they've all grown up beautifully. *cough*DANOMG!!11!*cough*

though...i DO think they all are too good looking for the parts. these people:hermione,ron,harry...they're supposed to be...well...plain. &i know its good for the movies if the actors look good, but *shrug* i mean, hermione is supposed to have bushy hair and buck-teeth. or did she get them shrunk yet?

sorry, im babbling.

just my thoughts.

^_^

Having caught part of the second movie on TV yesterday, I can just say that while Hermione's hair was by no means BUSHY, it was big and curly. They were very well tamed curls/waves, but she did have "bigger" hair than one might expect.

I might get torn to shreds for this but I think the Harry actor is ugly. The Ron actor is growing up to be a good looking guy but none of these people are particularly great looking in my probably wrong opinion.

The girl who played Ginny is going to be beautiful when she grows up.

Hermione's way too pretty and Harry needs green contacts. Other than that, I love the kids. The new Dumbledore is too much of a hippy and acts too spacey. And what's with the elastics in the beard? Lupin and Sirius were different than I expected, but I liked them. I hate what they did with Flitwick and Tom at the Leaky Cauldron. The photos I've seen for Fleur and Cedric and Cho look promising.

Kelley, Gryffindor

I hate what they did with Flitwick and Tom at the Leaky Cauldron.

Ahh, I'd almost forgotten about that. Grr. Annoying. I mean, they had to get a new actor for Dumbledore, obviously. And it's great for Cauron (sp?) to have his own image of what the characters should look like, but if you ask me, in movie canon, Flitwick is wizened little guy with a white beard and Tom is not a creepy hunchback. Maybe it's nitpicky, but it's distracting to have characters suddenly change for no apparent good reason.

The new Dumbledore is too much of a hippy and acts too spacey.
I agree... I liked the old slightly silly, sometimes serious, benevolant Headmaster. He's the one I'd go to if I had a problem. The only time I'd go to this new one was if I needed some uh *cough* loose herbs for my uh... tea. Yes. o_O
And Tom? Gah. That dude freaked me right out. I was NOT expecting that.

Paula, Slytherin

Totally agree with you about Hermione being way too pretty. It's like they're trying to attract the teenage males' attention through her, since she's the only female teenage main character (wow, long phrase), and it IRKS me majorly because Hermione is not supposed be portryaed as that.

Btw, where have you seen photos of Fleur and Cedric? I'd love to see. I'm somewhat out of the HP-movie loop, though I love the books. *laughs*

- Yen, Ravenclaw.

Personally, I think Michael Gambon makes a better Dumbledore than Richard Harris. Harris did a wonderful job, but Gambon has that playfulness-bordering-on-insanity thing going that I associate with Dumbledore.

I agree with most people that Emma Watson (that is her name, yes?) is way too cute for Hermione. While I'll sometimes see Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe (whose names I've probably spelled wrong) in my head while reading the books, my image of Hermione is never even close to Emma Watson.

Then there's Neville. I know it's expected that boys will shoot up seven inches overnight and lose their puppyfat, but... I want my chubby Neville back! When I first saw him I thought, "What? Who are you and what have you done with my favorite pudgy boy?!"

Dev, Hufflepuff

I agree with most people that Emma Watson (that is her name, yes?) is way too cute for Hermione

I totally forgot about this until I was reading GoF again recently. There's that scene where the two girls do curses at each other, and Hermione's teeth starts to grow. When she asks if she can go see Madame Pomfrey, Snape says, "I don't see a difference." So... yeah, I totally agree on that part... but I think it's also partially her stylist. There is a huge difference between softly crimped curls and frizz. I mean... I have hair like Hermione's should be. If I don't use product or blow it out, my hair ends up being as wide as my shoulders at the ends (this is entirely my fault, as I am usually a brunette and decided to frrry my hair to go blonde, but whatever). Since WHEN did vidal sassoon set up shop in diagon alley?

Anna - Ravenclaw (keep forgetting this!)

Totally agree. I've never seen the first two movies (forgive me- I'm a book fan, not a movie fan. I don't appreciate how badly stories get chopped when they are turned into movies), but I saw PoA, and thought "What the hell? Neville isn't skinny and ugly. He's pudgy and cute in that pudgy boy way, and extremely ackward, and maybe has a lisp. What the heck is this crap?!"

If he got hormones and stuff and sprouted and growth caused this, that's okay. Shove some Big Mac's down his throat and claim it's all in good time for his career. ;)

They are all VERY cute :) As everyone says, Hermione is not plain enough---she's not supposed to be beautiful until the Yule Ball! It won't be that big of a transformation then... She did look more Hermione like in the first movie, but Emma Watson is growing up into a stunning young lady.

And yet, I understand the reasoning behind everyone being more attractive in a movie, because some things that I like do have to be changed for general movie audiences. A general movie audience would not just adore the trio if they were all very plain and normal looking. Unfortunately that's how our society works.

-Audra, Gryffindor [Still not all the way used to doing that lol]

I HATE RICHARD HARRIS. He is such an ass, and acts in every role as if he were RICHARD HAAARRIS THE ONCE&FUTUREKING! As a result, Dumbledore wasn't nearly as quirky as he could have been in the first two movies, while most of the rest of the characters were goofy pastiche of what they were in the books... but I guess that's what happens when you hire the guy who did Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire (christ).

I enjoyed the darker tone of the new movie much more. I hope they continue in this direction in the future. That frog orchestra idea was so evil and weird and magical all at once. yum.

Neville, however, is far too attractive.

ANNNND

Anna - Ravenclaw

I think the Trio actors are just fine, except for Hermione who has become a little too "Hollywood starlet" for my taste.

I do have issues with the new Dumbledore though, I think he's horrible. I think I might actually have to go as far as to say that I loathe Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. I think this has a lot to do with his accent - Dumbledore is a British wizard, he should not be afflicted with this whiny, nasal American accent (and no this is not an insult to all Americans, some of you have quite charming accents, really ;P)

Overall I felt that Michael Gambon made a rather pale Dumbledore. I've always imagined D. as a very charismatic and colourful man who leaves quite an impression on those around him. Gambon just didn't live up to that image imo.

Caeru, Ravenclaw

You know what, Michael Gambon's accent isn't American apparently, (should teach me to check imdb before I open my mouth) it's Irish. It doesn't sound Irish in my ears but since he's born there I suppose that's what it is. It's still nasal and whiny though so I still stand by my earlier statements *g*

I know a lot of people don't like Dan/Rupert's long hair, but I LOVE it! I think it's too damn cute on them!

Molly, Hufflepuff

Omg, I *love* Rupert's long hair. It makes me feel like a pervert for oogling a teenage boy but it is adorable. *g*


Caeru, Ravenclaw

I did not like the movie version of PoA. I found it to be boring, poorly written, poorly directed, and lacking a decent plot.

Anyway.

Rupert and Dan are not the best young actors out there, but they are not offensive. I think Tom Felton really does a good job. I never liked Emma to begin with, I think she was and still is a poor choice for Hermione. My favorite is the little girl who plays Ginny.

I felt that there was not enough of the new Dumbledore to really get an opinion. I like Gary Oldman, he can do no wrong. I am not opposed to David Thewlis as Lupin, but I think the actors were very badly directed in the movie, and they didn't really get a chance to shine. I also have an irrational hatred for tiny mustaches. *shudder* I'm only so-so for Alan Rickman as Snape. I love Rickman, and I love Snape, but I still think he doesn't give the character enough energy. Favorite adult is Maggie Smith. Flawless.

-Claire, Ravenclaw

I feel the same way about Snape/Alan Rickman. I love the character and I love the actor, but I just can't seem to get them to overlap. I NEVER picture Alan Rickman in my head when I'm reading the books.

And Maggie Smith IS McGonagall. (Also it just hit me that she was in Murder By Death as well, which makes me love her more.) But yeah, Maggie Smith I have absolutely no complaints about.

Dev, Hufflepuff

I think that Draco needs a better hairdresser.

I was glad that Dumbledore, even tho being a different actor, didn't look all that much different....

Fry
Slytherin

I think Alan and Gary are great as Snape and Sirius. They fit in with the image that I got from the books...though...truth be told...I never saw the book trio looking like the movie trio. I will admit that Dan aged rather nicely...but that does not mean he should be playing Harry. And don't get me started on Tom as Draco...while I thought book Draco was supposed to be the typical good looking "bully" of the series...Tom just does NOT fit with what I saw.

As for the Dumbledore replacement. Not really liking that one. While I know he wouldn't look exactly the same...they could have found someone that slightly resembled the late and great Dumbledore a little more.......

I'm biased though...I'm a book person...but at least the first two movies stuck with the books more then the third one did. You may want to jazz things up...but adding things that never happened...thats just wrong in my opinion. The third movie was too...Hollywood oriented...too...main stream. And Hermione in pink is a no no. Hahaha...

Juppy of Slytherin
Asst Contest Leader

Definitly Hoolywood-ized. I was not happy about that. They wasted time on useless stuff that could have been used to give some BACKGROUND INFORMATION or something important like that. And Hermione checking out her hair in such a dire situation? Nope. Not gonna believe that.

My main point is that Hermiones hair isnt right! I have the big puffy frizzy hair. and making it look like that isnt easy! I love Ruperts hair and i think he is hot. PErsonally i dont think dan is very god looking and I donnt like Thewlis as Lupin, the moustach*shudders*
RUpert is an Amzing actor, his expressions and everything, he's awsome! Neville,matt. i agree with the height and wieght thing, but he looks really cute and you cnt stop mother naure now can you? they are all gonna change sooner or later.
I dont know whaT TO SAY ABOUT dUMBLEDORE
BUT i have to say i LOVE Gary Oldman as Sirius!!!! I LOVE HIM TO DEATH!!
omg.. ignore that line*tear*
~*~RITA~*~ Gryffindork

*dons flame suit and adds international disclaimer: Southern gal from midwestern US, now residing on US East coast*

I honestly can't say anything bad about Richard Harris. I remember when they announced his death, I had gone back and watched the second movie and was struck by how bad (i.e. sick) he sounds. Was kinda depressing.

Michael Gambon is IRISH? Wow. Wouldn't have guessed that. I do like him as Dumbledore.

I LOVED Alan Rickman in 'Dogma' and in watching the movies felt he really fit as Snape. He has that acidic wit that I see in Snape when I read the books.

Wasn't familiar with Gary Oldman before PoA but I liked his role as Sirius.

I also was surprised at how Neville had shot up and lost the baby fat, he's actually kinda cute now...

(trying not to sound like a perv as I turn 28 the day after PoA releases to DVD *happy dance*)

I also agree with the poster that said Draco needs a better hairdresser. *nodnod* Thoroughly enjoyed watching Hermoine deck him in PoA. Whole theater audience was like 'Whoa'. Desperately hoping they have the bouncing ferret scene in Goblet *LOL*

And yes, Maggie Smith is McGonagall. Hands down.

-Macaria, Hufflepuff

Wow. I really love the new Dumbledore, no disrespect to Mr. Harris--may he rest in peace.

I didn't like the changes in Hermione. That one is for sure.

Draco could have looked better but I'm fine with him.

*grins* Now we come to Seamus! Eee! So cute! <3 Devon Murray! I've been following his career since I was a wee little lass and saw him in Angela's Ashes. He just keeps getting better and cuter.

[/end Seamus raving]

Stefie. Slytherin.

Ooo..forgot about the twins. Gotta say that while I didn't see them that way...the movie twins are amazing...and hot.
Twincest all the way!
(I actually yelled out in the theater "I love Twins!")

Juppy

I dunno if they came in your area.. but did you get to meet them? They came to Orange County (where I live), actually at my local mall, and I got to meet them (along with the actor that plays Neville and the actor that plays Seamus). They ARE amazingly hott. And uber tall. And they wear nice cologne. (we hugged them like fifty million times, of course) :)

Well, I know most people feel the opposite way, but I really loved our first Dumbledore. The new D is too...'hippie' for my taste.

Pardon me for not having names too handy...I think I've had a bit too much...butterbeer...yeah that's it. *looks*

As for the other characters...I think they're all growing into their looks, and they're all very adorable. I think that Emma's looks should have been played DOWN a lot more prior to the Yule Ball because...really...how are they going to give her a makeover????

The three of them have great chemistry in general though, and I don't know how well I'd take a change in casting... O_O Woe is me.

Becca, Slytherin.

Oy...three of them being, the trio, obviously ^_^;;

The only one that made me uneasy is Dumbledore. Dumbledore is a funny guy, but he's not Jack Tripper and that's how I felt he was protrayed in the 3rd movie.

No, it's a good question! *laughs* Now I get to spew up all my HP rants I've been containing inside so far... I wish I wasn't posting so late, though.

I felt that they didn't do enough justice to the books, as they rightfully deserve – though that's pretty much the mark of every book-turned movie, isn't it?

The third movie was what sparked the most conflict in me, to the point where I could rant forever about it. There were so many major noticeable discrepancies between the movie and the book. I honestly thought they portrayed Ron like an idiot sidekick (but my poor Ron!). He might be a little slow, and clueless, but he is NOT an idiot. He is brave and smart in his own right, and at least the books showed that. The movie made him seem like Harry's sidekick with zero character.

And Hermione was too cutesy (and pretty!!! what happened to BUSHY hair??! *shrieks* Repeat with me -- "bushy". Not curly, tamed, moussed or highlighted. Just... NO. I am extremely indignant about that fact alone. They tried to exploit Hermione's 'feminine' appeal, which didn't please me, as it seemed utterly fake – I never saw her that way. The depiction was way too exaggerated.

Furthermore, they failed to mention a lot of important details and scenes – no Quidditch, no controversy over the Firebolt, no disagreements between Ron and Hermione at all – things that were of great significance in the development of the book. They introduced a lot of unnecessary points that were never there and never had any impact on the story whatsoever. For example, what was the whole Lupin-going-on-about-how-great-Lily-was scene for?! And Ron/Hermione -- even that isn't a sure thing in canon, and these scriptwriters think they know BETTER? *fumes*

In addition, I didn't quite like the fact that they paraded around in Muggle clothes; aren't they supposed to be wearing robes?

As for Dumbledore I - *cringe* - have no opinion; would you believe I spent too much time fuming over the OTHER annoyances in the movie that when Dumbledore made his appearance I was pretty much indifferent. He was fine at best, though.

I did not expect Gary Oldman for that role at all. He looked so unSirius like... He didn't look like the crazed prisoner I imagined. *tears up* By far. I feel cheated, somewhat, by my imagination... and things not turning out the way you thought it would. Remus I never imagined with the mustache as well, so that was a disappointment too. But they WEREN'T horrible actors, and I suppose it was a matter of preference, which I will duly accept and try my very best to like them.

I dislike Draco's hair. Period. I prefered it gelled/slicked back a la the first two movies. The fringe and all didn't really do it for me, it didn't look Draco-ey enough.

I like Trelawney, McGonagall, and Snape. Trelawney -- I can't remember the actress' name, Emma something? -- played her part so nicely. She was so loony. *grins*

Whoops, I forgot to mention Harry. I like Daniel Radcliffe, but I don't think the movie did many favours for him. He was just...*shrug* bland and boring. See, I don't even have an opinion for him.

- Yen, Ravenclaw.

Yay for rantage! I shall contribute mine!

I felt that they didn't do enough justice to the books, as they rightfully deserve – though that's pretty much the mark of every book-turned movie, isn't it?

This, in my opinion, was far worse than most adaptations. Adapting a book to a 120 page screenplay is much harder than it seems, I will admit (I've had to do it a few times, and it is NOT easy), but I have never before seen an adaptation that has entire missed the point of a book. Seriously. From what I gathered - and I could be wrong, but I feel very strongly about this - the point of the book was to get certain information across the the reader. Such as, the Marauders, details about James Potter, the Shrieking Shack incident that nearly killed Snape ... all sorts of backstory that both explains a lot, and opens doors to more developement for Harry, Sirius, Snape, ect.

SOMEHOW, this was all deemed unimportant, and the Dementors - pesky and spooky gaurds - became some form of ultimate evil that required battling. They didn't even explain Harry's friggin patronus. The only thing I can say to that: WTF?

Another thing that irked me to no end was the lack of buildup over Lupin being a werewolf. I haven't read the book in a while, but I remember being really on edge over what Lupin's true nature was - he appeared to be in leage with The Bad Guys for a while. There was nothing about this. Nothing! I don't know wether it's just bad writing, bad directing, bad editing, or a combination of all three.

I suppose I'm going to be in the minority here, but I thought the movie and the actors within it are brilliant.

For a start, Daniel Radcliffe finally got Harry down. The facial expressions right at the beginning of the movie when Aunt Marge was going on about how horrible his mother was — it was priceless. Yes, he is not supposed to be well and fully angry until the fifth book, but perhaps JK wanted that development (the slight anger problem ... which really is more) to be seen in the third movie. I think she has influence, anyway. No, his eyes are not green. No, he does not have black hair. But as a whole, he definitely stands out as the perfect choice for Mister Potter.

As for Ron, I have always seen Rupert Grint as Ron. He's tall, he's lanky, and he definitely fits the role. Ron is a little more confuddled in the movies than he is in the books and somehow, Grint doesn't get his hot-headedness down correctly, but it still meshes rather nicely. I don't like the length that Rupert's hair is taking on, but that's another story.

Emma Watson is an excellent Hermione -- acting wise. Looks wise, she does not have bushy hair or anything to make her the epitome of Hermione. But then again, I doubt anyone that is acting has that look, so you may have to excuse that. Keep in mind when people read these books, they get their own images of them. Sometimes, people only see the movies and in the movies, it might be logical for ugly-Hermione to transition into what she did.

I don't understand how anyone can complain about Richard Harris. He had three scenes (or so) in the entire movie, and they were hardly an explanation of how he is taking on the role of Dumbledore. I think people have to give the next movie (and him) a chance to see if he is truly fit for the part. I, personally, think he is not bad, but even I am waiting for the next movie to see if he can (or does) top that role.

Ah, David Thewlis. He doesn't look like Remus -- there was a sweep through the fandom that Ewan McGregor should be Remus, but people seemed to forget that Remus is seemingly described as plain -- but not in the way that he is not attractive enough. On the contrary, I see Remus as plain, normal, which completely contradicts the fact that he is a werewolf during the full moon of the month. Acting-wise, he is incredibly good at playing Remus -- he was subtle in his lecturing, subtle in his way of going about things (just as Remus is meant to be), and he manages to hit Harry (and I, too) at the same time.

Gary Oldman is not how I pictured Sirius, either, but alas, he did a good job of acting. He was crazy-ugly-after-Azkaban!Sirius, and with that in mind, I think he was perfect.

And again, I do believe I'm in the minority. Pity.

Alison, Ravenclaw

Did you mean to say Richard Harris in your fifth paragraph?