Less a Harry Potter movie than an homage to Alfonso Cuarón

Rating: 1/10 (30 August 2004)

This is the only HP movie to come out so far that I actually disliked. The biggest problem are the many unnecessary changes that Cuaron makes only becuase he wants to. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out the Trivia section here at IMDB. There are two items listed as being "In honor of Alfonos Cuaron's Mexican Heritage" and not one but TWO director's cameos. More than anything that shows that Cuaron was more interested in himself than the work at hand.
There are major changes not only from the book but from the previous films. Many of the changes alter the overall "feel" of the movie. The sense of wonder that is maintained and fostered by the first two movies and all the books is replaced by one of foreboding and dread.
Overall, the film just falls flat because the director failed to understand the soul of the work.