Definitely NOT a kids movie...Possible Spoilers...

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2004)

Dark...I noticed that from the previews in the theaters before the movie came out and on TV when they finally got around the showing the previews. It seems that as the "kids" grow up, their plights do as well. This Harry Potter series is not the "kiddie" movie that some have said the previous installments were. This movie is more adult with young cast members in almost adult roles.
I liked this movie, although I know a lot of people will be disappointed in it. Gone was a lot of the comedy, as it seems that even the adorable Ronald Weasley has matured to the point of not being so quick with the one liners any longer. Harry is harder in this film, as if he has had "enough" of everything and everyone and is finally fighting back. The results are not what makes for a kids movie. Hermione seems a little haughtier in this movie as if even she is finally realizing how great of a witch she is. I was disappointed in Draco Malfoy's part in this movie to a degree. Tom Felton has obviously proven himself to be a great actor, yet Draco's part seems to be minimized in this movie...absent to an almost total degree were Crab and Goyle as well. Draco seems to not be as snotty and hateful as he once was, which was a bad change in his part. Where he now should be hateful, backbiting, cunning to an evil degree and self serving, he now seems to be more along the lines of what he should have been when he was younger...sniveling and attention seeking.
All of the kids have matured in this movie, even the hapless Neville Longbottom, whom I almost didn't recognize; and while it is still enjoyable, kids may no longer be able to relate to the trio of Harry, Ronald and Hermione, as they once did.
I have to say that in this movie, I was the most disappointed in Dumbeldore. While I know that no one can ever replace Richard Harris, I still expected more from Michael Gambon, as established of an actor as he is. Instead Dumbeldore seemed almost wooden and flighty. Gone was the "attitude with a mere look" that was so common with Dumbeldore, the "calm in the storm" and the sheer "power" he seemed to have over all of the children just by standing in the Great Hall. I was also disappointed that Maggie Smith's part was not larger. She is one heck of an actress and deserved much more exposure than she got, as she has proven in the past that no one can play Professor MacGonagall the way she can.
Even Hagrid seemed a bit darker in this one. He too seemed harder, as if time has been wearing on him and has caused him great pain.
The effects in this movie were spectacular. I especially loved the Hippogryph, the beast from legend and lore that has the face and wings of a large eagle and the body and tail of a horse. This creature was totally believable. My favorite however had to be the Dementors, creatures whose sole purpose was to mete out justice, although their form of justice is not what is necessarily "just."
I would suggest this movie to children 12 years old and absolutely for adults. I would not recommend it for smaller children as there is not much any longer, as I said before, that children under the age of 12 can relate to. Harry, Ronald and Hermione are NOT children any longer. I liked it and am greatly anticipating the next installment.
I gave this movie and 8 out of 10 and would see it again in a heartbeat...
Mischief Managed...