Advances the story, nothing more

Rating: Null/10 (31 July 2007)

Although the Harry Potter books are charming for kids and adults, this Harry Potter film contains none of that charm, not one bit. Fans of the series will surely understand what is going on but anyone who sees this as their first Potter film will be bewildered. Part of that is natural since it is part of a series, but some fault must lie with with director who once again shows that TV experience does not qualify one for the big screen.
Harry and his friends seem tired, dazed and confused in this film.
The special effects are quite pedestrian although the scene with the thousands of glass globes breaking was interesting.
You expect more from Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman but they have no script to work with so they are mere afterthoughts.
The main villain, Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, is played as a stupid cartoon character and an obvious reference to the Queen Mother.
Fans will surely like the film as it does advance the story, but on its own, it's not very good.