athletics, etc. Even the lead character is shown to have serious flaws he must struggle with (anger, etc.) The story is compelling and well written. AND CERTAINLY believable.
Mrs. Winterbourne (1996)
charming
I've got to say I don't understand the folks who didn't like this movie. I've seen it at least 30 times and will probably watch it another 30. It's a charming movie with a decent soundtrack and pretty good acting (with an admitted exception of Ricki Lake). McClain, the butler, and Fraser shine is this under-rated flick. Lake, unfortunately, occasionally has the same bizarre facial expression (including the jutting lower jaw and fiery eyes) whether she's angry, sad, or incredibly happy. No, the plot is not particularly believable, but if I want reality, I'll turn off the television and walk outside my house. The (sudden) change in Frazer from aloof to gooey is quite explainable if one bothers to pay attention. The moment is well defined. If you want a decent date movie, go ahead and rent this one.
Raptor (2001)
pathetic
My brother-in-law and his wife brought the movie over one night to watch on video. This should have given me the first clue that it would be horrible. It was. From the very first frame to the last this movie is terrible. It does not even quite register as a "B" movie. Maybe an N or a P. One of the worst 5 movies I've ever seen. From the rubber raptor-on-a-stick to the still-breathing corpses in the car to the beyond horrible closing lines, this movie isn't worth watching if you've received it for free.
Skip this one altogether--unless you want to play Mystery Science Theatre with your friends, it will provide good ammunition.