The Harry Potter Movies have been “growing up” along with my own Daughter, so as they get more complex and dark it’s fine.
Hmmm, what to say? There were a couple moments that made me go “Ugh” especially when the a little girl is violently assaulted by an invisible “curse” then silently screamed in pain, obvious terrifying pain. Serious gut pummeling pain.
The Soap Opera parts were fine, kind of silly.
I have only two gripes.
1. For a good guy, Harry Potter is a dick. Serious Dick. His “enemy” is crying and sobbing in the bathroom and Harry busts out the “You’re a dick and deserve your pain” rather than even attempting to rise above the level, not really a “good guy” move. That’s really how Harry is always written, fairly nice to his friends and a complete dick to anyone he perceives as bad, without any consideration for looking deeper than his own notions.
2. The ending was abrupt, there was no lead up and no lead in, just boom boom dead.
I know it’s leading to the next story, but with no on-screen examples of how Voldemort is bad (beyond one bridge and one kidnapping and a bit of Children of The Corn tomfoolery) we don’t get the sense that Voldemort is anything more than a really murderous Elvis.
I’d have to say that I enjoyed the flick; but I’d recommend the book as a companion. Not having read it myself, I am writing this recommendation on faith from the actual fans I work with.