Ambitious but falls flat compared with its predecessors

Rating: 4/10 (24 November 2005)

Let me start out by saying that I am a big fan of the Harry Potter series of books, and also that I have very much enjoyed the three previous installments of this series. That said, this movie was quite a disappointment.
The visual aspect of the movie is quite wonderful. The effects are leaps and bounds better than those in the previous ones (the flying scenes look nearly authentic, especially when compared with the quidditch match in the first film).
The acting was not as good as I had come to expect from the regulars in the Harry Potter series, and the casting for installment specific roles was sorely lacking.
The major complaint I have about this film is the disjointed nature of its story and character development. Admittedly fitting a 734 page book (hardcover) into a 157 minute movie is a near impossible task, but the storyline was helter-skelter, with giant character and story leaps becoming apparent only after they happened and then with no explanation.
Overall the film was a disappointment, especially when compared with the three films preceding it. Die-hard fans will see it; and casual ones should also, but only once. It's just good enough to carry the viewer on to the next installment, nothing more.