Solid entertainment and well-laid foundations for a grande finale

Rating: 7/10 (3 August 2007)

Yes people, it really is well worth seeing this film. For starters, it's totally Quidditch-free. Instead it offers darkly atmospheric spookiness and cleverly executed special effects. The real charm of this film is in the cameo roles. Natalia Tena is a little bit gorgeous as the tomboyish Nymphadora Tonks. Alan Rickman's Snape is magnificent as ever. Helena Bonham Carter virtually steals the movie in her tantalising few minutes on screen as the psychotic Bellatrix Lestrange. Imelda Staunton's relentless, sadistic and pink-clad Dolores Umbridge rules Hogwarts with an iron fist. Filch and Kreacher contribute a few well-judged sneers, and Mark Williams makes a pleasingly eccentric Arthur Weasley. It is extremely pleasant to see a gruff and masculine Rupert Grint just for once, and a low profile, chilled out Emma Watson. Admittedly Daniel Radcliffe's performance leaves something to be desired and Gary Oldman is surprisingly bland. However the parts add up to a pleasing whole, and the foundations are well laid for Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. 7/10