Where's the Continuity? Possible spoilers.

Rating: 6/10 (12 June 2004)

Overall, the latest installment in the Harry Potter series is a bit of a disappointment, primarily due to the many changes. Not only the unavoidable replacement of the late Richard Harris with Michael Gambon, but the alterations in architecture, landscaping and costuming. It just seemed more like a retelling than a continuation of the first two movies, with the familiar Hogwarts we had got to know from the first two movies replaced with a new vision. More darkness, not as much wonder.
On the positive side, the animation of Buckbeak was top-notch, and seeing Emma Thompson as the very weird Professor Trelawney was a hoot. Also the two lads playing the Weasley twins seem to be getting better actors, and their characters have lost their teenage gawkiness to be replaced with teenage cool.
Personally, I hope Chris Columbus comes back and puts things back to the way they were in the first two movies he helmed personally.