Viewed in
2007, 2009, 2011
Formats
3D IMAX, DVD, Cable TV (w/ commercial w/ deleted scenes)
Premise
In the fifth installment of the popular book/movie series, Harry feels isolated as he has bad dreams and the rest of the school does not believe his story about Voldemort's return.
Liked
The comedic timing of the actors.
Thoughts
It was not a bad movie, but not of my favorites.
Unlike most adaptations, the problem was there were not enough story changes. Blame goes to the new screenwriter and director for not having the balls to make necessary shortcuts to make it an entertaining movie.
When I saw the trailers and heard about the short length, I was afraid they were going to try to cram every chapter in. Unfortunately, I was right. They even tried to keep the same dialogue. So there were literally three seconds long chapters. The audience had no time to laugh, cry, scream, wonder at any scenes. I felt like I was watching a Cliff Notes version of the novel.
The one pleasant surprise was making Ginny's presence a bit larger than in the book. Those who have read the next novel know what this is setting up.
I also enjoyed the 3D IMAX, the glasses were not cumbersome but also easily fit around your eyeglasses. The 3D quality was very well done. It would have been nice to have it through the entire movie instead of just the last 20 minutes.
What I would change
Long answer: Focused more on certain aspects such as Harry's relationship with Sirius Black and Harry's lack of contact with Dumbledore. Taken out: Dudley, Grawp and Hagrid.
