I broke down and went to the first matinee today. I think there was maybe two other people in the theater – I'm not exactly sure because I got there late – just as Aunt Marge was floating away.
Here's my disjointed impressions of the movie:
First of all, I liked it. Not as much as the first two though. The books keep getting better, but this movie slipped a little, I think. I think Chris Columbus would've done it better. It was still good though. Somehow the grounds were a lot different – though that's not necessarily bad.
Gary Oldman as Sirius Black – he was very good.
David Thewlis as Professor Lupin – I was disappointed at first, but he turned out great.
Michael Gambon as Dumbledore – perfect. I liked him a LOT better than Richard Harris.
Emma Thompson was a surprisingly good Trelawney – especially when she had the real prophecy. Too bad the movie didn't make clear what that was all about.
Buckbeak was great. Very believable, and the flying scenes were breathtaking.
Timothy Spall as Peter Pettigrew. The rat boy. Yuck – didn't like him at ALL. He was supposed to be skinny, balding and weaselly. This guy was just…. yuck.
And last, but definitely not least – Professor Snape did NOT have enough screen time. Mmmm…. Alan Rickman. More to the point, Alan Rickman's voice
[Edit: Almost forgot!!! The knight bus was awesome!]