Like Harry Potter? You'll Like The Film!

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2004)

This is my first time posting a review, so bare with me. I also have a 1,000 word limit, and that hurts me to because of how much there is to talk about in regards to this movie.
But, getting on with it. The point I want to address is the general adaptation of it. It basically works like this. Either you are expecting a 100% literal translation of book into film, something that has a similar feel but is very new and interesting, or a mixture of the both. In my opinion, PoA is the mixture of both.
If you are looking for the exact story in a motion picture format, you'll be disappointed. Likewise, if you are looking for something only vaguely like the book, you'll be disappointed to.
The movie captures all the biggest parts, but does leave a lot out. Many fans will be disappointed several important things are left out, in my opinion, namely the history behind the Marauders Map.
Overall, though, as a movie, it was pretty good. Special Effects were top notch, acting was better, the story was good. Not looking at it as a book, but simply as a movie, it does alright!
My rating? If you like Harry Potter in general, you'll probably like the movie. Non-Fans probably won't get much out of it and may have a hard time keeping up. So, I give it an 8/10. Also I think it's better than the first two.
One final note. Even though it is PG rated, I thought that the entire movie was geared for a slightly older audience than the first two. So, know your kids before taking them and leave the really young ones at home perhaps!