Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts, and You-Know-Who is back!

Rating: 8/10 (13 July 2007)

I saw this movie last night, and thought it was great! The writers did an excellent job of condensing and adapting JK's colossal novel, and kept the essence of the book alive. Though it may be slightly confusing for people who have not read the book, as there are a few little things that there just isn't time to explain in the running time. My main quibble is that much-loved characters, like Mr and Mrs Weasley, Professer Lupin, Mad-Eye-Moody and Tonks don't get much screen time, and are missed. The structure also feels a little uneven at times, but the movie is never boring. The older cast are, of course, excellent - especially Alan Rickman as slimy Professer Snape and Ralph Fiennes as evil Lord Voldemort. But what really impressed me was how mush the acting of the three leads has improved - Daniel Radcliffe really made me feel Harry's angst and sadness. A bit more time is also spent on the relationships between Harry and Sirius, and Harry and Cho, so the viewer is affected more on an emotional level. The climax at the Ministry of Magic is also amazing - roll on Half-Blood Prince!