Very disappointing

Rating: 5/10 (26 June 2004)

This movie was made for those who haven't read the books. If it were a stand alone movie instead of one in the middle of a series it might not be so bad. Unfortunately for Harry Potter fans it is one from the middle of the series. When the series is done and you sit down to watch them one after the other this one will be a jarring note. Hogwarts has been changed inside and out. Even poor professor Flitwick doesn't look like himself.
Even as a stand alone movie it has problems. The first half of the movie flies by and the poor actors have to react to situations in ways that make no sense. For example, Harry & Hermione both fly off the handle with little provocation. There is absolutely no build up to give you any idea why they are reacting the way they do. Even new characters do things that make no sense - Lupin taking Harry for a walk in the Forbidden Forest (off limits to students) after he scolds Harry for walking around the inside of the school at night.
Go see the movie just because you're a fan but expect to be disappointed. Here's to hoping the next director is more concerned with the total picture (the series) than his piece of it.