Shockingly different...

Rating: Null/10 (21 June 2004)

The first two HP films are children's fairytales, but part three is a dark,
mysterious thrill ride.
[possible spoilers]
The Good:
--Daniel, Emma, and Rupert are great. They were charming kids in the first two films, and they are fascinating teenagers in this film.
--More scenes with the "other" kids, notably the Weasely twins.
--Alan Rickman gets a bit more to do as Snape, to great effect.
--Gary Oldman is well-chosen to play Sirius Black, although the role is small.
--The visual effects are brilliant, particularly the Dementors and the Hippogriff.
--Lovely score by John Williams.
The Bad:
--Minerva McGonagall is largely absent.
--The Quidditch is chopped way down.
--Richard Harris' Dumbledore is sadly missed.
--No explanation of the Marauder's Map's creators, or the significance of Harry's Patronus.

The Ugly:
--The opening scene resembles a home movie, with camera wobbles and unpleasant swoops, although Aunt Marge blew up quite nicely.
--The film ends on an artificial "happy" note (as did Chamber of Secrets), strangely lacking in gloom and foreboding of evil, considering the dangerous events of the previous evening.

All in all, it's entertaining and bears repeat viewings, despite the missing chunks of the story. I'll rate it 8 of 10, with a strong recommendation to read the book.