The Best Harry Potter Movie

Now that the final Harry Potter movie is on Blu-Ray, it's time to countdown to the best of the complete film series. And as I have said before, there are no clunkers in the bunch. They're all good, with the top five of the series really getting their A grades.

8. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002) The problem with this one is first, Ruper Grint's over the top acting as Ron Weasley. His screaming and crying drove me nuts. Then there's the end in which Tom Riddle aka Voldemort literally describes how the basilisk is going to destroy Harry. Annoying, though I wish more description were available for "Half Blood Prince." Grade is B.

7. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005) The school called "Beauxbatons", the French all girl academy, in Triwizard competition sets back feminism two hundred years. If you have ever coached against an all girl school team, you would know in this century that the girls do not act in this frilly and demure manner. Grade is B.

6. "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" (2009) I love the pacing and the dialogue. It doesn't pound you in your seats with constant action. However, this movie is literally too dark. There's no need to drain the movie of color, at least from this Muggle's view. It would have helped during Harry and Dumbledore's mission in the cave to describe how they are going to get the Horcrux. Is that Harry shoving Kool-Aid down Dumbledore's mouth? Grade is B.

5. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part One"(2010) The dark forces of Lord Voldemort have taken over the world of magic. Harry and his friends are on the run and looking the remaining Horcruxes. It's tense and exciting. The grade is A-.

4. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (2007) Got to love that wonderfully filmed wizard fight between Voldemort and Dumbledore. It's organic and elegant and quite believable. The grade is A.

3. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001) This film offers true magic. One believes that Hogwart's exists. Everything from Quiditich to John Williams' brilliant score to a small scene of Christmas at Hogwart's exudes wonderment. The grade is A.

2. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part Two" (2011) This is the final confrontation between Harry and Lord Voldemort. It's basically a war story. Riveting. One wishes it was longer. The grade is A.

1. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004) While this is the beginning towards a darker Harry Potter film, it's the most mature. There's real warmth between Harry, Prof. Lupin and Sirius Black. This is the best mixture of comedy, action and emotion.
The grade is A.