A huge disappointment for fans and newcomers alike

Rating: 1/10 (14 July 2007)

I simply do not understand how anyone could have enjoyed this movie. As a standalone work without reference to the book it was dull, yet glitzy, incomprehensible drivel. It became almost impossible for someone who had not read the texts to understand a thing, especially for one who had not before seen the films. Many characters were never introduced and there was no significant character development nor was there real motivation for actions given.
-Some spoilers here, but not substantial ones for the book reader-
For the book reader the film was one disappointment or incongruity after another. Many completely unnecessary changes were made, some with no real impact (eg Harry never seeing Snape's past in the pensieve; rather, only after using the Protego charm), as well as some causing mild damage. An example of this would be using Cho as a leak for the DA and omitting her friend, hardly an improvement since the extra character could not have been less developed than Cho. Further, the idea of Umbridge having used Veritaserum to coerce Cho removes any justification for Harry's continued dislike of her, in the coming films.
A third type of change was simply ridiculous, namely those pandering to senseless cliché. The idea of Voldemort attempting to convince Harry to use the Cruciatus curse on Belatrix, releasing his anger, hearkened far too strongly to Star Wars to be a valuable addition. One half expected Voldemort to announce that Harry was his son!
-End of spoiler content-
All in all the title is interesting neither for its merit as a film in and of itself nor as a transliteration of the novels; rather, it is a cheap and senseless attempt to cash in on a franchise being worn to dust by over-commercialisation.