Turn To Page 394
The Moment: Professor Snape drops clue after clue concerning Lupin’s condition when he covers a Defence Against The Dark Arts class for him, ordering the class to read up on werewolves. Never less than intimidating in any of the seven books, the return of Lupin to Howgarts inspires Snape to new heights of vindictiveness.
Better On Film? Once again, Alan Rickman brings Rowling’s words to life with his drawling delivery. “Page 394” is as close to a catchphrase as Snape gets!
You Say: “Any scene with Alan Rickman as Snape,but the winner is him entering the classroom in Prisoner Of Azkaban and his venomous order - 'Turn to page three hundred and ninety-four.'” - Saša orevi
The Inferi
The Moment: Having travelled with Dumbledore to an enchanted cave, Harry sets about overcoming a series of tasks in order to recover the Horcrux within. However, just as things appear to be getting easier, the most gruesome of all Harry’s foes suddenly make their presence felt…the Inferi, an army of hideously reanimated corpses. Uh-oh.
Better On Film? It’s a claustrophobic nightmare made all the worse by the fact Dumbledore has been laid low by a poisoned potion. You’re on your own Harry…or are you?
You Say: “Dumbledore putting on a mighty display of fire on at the end of Half-Blood Prince.” – Matthew Palfreeman
Bathilda Bagshot
The Moment: Having travelled to the eerie town of Godric’s Hollow to visit his parents grave and locate the sword of Gryffindor, Harry is distracted by Bathilda Bagshot, the famed historian and old friend of Dumbledore. Except it isn’t really Bathilda he encounters, but rather her reanimated corpse, which is holding a nasty secret inside…
Better On Film? The whole sequence in Godric’s Hollow is distinctly eerie, from the ethereal beauty of the snow-dusted cemetery to the horrifying reveal of Nagini the serpent, who is lurking within the body of Bathilda. One of the undoubted highlights of an occasionally pedestrian film.
Over The Wall
The Moment: Disillusioned with the hard-line regime of Dolores Umbridge, Fred and George Weasley decide they have had enough education for one lifetime, and escape over the walls astride their broomsticks. Having watched Umbridge choke the life out of Hogwarts over the preceding pages, it’s a much needed show of defiance, and a real punch-the-air moment.
Better On Film? Despite their woeful presentation throughout much of the series (in the books they’re far funnier and far less irritating), this scene comes close to doing them justice as they stick two fingers up to the regime in a flurry of flying and fireworks.
You Say: “When the Weasley twins left Hogwarts.” – Laura A Turnbull (@JustLauraT)
Troll Hunters
The Moment: Having fallen out over the thorny issue of rule-breaking, Hermione is reunited with Harry and Ron when the pair rescue her from the wrath of an angry troll. The passage that follows sums up the trio’s sweet-natured friendship perfectly: “From that moment on Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”
Better On Film? In a word, no. The troll looks like a knock-off Shrek, whilst Rowling’s magic words are nowhere to be heard.
You Say: “Troll with a wand up his nose!” – Steven Robinson
Harry's Wand
The Moment: Wand-vendor Mr. Ollivander is presented as something of a showman, and any visit to his shop is a highlight of the sequences set in Diagon Alley. Harry’s wand selection is a particular delight, not least because of the plot points liberally scattered amongst the surface layer of wand-based excitement. “Curious indeed how these things happen,” he muses, having revealed that Harry’s wand is the brother of Voldemort's. “The wand chooses the wizard remember…”
Better On Film? John Hurt captures Ollivander’s eccentricities perfectly, breezily stealing the scene from those around him.
Dobby's Death
The Moment: Having graduated from his role as mild irritant to full-blown hero status, Dobby rescues Harry and co. from the clutches of the Death Eaters, but not before being struck a fatal blow by Bellatrix’s knife. His last words, appropriately, are “Harry Potter”. Sorry, we’ve got something in our eye…
Better On Film? Maybe not better, but excellently handled nonetheless. Beautifully shot on a deserted beach, Dobby is granted the exit he undoubtedly deserves. “Such a beautiful place to be with friends…Dobby is happy…to be with his friend…Harry Potter.” God, we can’t wait until Bellatrix gets hers…
You Say: “Dobby dying in Harry’s arms…I’m 22 and cried like a grown man.” – Rob Jones (@r4derby)
Escape From Gringotts
The Moment: Searching for the last of Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes, Harry, Ron and Hermione smuggle themselves into Gringotts and access the LeStrange family vault. With Hermione disguised as Bellatrix all appears to be going swimmingly until the alarm is raised, and the bank’s dragon-based security system comes into play…
Better On Film? The break-in is heavily featured in the trailer with the dragon granted plenty of scope for fire-breathing theatrics. We’re very excited about this bit.
Checkmate
The Moment: As the intrepid trio attempt to recover the Philosopher’s Stone they are confronted by a gigantic chess-board populated by a cast of life-size pieces. The stage is set for Ron to shine, as the youngest Weasley boy uses his chess expertise to clear the obstacle. Well done that man!
Better On Film? After the unremarkable presentation of Fluffy the three-headed dog, the giant chess set is a far more magical proposition.
Umbridge vs. Snape
The Moment: Whilst inspecting the various Hogwarts teachers, Umbridge sits in on one of Snape’s potions classes. So begins a gloriously acidic exchange between the pair in which Umbridge tauntingly enquires as to Snape’s failure to be appointed teacher of Defence Against The Dark Arts. Oooh, what a burn!
Better On Film? Unquestionably, thanks to the superlative performances from Imelda Staunton and Alan Rickman. “You applied first for the Defence Against The Dark Arts post, is that correct?” trills Umbridge. “Yeeeeees” drawls Snape. “But you were unsuccessful” presses Umbridge. “Obviously” sneers Snape. Brilliant.
