Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban [the trailer is up, and it looks great]

MSNBC Entertainment ^

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Opting for a producer-only role this time, director Chris Columbus passes the Harry Potter baton off to Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También) for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the series. Daniel Radcliffe returns as the bespectacled young wizard who is now in his third year at Hogwarts. After and incident that sees his anger get the best of him, Harry runs away from the school. Unfortunately, the magical wunderkind soon learns that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison and is after him. Along with Oldman, the additions to the cast the third time around include David Thewlis and Michael Gambon, who assumes the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore, previously played by the late Richard Harris. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

[Tijeras_Slim]

I think he'll be a good choice. If you are putting together a HP ping list, count me in.

IMPERIO!

That's just to make sure you do it.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

I'm playing hell trying to find pics of Thewlis anywhere. He's not ringing any bells with me.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Looks a bit like Alan Rickman in this one.

[RebelBanker]

C.P.,

Chris Columbus is not directing this one. The first two were really true to J. K. Rowling under his direction, but I am not sure this one will be. Hopefully, everyone realizes that this goose will stop laying golden eggs if they screw it up.

Your Humble Servant...

[MrsEmmaPeel]

Interesting that in Shakespeare it wasn't the witches who were wicked.

Absolutely! The witches simply had foreknowledge of events, and it was Macbeth's choice to murder Duncan. I love that line in Macbeth:
"If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, Without my stir."

Of course, Macbeth couldn't resist, he did have to stir and was crowned King. But that was not the fault of the witches!

I'm sure we'll hear about witchcraft soon.
I find knee-jerk reactions against HP to be from the viewpoint of extreme igorance.

[Rutabega]

Please put me on the Potter ping list, too!!! I am an addict! (And oh so embaressing to admit to other adults that haven't read these books!)

Are you goys joking about the Botts Beans? (I am living in Sweden, and we don't have much Potter merchandise, so you might be telling the truth--but I hate to ask since sardine and vomit flavors were mentioned!!)

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Yeah, but if he's producing, I'm willing to bet that he exerts a load of creative control over his director.

Honest, I wouldn't worry about it - its too good to foul up.

What I worry about is one of the kids leaving - that would be kinda awful.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

They do market them here, and yes, they have, in every bag, such great flavors as dirt, booger, ear wax, vomit, spinach and sardine, and they really taste gross after the first couple of bites, LOL.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Are you goys joking about the Botts Beans?

Nope, they really make them, although I've never had sardine or vomit... the pepper ones are interesting.

[denfurb]

I've heard he ditched the "wizard robes" for Adidas style costumes. What's up with Wizards not looking like well, wizards?

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Eaxactly. I haven't looked to see if they sell the pepper ones in separate quantities. I'd buy 'em.

[Timeout]

After and incident that sees his anger get the best of him, Harry runs away from the school. Unfortunately, the magical wunderkind soon learns that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped...

One can't help but wonder whether the reviewer has read the book?!

Harry didn't "run away from the school". He ran away from the Dursleys after "blowing up" Mr. D's aunt. And he knew about Sirius Black's escape BEFORE he ran away.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Those would be kinda like "civvies". Harry spends a lot of time on the run, and when they're off in the village, I don't think they're wearing school robes.

[null and void]

Thanks!

(see tag line...)

[Chancellor Palpatine]

ROFLMAO!

[null and void]

BTW, if anyone tries Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, my advice is to avoid the sardine ones - they have a really persistent aftertaste!

Agreed!

[RebelBanker]

You are right about Columbus, I had not realized he was producing. Sorry, my bad.

As to the kids, time is a problem there. Each book represents one year, but the movies take two each. Thus, they will have to be replaced eventually unless they want "Happy Days" where 30-year-olds are playing high schoolers.

The other issue is the increasing length of the later books. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix could be a mini-series!

[Sloth]

Thewlis in 'The Island of Dr. Moreau'

[Rutabega]

Can someone tell me where they buy these beans? My six year old son is too excited since I have just read this to him, and now I think Grandmommy might have to ship us some!

[Corin Stormhands]

Thanks for the ping. I'll have to view it tonite.

Any word on the next book?