.jeri.

The first thing I said when leaving the theater this time was, "What a difference a director makes!" University-free, this is my domain to declare that this movie was SOOOOO much better than the Prisoner of Azkaban! While everyone on the bbs at school fights over what makes an adaptation a good one, I remain fairly silent; but I'll tell you what I think: a good adaptation doesn't introduce new themes that the book didn't have or beat one on the head with minor themes from the book. I still say that number three did NOT capture the spirit of the book correctly, besides all of my issues with their other, minor (but many) changes made in that adaptation.

I loved all of the renditions of the new characters who will be showing up in a few more movies, the best being Gleeson as Mad Eye Moody. Madame Maxine, Rita Skeeter, Cho, and Fleur are all perfect as well, and I also am happy that they kind of set up Neville to be featured a bit more in preparation for the next installment.

Here, Daniel Radcliffe feels legit, finally actually feeling like a real representation of Harry. And I know I'm probably a bit too old to say it, but little Ron is turning out to be kind of hot. Hehheh. Obviously, Hermione's turning out well too. Emma Watson really shined in this movie.

One critique, which is small, is how Hermione seems to have more chemistry with Harry than Ron at this point, which doesn't seem quite right if compared with what happens in the books. I can take it as a friendship thing (her hugging him at the dragon match, etc.), but Ric didn't read the book and instantly identified Harry and Hermione as a couple.

Otherwise, I don't really have any complaints on this one. It did it right. The series is maturing, the actors are maturing, the script writing is getting better, and it's just getting better and better. Loved it.