Absolutely brilliant.

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2004)

I just got back from the 12:01am opening of HP: PoA in NYC, Times Square (June 4th). Now 3:44am :)
This was a wonderful movie, and I say this without reservation as a big fan of the books. Of course there were many changes, but overall they carried the viewer through the many twists and turns with an exciting pace and lots of chuckles along the way. Emma (Hermione) was absolutely delightful. Rupert always steals the scenes. Daniel shone as usual, and of course Robbie, Maggie, and Alan along with Emma Thompson were absolutely fantastic. Much cleverness and many laughs. Thankfully it did not end in a triangle like "Y Tu Mama, Tambien," ... of course that would have put an interesting spin on things ... I guess they are still a little young for that. As Umbridge would say, I have "just the teensiest little" criticism,
about which I will not go into detail because I don't want to give any spoilers, but it has to do with the portrayal of the Quidditch match and the behavior of the dementors. Just a choice I don't quite understand. Alas, only Allah can make a perfect movie.
Peace,
Waldo