kenmal55

I went to see this the day it came out, with some trepidation. As an Englishman living in Canada and having a Foster daughter who is fed up with me telling her how good British Movies are - this one had a lot to live up to. We have read all the books and await the next book with eager anticipation. I went to the local Cinema (sorry - Movie Theatre) and it was packed with mostly young teens and pre-teenagers. They all sat still and maintained their interest for 2 hours 41 minutes (was it really that long?). Many jumped at the frightening parts and many laughed at the funny parts (me loudest of all). There just wasn't enough of Hagrid and poor old Albus (Richard Harris)was showing that his illness was more serious than the last film - but we all loved the film and were talking about the good bits as we left the theatre. Some achievement! To translate the books and to keep the magic must be difficult but it succeeds. The film was slightly over-long and we were suffering from some discomfort because our seats weren't the best, and the ending was a bit of an anti-climax (should have had more humour, I think) - but - whatever. This is one for the kid in all of us. Get out there and see it.

A wonderful series that should be shown again for all of us who have fond memories of the character's (mainly Dear HAZEL - what a great theme tune too!) and the storylines. A gentle comedy with its heart in the right place. Shirley Booth was the ideal maid/nanny and her voice was unique, if I remember correctly - that was the appeal to me as a child watching. She seemed so lovable and warm. I just wish I could watch it again to see how it stands the test of time. It was from the era of a lot of great, gentle comedies such as: Mr Ed, Greenacres, Addams Family, Munsters, Bewitched, My Three Sons, The Beverly Hillbillies, Casey Jones and probably quite a few more that I don't remember at the moment.

I was so pleased to see this film had been voted by others at the IMDb to be in the top 250 Best Films of All Time - not as high as I would like perhaps but still good. It has, to my knowledge, touched people's hearts all over the world (and brought a tear to many as well I think). When I watch my DVD now it seems a bit dated (special effects climbing the cliff weren't so hot!) but its charm wins out. All foster children who come to my house have to see it and those who don't want to watch it still end up enjoying it, despite themselves (true of the Shrek movie also). The magic cast and the magic story go down in history (alongside the best of Walt Disney's animated films) as a classic 'feel good' solution to anyone who might be a bit down in their life and need a bit of fantasy, love, escapism, etc.