UK magazine Total Film has an interesting opinion piece/feature online where they lament twelve things that should have been kept in the Harry Potter films. Echoing many sentiments we fans have expressed written and discussed over the years, the list includes some of the following:
*PEEVES: The omission of the pesky poltergeist of Hogwarts has long been a source of the discussion in the fandom. Total Film adds to the chorus as it notes Peeves should have been included for OotP, noting: Pesky prankster Peeves is an anarchic poltergeist whose only goal is
to create chaos. His sworn enemy is Argus Filch, the school caretaker,
who has to clear up after him. Rumours that he could be the ghost of Jeremy Beadle remain unfounded. Rik Mayall did film a scene as Peeves for Philosopher’s Stone, but it got chopped.
*The Origins of the Marauders Map in Prisoner of Azkaban: If you’ve never read the book, the magic map given to Harry in
Prisoner Of Azkaban seems to have ‘lazy plot device’ written all over
it.In fact, what it actually had written all over it is ‘Messrs Mooney,
Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs’, which is a clue as to its origins and a
whole subplot about Harry’s dad, Sirius Black and the other map
creators being animagii – those with the ability to turn into animals.
*Percy Weasley, Traitor: The magazine discusses the cutting of this subplot to Order of the Phoenix, as they describe the role played by Chris Rankin in the films as follows: In the film, elder Weasley sprog Percy – now working for the
Ministry of Magic – comes across as a slimy yes-man. In the books he’s
an all-out traitor, disowning his family and sending Christmas presents
back unopened. The film could have run with the idea of Percy going really evil –
fiddling his expenses and claiming on a second Gnome or something.
You can read the entire list, which also includes SPEW, Professor Binns, hoarding by Kreacher, the Headless Hunt and more here via this link. Thanks Kiwi!
I think the top 3 things they should have kept in the film (out of that list) were Kreacher, because he plays a vital role in the 7th book. Also, it would have been hilarious to keep Peeves in, especailly for OOTP. and lastly…QUIDDITCH! that was great in OOTP, but they left it out of the film. BOOOO!
oh my god, jk rowling insisted that kreacher be kept. i hope this means that they are going to do all the scenes about regalus black and then harry finally forgiving and sorta befriending Kreacher in DH.
oh my god, jk rowling insisted that kreacher be kept. i hope this means that they are going to do all the scenes about regalus black and then harry finally forgiving and sorta befriending Kreacher in DH.
I agree that the films should have retained all the twelve things that they listed. All of these elements either enriched the Potterverse greatly or contributed significantly to the development of the plot or themes of the series.
Yup, they were pretty much accurate with all the things that should have been kept. I wish SPEW had been in it and then that ties in nicely with Kreacher…
hmmph.
I think that several of the things on the list were a disappointment to lose but understandable considering the amount of condensing they needed to do. From that list, I definitely agree that S.P.E.W., Percy’s defection, and more on Kreacher should’ve been left in.
Above all, the colossal ball dropping of the Marauder’s Map rankles me every time I watch Azkaban, especially as the viewers never get that wonderful moment when Harry connects his Patronus to Prongs.
I also agree wholeheartedly with Marietta Edgecombe. While Cho being the betrayer might have been more satisfying dramatically, Harry discovering that she did it unwillingly makes it a plot problem. In the book, their relationship finally dies from their irreconcilable loyalties to their friends (Marietta vs. Hermione). In the movie, it’s left unresolved, and doesn’t it make Harry look like a jerk that he just forgets about her when the betrayal wasn’t her fault? Bad decision by the movie makers.
Hmm. I don’t really see how Peeves, Marietta Edgecomb, Sir Patrick, or Ludo Bagman are all that necessary to keep in the movies. Sorry everyone! I was thinking some things should be included such as Kreacher being deceptive in OotP, Neville seeing his parents in St. Mungo’s and the explanation of what happened to them, St. Mungo’s in general, explanation of the Maraduers and more details on Wormtail’s betrayal and SPEW. I think SPEW is critical for the R/Hr kiss! Makes me wonder how they’re gonna handle that in the movie!
they should have just made every movie 2 films to fit everything i doubt anybody would have a problem with it, and they would still make a lot of money
It was Voldemort, Harry thought, staring up at the canopy of his bed in the darkness, it all came back to Voldemort... He was the one who had torn these families apart, who had ruined all these lives...
I think the top 3 things they should have kept in the film (out of that list) were Kreacher, because he plays a vital role in the 7th book. Also, it would have been hilarious to keep Peeves in, especailly for OOTP. and lastly…QUIDDITCH! that was great in OOTP, but they left it out of the film. BOOOO!