The Best of the Harry Potter franchise

Rating: 8/10 (30 November 2014)

10 Years after it's release, this film remains my favorite of the Harry Potter franchise. The 3 leads (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) have settled into the characters and the world of movie making and are more than capable of steering these movies. The supporting cast of British acting royalty (Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Robert Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, David Thewliss and Gary Oldman) have a good time playing in this world and the plot is the most interesting of the series.
But it is the direction of Alfonso Cuaron that sets this film apart. The first two movies, under the direction of Chris Columbus, the world of Harry Potter was established looking and feeling like a "kids" film. Under Cuaron's direction, it transformed into something much more adult. This is a darker story, so this film was shot very dark, the sets are dark, the costumes are dark and it rains constantly. It sets the mood very, very well.
His use of everyday clothes (versus constantly being in their school uniforms) also adds to the realistic feel of this movie.
As for the story, time travel plot lines are always tricky, but this movie pulls it off well and fairly.
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (of Marquis)