Excellent film, don't mind the plot changes at all.

Rating: 10/10 (8 May 2005)

I am a huge Harry Potter fan, however, I read the books only after having watched the first two films on TV and Azkaban in a movie theater. Actually, it was Azkaban that did it for me.
I like the third film better than the first two, and don't mind any of the changes made to the plot. It now reflects Harry's inner feelings and development, and this is OK.
Cuarón's work is much more artistic, and creates an atmosphere that Columbus failed to achieve. I have watched this film so many times now that I fully appreciate it on its own, separately from the book. The time-turner sequence is an accurate portrayal of events, and actually clarifies the rules of time-traveling.
However, I think that before watching the upcoming film, Goblet of Fire, you should read the book first, or you won't understand much of the story. A book which is that long can not possibly be adapted to screen without making considerable changes. I am very much looking forward to Goblet, nevertheless, and can't wait to see how the new director manages to tell the story.