Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

I was probably too harsh when I reviewed the first two movies in this series. Of course, that was some twenty years ago, and I was much younger then, and must have had some sort of bee in my bonnet. Ironically, now that I’m old I find it easier to be forgiving toward a film intended for children. That’s not to say I think this is a masterpiece, by any means. There still are some issues with the presentation here, particularly around certain characters being too predictably themselves, which is to say, too one dimensional—but that really traces back to the source material (the books). The plain fact is, this flick serves its purpose, which is to bring to life a much loved story with as much fidelity as fans could possibly expect. It’s watchable and does its job. Maybe not a work of wizardry, but hardly cause for damnation, either. 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The strength here lies in the actors and the characters they bring alive for the viewer. Dench, Nighy, and Wilkinson shine as the most compelling members of the very far from home retiree group; the audience’s bond with those three characters serves to pull the movie through to a status almost as lofty as its exalted title. Otherwise, the local cast contributes little to the proceedings, and the vaguely formulaic climax would hardly serve a less accomplished troupe of actors. But the charm and talent win out in the end, both for the characters and the viewers, making the trip ultimately worth the inconveniences.

The Secret Garden

Engrossing right from the start. This is a children's story done right: a well-told tale presented with imagination and charm, a terrific performance by young Kate Maberly in the lead role as the orphaned girl who brings life back to her uncle's house, and a delightful belief in discovery and redemption. A beautiful work, one you simply can't miss.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The news is getting worse all the time. If this flick had been a pure movie all the way, it would be bad; but given its origin in print, the result is actually abysmal. Not only is the transition from page to screen unimaginative, but much of the cinematic aspects are just plain wrong: many scenes are awkward, the kids have regressed as actors, the big name cast is mostly going through the motions, and even at well over two hours, the story feels strangely edited and out of joint. There are a few pleasures, mostly in drawing up memories of the reading experience--and it's tough to go wrong when Dobby is in the house--but that's not enough to rescue this mess.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Not awful, but certainly a disappointment, considering the source material. Very lifeless and flat. The kids are fine, but the supporting cast doesn't quite live up to their pedigrees. (Especially Richard Harris as Dumbledore; a cigar store Indian would have been more lively.) This was mostly made for money, and that's hardly magical.

Richard III

The film version of the updated stage production of Shakespeare's classic. Set in a vaguely fascist England, with Ian McKellan taking the title role. Bang-up and bloody…just like you expect from the original Tricky Dick.