The best Harry Potter adaptation so far...

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2007)

My first piece of advice is the same as it would be for any other cinematic adaptation of a book. Read the book before you watch the movie. There are a couple things (Who sent the dementors after Harry, why Fudge refuses to believe Voldemort is back, etc.) that are never fully explained in the movie. For anyone who didn't read the book and wants to know Umbridge sent the dementors after Harry in an effort to discredit him. As for Fudge: he is, to use Dumbledore's words, "blinded by the love of the office" he holds. Voldemort being back would seriously jeopardize the power he has as Minister (not to mention that the idea of Voldemort's return is just too terrifying) so he simply ignores the facts.
I was very worried that a lot of events that are so important to the book would be written out of the movie. However, the use of Daily Prophet headlines/articles to show not only the passage of time, but the happenings around the trio was fantastic! Yes, Firenze was mostly written out as no one resumed the teaching of divination after Professor Trelawney was sacked. Yes, poor Dobby was written out AGAIN. The only moment with Percy (who is on Fudge's side in the book) is a split second glimpse of him standing behind the Minister. But - in spite of all that IT WORKED! The pacing was great, there were no dull moments, you still got to see regular teenage moments (i.e. Harry & Cho's kiss) in between danger and heroism.
The only "major" change of which I do not approve is having Neville find the Room of Requirement. As the chamberpot conversation between Dumbledore and Harry was written out of Goblet of Fire there was no advance knowledge that this room existed. As Dobby was written out he couldn't be the one to tell Harry about it. I think we were supposed to believe that Neville was fleeing from bullies and needed a place to hide so the room opened, but it just didn't work. It had a very, "ho-hum look what I found" feel. Meh.
I loved the exit of the Fred & George. I loved Grawp's little crush on Hermione. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Luna!!!! She was perfect! On the whole it's the best HP adaptation yet and was a great, fun, thrilling, tense ride.
Well done!