Utterly Disappointing

Rating: 1/10 (16 August 2004)

I used to be one of those stubborn people who wasn't going to read the Harry Potter series books. However, after seeing the first movie (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone), I was hooked! I read everything Harry Potter I could get my hands on. At that time, only four books had been released and the third (Prisoner of Azkaban) was my hands-down favorite. It had so much intrigue and plot development, I couldn't wait to see it portrayed on screen!
For me, reading the first two books and seeing the first two movies are essentially the same experience. There are some things that are better in the books and others that are more enjoyable visually. Sadly, I cannot say the same for the third movie. So many details are excluded and so much is inconsistent with the first two films that I am now turned off to Harry Potter movies altogether. I realize that with a new director there will always be change, but I don't think this director does the book justice.
Do yourself a favor -- skip the movie and re-read the book.