My brief review of the film

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2005)

While 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi' are both generally regarded as good films, ''Empire'' is generally considered to be vastly superior for taking the series in new directions while ''Jedi'' just provided more of the same. I feel that this type of relationship can be applied to this Harry Potter film and the third entry, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The third film gave a whole new darker and more adult look to the series with a considerable amount of style. This fourth film carries on that style but fails to improve on it; as the director, Mike Newell does not add any touches that are distinctly his own. That's not to say that it is a poor film. It is well made, with excellent makeup, superb interior decoration and special effects that are as impressive as usual, but it is in no way up to the standard of the third film. The new music by Patrick Doyle is quite good also, in the same style as John William's famed composition, but with sensations of its own. The film still does have its flaws, and those who have read the book have also complained about it being the first poor adaptation in the series. It is not too well written either way, with too many love subplots that add up to nothing by the end. The plot also feels rather reduced to just sporting events. Directing-wise, the film often feels too busy, with much of the action looking like it is just for show, and although the cinematography is epic scale and grand, it tends to make the film feel too much like a roller coaster ride. It is yet again reasonably entertaining and engaging to watch, despite its drawbacks and its extreme length. It is full of parts that are amusing and interesting effects. It simply just is not too praiseworthy as a follow-up to the superb 'Harry Potter and the Prison of the Azkaban'.