When Chris Columbus started directing the first two films, they appeared to be a fantasy enriched pseudo universe. I didn’t like them at all. Perhaps this is because Harry was just turning eleven and at that age, life is whimsical, not dark and mysterious like the later half of the books. The movies portrayed the books two a small degree, but they still felt like typical Hollywood money-makers. The second film, “the Chamber of Secrets” was dreadful to say the least. I don’t think either of the films captured the magic that the books did. But they were “entertaining” to say the least.

Then Director Alfonso Cuarón, brought to us, the Prisoner of Askaban. Appropriately, the third film matured along with its young stars. The cinematography was brilliant, and the script better written. The translation of the book to script could have been better. I think the relationship between Sirius and Harry was underplayed, which will be very important for the fifth movie. Also I am a bit unsure why the Whomping Willow played a large part in the cinematics of the movie. In the book a witch or wizard was supposed to hit a knot on the side of the tree to immobilise it, not take his or her wand and freeze it with a hex. Also the Whomping Willow played a cinematic transition from season to season, which was interesting, but unnecessary. Still the movie was a huge improvement of the last two.

Finally, the Goblet of Fire grew up. The story was dark and mysterious. Those that did not read the book will be able to experience the story telling magic of JK Rowling just by watching the movie (though they should read the books). It was, in my opinion, the best translation from book to script in the series. Again the relationship between Sirius and Harry was underplayed, which is a huge mistake. Director Mike Newell, really brought JKR’s mysterious feel to the movie. Cinematically it was brilliant. I loved the script; it was for the first time, mature. One good thing is that we didn’t have to endure the Dursleys at 4 Privet drive during this movie. Though as quite entertaining as the Dursleys are, I find them unnecessary in a Harry Potter Film. The scene in the Prefect’s bathroom and the scene at the dance could have easily been cut from the movie, as I felt them a bit out of place for the film, and almost aggravating. I don’t recall Moaning Myrtle being that annoying. The music also changed… I am unsure what happened to John Williams and his great musical talent. But surprisingly Patrick Doyle did an astonishing good job with the score… it was almost superior to John Williams. I say this because as the books become darker, the music needs a darker tone. In conclusion, this film finally fulfilled what I anticipated for a Harry Potter film. It truly captured the beauty and storytelling of JKR’s books. This is truly my favourite film in the series.