This is my least favorite of the HP franchise films, and now I see why. The movie is never as good as the book, of course, but the film just does this book a true disservice. I understand the books are long and the film can’t fit every little detail, but a lot is left out that make the character portrayal seem rather disingenuous on screen.  

Sirius’ Black portrayal in the books is so much more enjoyable because Rowling actually paints him as a rather flawed, rugged and emotionally damaged man. Which he is. I think Sirius’ character is my favorite part about this book because it seems much more sincere and real. 

Same goes with Harry.. I found myself at many points in this book not really liking Harry all that much. I got rather annoyed with him and his emotional outbursts and anger issues, but they felt sincere. He’s a teen, who has the world on his shoulders due to no fault of his own… and his life is constantly in turmoil just for being who he is. I think the films tend to heroize him heavily whereas the films show him in every light. The good, and the bad. 

The occulemency scenes in particular with Snape were intriguing, and Dumbledore is an entirely different character in the novels. I loved Michael Gambon on screen (may he rest in peace), but I can finally say, the people who have been shouting over the years that Richard Harris (also rip) gave the most accurate portrayal of the legendary wizard, are absolutely correct and just. 

Overall, I give this a 4.75. It got a bit slow for me toward the end. Some of the scenes such as with Cho I could’ve done without, as I found them unnecessary and rather un enjoyable.