As a film very good, as an adaption from a novel not so good.

Rating: 7/10 (1 February 2005)

As a film very good, as an adaption from a novel not so good.
What I mean here is that the film looks lovely, the actors (children as well as adults) give creditable performances and the special effects are well produced, as a film there's little to criticize. The problem comes from the fact that you only get a skeletal sketch of the novel itself.
Most people have criticized the film for not explaining fully the marauders map for instance, however, the problem goes deeper then this. The time it took for harry to produce a petronus was greater, giving Lupin and Harry time to converse (I don't remember walks on bridges or woods). But what I found most astonishing was (unless I've missed it) the lack of explanation as to why Snape loathed the Potters, Sirius and Lupin - this is really quite central to Snape/Harry relation, and if it was covered it was fleeting. All in all the novel had a good deal more depth and detail then was in the film. Perhaps if the director didn't waste time on unfunny shrunken heads he could have added more detail that was actually in the book.
If you haven't read the novels or are quite content with the essence of the book then this should prove to be a very enjoyable film. If you have read the novel you may find yourself grumbling slightly under you breath but you will still enjoy the film - just don't be too literal.