Book Commentary

Harry Situation

''Azkaban'': Take a side in the book-vs.-movie debate. Some diehard Potterphiles are complaining that the latest ''Harry Potter'' is too loose an adaptation -- do you agree?

NOT SO BY-THE-BOOK The film ''Azkaban'' (starring Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint) takes some liberties with Rowling's novel

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Warner Bros.

EW's Complete Coverage

Harry Potter

In adapting J.K. Rowling's ''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,'' screenwriter Steve Kloves and director Alfonso Cuarón showed all the ruthlessness of Voldemort. The last two Potter movies followed Rowling's text slavishly, but box office champ ''Azkaban'' excises significant chunks of the book, from Harry's crush on Cho Chang to the details of Professor Lupin and Sirius Black's school days. For many critics, the editing -- and additions like Ron and Hermione's flirtation -- made for a better movie. But for some outspoken fans, the changes felt like the work of malevolent Muggles. What do YOU think of the film's approach? Did you prefer the book or the movie? Talk about it here.

Posted Jun 17, 2004 | Order Article Reprints