I think I should have read the book.

Rating: 6/10 (18 November 2005)

I have been eagerly awaiting this movie as I was so enthralled by the first three movies. I have to say I came away a bit disappointed.
The movie was full of all the wonderful Harry Potter special effects, the bantering between the students, and even introduced some teenage angst scenes expected due to the aging of the characters. However, I found myself lost when it came to the storyline.
Unlike the first 3 movies, I came away from this one believing that I should have read the book first. Either that or the director was just inept at his art. The scenes seemed disjointed as if there were chunks missing. There were references to people and events I could not follow. I also found that, unlike the other movies, any accomplishments one might attribute to Harry's actions, were really due to the intervention of others.
There were a number of notable performances. Hermione has grown into a lovely young lady and Ms. Watson very adequately portrayed the confusion of 14 year-old girl. Ron showed a bit of a darker side initially but eventually became the slightly quirky lad we all love. I did not enjoy Harry all that much in this movie but I am not sure if it was the story or Radcliffe's acting. Michael Gambon continues his great portrayal of Dumbledore and all the other students and teachers performed as expected.
I am happy I saw the movie but it left me wanting. Perhaps I will go out and buy the book, read it, and then return to the movie. Maybe it will make more sense or convince me that the movie just doesn't live up to my expectations of the series.