Saw it opening weekend.
In a word: Cool.
Lovers of the book series will find a lot here to complain about. Crookshanks the cat and several characters have been dimmed down. But you can't stuff a 350 page book into 2 hours. I liked the fact that we saw more locations of Hogwarts -- and the whole Hippogriff stuff was very well done, especially showing Harry's love of flying.
I was disappointed in seeing how much Quidditch they cut out -- but in a movie that establishes Lupin and Black as major characters for the next few books, I can see why the director/writers did what they did. I also liked the effects in this movie -- not as over the top as in #2.
The werewolf scenes were done without precedent - it was better than I'd imagined. I also was gasping at Harry's Patronus charm done to drive away the dementors. Quite possibly one of the nicest effects I've seen in movies in a long time. Daniel Radcliff sure is becoming a good actor -- I wish the Rupert Grint would stop freaking out as much as Ron. Get a better scared face!
One particular scene was not in the book but gave the great feeling of "belonging" that Harry felt at Hogwarts. He and a bunch of his roommates are sitting around, trying different magical candies. Each one gets to make some fun noises - Harry tries a peppery candy and smoke comes out of his ears. Really funny - but it is his reaction with "the guys" that shows that he is truly home and has a place to fit in. Good for him.
Well done movie, wish it was a bit longer, wish more Quidditch, loved the Firebolt, hope Book Four is done even better. It's good to see these actors grow right along with the book's characters too.
