Another Potter Hit

Rating: 9/10 (27 November 2005)

The subtle and not-so-subtle changes over what actually occurred in the book work VERY well. The screenplay writers did an excellent job of condensing the gist of a lengthy book, and eliminated information that wasn't critical to the primary plot. The additional footage of Harry's dragon challenge left me wondering, "Did I miss that in the book"? (Of course not, since I've read it 4 times.) There's just one thing- was it trick photography, or was the actress playing Madame Maxime REALLY that BIG????? The movie soft-pedaled the resulting friction between Albus and the Minister of Magic, making it difficult to fathom the animosity that prevails in Order of the Phoenix. The absence of Sirius Black in the final scenes is a disappointment; however, some things HAD to be cut to avoid too much fiscal heartburn at Warner Brothers.