Ups and downs, but let's try to be rational here (SPOILERS AHEAD)

Rating: Null/10 (10 June 2004)

Okay. I'm gonna start by saying that I am a big fan of the Harry Potter film series. I have not yet read the books, but I will be getting around to it. I enjoyed Philosopher's Stone, and Chamber Of Secrets even more, and deeply enjoyed Prisoner Of Azkaban.
Here's why:
1. I know it gets said over and over again, but the acting of the magic trio: Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson. They're only 14-16, and they do such a great job!
2. The Dementors were damn creepy. I'm 20 and they were thrilling!

3. Alan Rickman as Snape was fantastic. Rickman threw more passion into his character in this one, and it shows in the scene where he confronts Lupin and Black.
4. Buckbeak. Buckbeak, Buckbeak, Buckbeak. Magnificent character. Love the scene where Harry takes his first flight.
5. The cause-and-effect time loop was an interesting addition. Great idea.

Now I'm not saying the movie is perfect. It has it's flaws:
1. Some scenes move by too fast. I agree that they don't explain some things as much as they should.
2. Quidditch should have been longer.
3. Gary Oldman sooooo needed more scenes.

I think when looking at this installment in the series, we have to remember that you can never be as true to the book as you want, because it's a different medium. You have to remember that Harry Potter films now thrive on thrills. From that perspective , they did a good job. The movie is dark, sinister, and suspense-and-thrill packed. So it works for me.