Decent direction can't turn this movie into anything but a big game of Clue.

Rating: 6/10 (7 June 2004)

Not being one of the hoards of pre-teen Harry Potter fans wanting to jump back into Hogwarts for another round of magic and mayhem, I was probably one of the few who went to see what acclaimed director Alfonso Cuaron of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" fame had done with the story. Would Harry and Ron take Hermione on a fun filled road trip to the beach having various erotic encounters along the way? Not likely.
What I found was more of the same from the other pictures. If you are a fan and have read everything about the young wizard, you are sure to find a treat in seeing it play out on the big screen. However as just another muggle with a penchant for movie watching, the story line can be a bit boring and dare I say soap operish at times. As with the end of the last film, I felt like we were in the middle of a big game of Clue, with the Prisoner of Azkaban in the cabin with the candlestick as one of the many possible scenarios.
Visually stunning and special effect full, this latest entry was a pleasure to enjoy. The camera shots are far superior to the work from the first two and you couldn't ask for better back drops for Harry and friends to fly, run, fight, and frolic as we wind down another chapter in Who Dun It mystery theater.
Like Chinese food it's a fun ride but at the end a little unfulfilling. How this film avoided PG-13 for scare and violence is beyond me. 6/10 Maddis.