Good Movie, poor representation of a book.

Rating: 7/10 (26 January 2006)

First and foremost, let me tell you that the movie was worth seeing and I'll definitely add it to my collection of DVD's when it comes out. However, I must say that I was disappointed. Yes it was a large book, and I didn't expect them to fit everything in, but they tried, and they shouldn't have.
As I watched it, I was impressed with the special effects and the action, but they jumped around so much that it was totally impossible to personalize with any of the characters, and it was hard to genuinely enjoy the film. The conversation, what conversation there were, were so short and spotted that it was hard to follow if one has not already read the book and knew what was going on.
As far as movies go, it was excellent, but as far as a movie based upon a book, I feel that they have failed. A particular low point was the World Quidditch cup, and a particular high point was Voldemort (they portrayed his return very well indeed).
Again, I loved the movie, but I have to watch it with the idea that it is just a movie, and not the fourth book in the Harry Potter series.