I took myself off to see "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" this afternoon and learned that giving movie gift certificates was apparently a popular idea this Christmas. I found long lines at the box office, even at 11:45 am.
The movie itself was pretty good, although there was an awful lot left out. Not enough Snape, for one thing. I understand that it would have been a four-hour film had they put more of the backstory in, but there were some gaps that might have been better explained. I've read the book, but those who haven't (are there any? Maybe that's the point.) might have needed more. A muttered "Priori Incantantem" from Dumbledore was hardly sufficient to explain the reappearance of Cedric, the old Muggle, and Harry's parents. The assumption of Mad Eye Moody's identity by Barty Crouch Jr. also could have done with a bit of explanation.
Ah well, everyone's a critic.
Posted by Linkmeister at December 26, 2005 03:35 PM | TrackBackI agree with your review and with your observation about the lines! We were shocked to find that so many Olympians had the same idea we did and several movies were sold out well before the show time. How odd!
Posted by: Karan at December 26, 2005 04:14 PMI was surprised, after a quick poll at a recent holiday party, to discover "Christmas Day Movies" is, in fact, a fairly common family tradition. One that folks who practice it feel is unusual, but it's apparently not that unusual at all!
Posted by: Ryan at December 27, 2005 07:34 AMNot unusual at all here on the day after Christmas. The Loews was jammed too.
We took ourselves to see Syriana. It was excellent. There are several plots going on at once but it all ties together. Well worth watching.
Posted by: Night Bird at December 27, 2005 07:42 PMMy mom's neck of the woods, lacking Jews, does not have any theaters that are open on Christmas. In DC, the theaters are packed both with the Jewish "Chinese and a movie" crowd and the people who can't spend another moment cooped up with their families or mayhem will ensue. As we just discovered, New Year's Day is also a popular movie day. Our showing, which was at 11:45 wasn't too awful, but when we were leaving the lines were massive.
But I digress from my nodding agreement at your review, and second your not enough snape sentiments. I do have to say, the scene in his class was quite good, even just pushing up his sleeves the man has great presence.