What happened to the story and characters?!

Rating: Null/10 (5 June 2004)

I was seriously excited for this movie and was really disappointed. I didn't mind the differences. I didn't care that the Firebolt was thrown out at the end, the dementors froze stuff and flew, the school looked different.
Whatever... there's only so much time and I like the new look. But what I will not excuse is the poor story-telling and character development.
I am seriously obsessed with the series. This was my favorite book until book five. But I really felt that this movie was boring. Half-way through it I was seriously tired. It lagged but it was RUSHED?! How does a director do this?! The story and lines were sappy and crappy. I felt nothing for the characters. It was like I was dragged through something.
What I hate was that there were scenes included that didn't need to be in there! What's with the lame jokes? Use this time to develop the story and characters better! And why was it so sappy?! I almost wanted to tear my hair out! This was a serious insult to J.K. Rowling's wit, humor, and writing. Even to Harry. Just look at how Harry reacts to Rita Skeeter's article in book four.
What I do have to say for the director was that the children were much better in their roles. But the adults?! In the two previous movies their characters were flawless. They added depth to them. But now... they're just muddled, one-dimensional, and overacting. Why is Hagrid a stupid oaf? Why is Dumbledore so goofy? Why is Lupin so sleazy?
My biggest gripe is the scene with Madam Rosmerta. This is where Harry finds out what happens to his parents! His parents best friend betrayed them and thus left him parentless and almost killed! WHY RUSH THIS SCENE?!?! This is one of the best stories from Harry's past that seriously affects him. The anger and betrayal. They totally destroyed one of my favorite scenes of the series.
BAD, BAD, BAD!!! I hated the movie. I go see movies for a good story. Special effects, cinematography, sets, costumes, etc. are supposed to enhance the movie, not hold it together. Look at Lord of the Rings. They had everything together. They pleased everyone, readers and non-readers. Why can't you do this for a series that so many people love?! And this is the third book! Even J.K. Rowling said that if she had to choose one it would be the third.
All in all, I really, really hated it. I'm so sad he butchered one of the best books in the series. I really hope they choose a better director who understands that Harry Potter isn't really about the monsters and magic but about how multi-dimensional the characters are.