[Snowflake]

Part of my Thanksgiving treat was a trip to the local multiplex to see HP & tGoF. Altogether an entertaining mix. Not without flaws, to be sure. GoF is my favorite of the 6 books, it is a rich rich book and I knew that severe cuts would have to be made, and they were.

I've got to start with Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter, she is always a delight in every film I have seen, she captured the acidity of Skeeter to a tee, I only wish there had been more of her. The beetle scene would have been great and I did miss it. I did like to see that she was in the ministry pensieve scene, duly taking notes when Karkarov was spilling his guts to save himself from Azkeban.

I loved the Weasley twins getting ample screen time in this film, as has been mentioned by others. They were great and like WB, I missed them getting Harry's winnings in the end to start their joke shop. Perhaps that can somehow be woven in the next film as they depart school (and WHO will they cast as the nasty Dolores Umbridge?)

Wheras the twins received ample screen time, Ron was merely a shadow on screen. I could swear his only lines were "blopdy hell" until he whined "piss off." This was a real pity, Rupert Grint has such a natural flair for comedy and since he is part of the trio, I do wish they would write something a little more challenging for him (and give him a better haircut too).

I loved Neville Longbottom in this film. He was so charming and cute in the ball and the dancing practice scenes. I realize they had to make cuts, but then why use Neville when Mad-Eye was illustrating the crustacias curse, have him become upset and then not share why he was so upset by it. Loved the stained glass window, though.

The Moaning Myrtle scene was hysterical! That was the improvement over the book, beautifully handled and it worked totally.

Like everyone else, the maze sucked the chi right out of me. The sphynx and the spider, where were they? So what is all you got was Devil's Snare? It was lame and kept me thinking they were stealing from The Shining.

The dragon has been covered, it was impressive. The underwater sequence played very much as I had imagined when I read the book.

Now, to Michael Gambon. My earlier posting on the subject was my feeling before I saw the film, I have now changed my mind. Gambon has become the Dumbledore I imagine in the books (except he stills looks like Richard Harris). I feel he was spot on in this film. I liked the "in your face" (was that you IsM? I can't recall) aspect of him. I loved how they did the pensieve, exactly as I imagined! I will look forward to more of that in the next film. So, count me among the Michael Gambon converts, with this film he won me over completely.

Ralph Fiennes was merely okay as Voldemort. I did like the scene of the re-birth of Voldemort's body and his self examination. I'm not sure what I have been visualizing when it comes to Voldemort, but somehow this was not it. It was properly scary, however.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It was not a bright film, by any stretch. The cinematography was very muted and dark. Loved the ice cave, a great choice for setting the yule ball.

My friend who has seen all the films with me, but not read any of the books, declared this the best of the series so far. I think I'd agree.

Donna