SUBMITTED BY Timbo

March 19, 2004 — USA Today has an interesting article previewing the upcoming "Harry Potter" movie.

"There are lots of extraneous little bits of magic appearing in the background," says Craig. "Strange animals that live in Hagrid's hut, for example. There's somebody's tail poking through the floor. They're real throwaways, but there's extra richness, extra detail in these wide shots."

Hagrid's hut has expanded from a one-room shack to two rooms. His bedroom has teddy bears and fur skins. His living area is decorated with hanging pots and pans, and oversized chairs to fit his gargantuan frame.

In addition to Hagrid's expanded quarters, there are new characters: Oldman as Black, David Thewlis as the werewolf Professor Lupin, and Emma Thompson as Madame Trelawney, the ethereal divination teacher with long wavy gray hair, flowing gowns and a spacy manner.

A visit to the magical village of Hogsmeade reveals colorful Victorian-styled storefronts. At the students' favorite candy store hangout, Honeydukes, Cuarsn has added coconut clusters and lollipops from his native Mexico to the mix of colorful sweets available at the shop.

There's no need to worry that any of the characters will turn saccharine this time around, however.

The bookish Hermione strays a bit more from her studies in this movie.

"This is a real girl-power film," says Heyman. "Hermione helps and leads Harry on many occasions."

Read the rest at the link below.