Best Potter yet.Comes closest to the feeling of the books.

Rating: 9/10 (7 June 2004)

Chris Columbus was roundly castigated for his "slavish" adherence to the J.K. Rowling books when he directed the first two films. Ironically, Alfonso Curon's very different approach has yielded a film that gives a better sense of the spirit of the books.
The Columbus films had a slow pace and a lot of annoying little continuity errors. Half the time there were lenses in Harry's glasses, the other half not, etc. And he simply spent too much time on the wrong things. His direction of the child leads appeared to be about getting a look or expression rather than helping these talented youngsters fully realize their potential.
Curon has gone the other way with the same cast and what they have achieved together is real and immediate. He has also found the heart and humor of the Rowling books and translated that to the screen. This is a fast paced delightful film that is alternately dark and funny, just like the books.
If you love the books but were a bit disappointed by the first two films this may be the Potter film you've been waiting for.