Best of the films so far.

Rating: 6/10 (20 November 2005)

As far as I can see, this film far outstrips the previous ones for sheer entertainment. Unlike the others it does not drag, or have numerous tedious lulls. It may not stick as closely to the book as some readers may have wished but it benefits, as well as suffers, as a consequence.
We see the story played out before us, all of the book-readers knowing the inevitable outcome but still praying that somehow the film will be different from the book. The build-up throughout the film works. It is as simple as that. We reach initial climaxes that would fool the then unknowing into a false sense of security. This makes the ending all the more powerful. But amongst the grief, there is also an element of humour that was far from present in the other films. As 'The Prisoner of Askaban' was hailed as the darker, more sinister and 'better' film in comparison with its predecessors, I think this film turns out to be that ten times over and more, to the entire series so far.
Without spoilers it is hard to describe the plot, but as much as could possibly be contained in a short, child-friendly film, was there. This meant that, although there was always something happening, there were rather too many times where plot threads were started and discarded within minutes, leaving the audience feeling disconcerted and even cheated. An obvious example is the introduction of reporter Rita Skeeter early on - we wait for fireworks and all we get is Harry reading the paper, looking a tad p**sed off at the article and then turning to have a conversation with someone. But the film definitely had pace because of these additions and was an entertaining couple of hours. I would recommend it to all die-hard HP fans, as well as haters - as this is the only film of the series so far that might change their minds. In short: entertaining, though flawed, superior Harry Potter film.
(Note to those with small children: the film does contain some scenes that would frighten young/young but not tiny children. As a measure (and without spoilers) there are a couple of scenes during which I felt it necessary to cover my thirteen year old brother's eyes.)