Harry Potter and the Gigantic Disappointment

Rating: 5/10 (19 November 2005)

This movie could have been great. It had amazing potential. But director Mike Newell squandered that potential and hacked this wonderful book to bits. Granted it is a huge tome and cuts were necessary, but the story could have been woven back together much more seamlessly in capable hands. Instead, it felt disjointed and rushed, almost as if Newell had a checklist: Quidditch World cup...check, Dragons...check, Voldemort...check. The imagery was fantastic and the world of Hogwarts is growing ever dark, as it should be. However, the characters seemed flat and devoid of any depth this time around. There was plenty of action but little emotion. The one bright (dark?) spot in this film is Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of Lord Voldemort. Perfectly evil and inhuman and sufficiently creepy, Fiennes did an excellent job. And the kids are getting better with each film. Unfortunately, all the talent in the world couldn't save this movie. As others have summed it up, great visuals, horrible content (or lack thereof, rather).