Best so far

Rating: 8/10 (1 June 2004)

A much better plot, and excellent acting by the three pupils - probably because they are now older and therefore more capable - makes this the best of the series so far.
With the setting now firmly established (and surely everybody who sees this has already read the books), the beautifully realized and somewhat extended Hogwarts is now relegated to the background. The mechanics of the wizard world and the operation of the school are all observed, but not laboured, allowing the storytelling to flow more easily.
Maybe it is the timing of the release, away from the traditional Christmas slot, but the replacement of Columbus as director makes the whole thing less sweet and, ultimately, more satisfying.