Great film for kids or adults !!!!

Rating: 10/10 (8 December 2005)

My son has grown up with the books, and I've always brought him on opening night to each of the first three movies (which we also have in our DVD collection.) He just turned fourteen in October which was apropos for the release of this movie. Of course again, having been enchanted by the first three films, (expecially the last Cuaron sequel,) I again brought him to opening night. Wow, being 48 and a big lover of the LOTR movies, I was absolutely enthralled! All of the characters were so much more fleshed out. Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint have grown so much as actors as well as just, well grown! I think that's why so many more adults can access this film on a more common ground. Sometimes we forget what it was like to be a kid, but we never forget puberty. NEVER!!!
The themes and dangers were more adult: The story itself is much darker and involving. And of course the unveiling of the evil Voldemort packed all of the emotional wallop it was supposed to convey.
I loved Richard Harris as Dumbledore so much, it was very hard for me to accept Micheal Gambon in the role. However, in this film he really conveyed a much more complicated and interesting character. No more omnipotent; he seemed much more vulnerable and human. His deep connection and fear for Harry was much clearer and well defined. Since I could no longer hold out reading the next two books in the series, I can definitely see how this character arc veers seamlessly into the next two films.
Brendan Gleeson, GREAT!! As were all of the supporting actors as usual.
And what can one not say about the wonderful special effects! I could go into details but that would take five pages or more. I can't believe just how far we've come sometimes in CGI. This film combines live action with digital animation INCREDIBLY and WONDERFULLY!!!
I can't wait for the next one!!!! We'll be there on opening night again! I don't know how it will top this one, but I still can't wait!
Bravo!