good movie; not a good adaption of the book

Rating: 7/10 (9 February 2006)

I thought the movie was good, but not as an adaption of the book. Too much was left out. I understand the frustration of turning an 800 page book into a 2 1/2 hour movie, but felt that much of the storyline that flows into the next book/movie was omitted. The biggest issue for me was the change in Dumbledore's character. I think Michael Gambon is a great actor and I do like him as Dumbledore (although I miss Richard Harris). I understand that Mr. Gambon is acted the part as written, but felt the character is far removed from the one in the books. If you haven't read the books, you will like the movie; if you have read the books, try not to think about them and enjoy it for what it is: an action movie sort of based on a book.