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He
also takes it upon himself to learn how to ward off the dementors (guards in
the wizard prison of Azkaban who are sent
to
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to protect the students),
even though he is particularly susceptible to their effect on people.
Loyalty is an important factor in this movie. When his friend Hagrid’s
hippogriff, Buckbeak, is sentenced to death, Harry does everything in his
power to save the life of the animal his friend cares so much about. Also,
when his good friend Ron is injured, Harry ignores the danger involved in
order to save Ron and risks his life to rescue him. Finally, the importance
of friendship is so prominently displayed in this movie that it has affected
my outlook on life. No matter how small or unimportant a problem may seem,
Harry, Ron, and Hermione work together to encourage and strengthen each
other. As a team, they can endure any criticism or ordeal, and they will
always prevail because of their strong bonds. Just because there is sorcery
in a movie doesn’t mean you can’t express a Christian point of view in that
movie. The benefits of watching this movie are far more important than the
setting in which this bravery, devotion, and friendship take place.
Referring to the special effects, actors, etc., I was a little disappointed
at first. The entire Hogwarts castle had been changed so tremendously that I
began getting confused as to where anything was, or what is was, for that
matter. For instance, Hagrid’s hut had moved in relation to the forest. In
the first two movies, the forest was directly behind the hut, whereas in the
third movie, the forest had moved to the right of his hut. Although this
angered many, it is easy to see why the changes were made. Because of the
different setting, the castle had more adult appeal, rather than a castle
straight out a children’s storybook. Another change that shocked me
considerably was the new actor for Dumbledore. Although he played the part
very well, he didn’t even try, in my opinion, to imitate the mood Richard
Harris had set in the first two movies. Harris’ Dumbledore had seemed very
wise to me. Every look he gave Harry said, “I know more than I’m telling,
but you have to find the answer on your own.” Gambon, however, plays a
completely different, almost bubbly Dumbledore that, although described in
the book as having a “twinkle in his eye,” completely contradicts the
thoughtful character established in the previous movies (and why the costume
change, may I ask?). However, it has been most enjoyable to watch Harry,
Ron, and Hermione change in their features as well as their acting ability.
I must confess, I was stunned when Harry and Ron began to talk in the second
movie; their voices had lowered so drastically! On an entirely different
note, the special effects were some of the best I have seen. The imaginary
creatures were so real-looking that it felt as though one could reach out
and touch them. For example, the hippogriff looked exactly as I, and almost
everyone I know, had pictured. There is one word that wholly describes
Buckbeak’s flight: majestic. Another product of Rowling’s imagination that
you may recognize was the dementor. Their creepiness really rubbed off in
the movie.
My
Harry Potter praising/bashing session has come to a close, but there was a
point to this review. Although the settings and Dumbledore’s character may
have changed too drastically, the story line is just fantastic. I would
encourage anyone, Christian or non-Christian, to see this movie.
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