This was a really interesting preface for a movie. It was implemented really well, without the typical lack of plot for special effects or visa versa. It was exciting, new, wonderfully visual, and very sci-fi. There was plenty of action to keep my 2 boys glued to their seats, and a hint of love interest. It had a little for everyone and a little twist to the standard, save the planet films, though not that much of one. And, while not wholly unpredictable, it was charming, colorful and full of action and not quite typical, of any one genre. It was very entertaining and I will be watching it again.
For true Harry Potter book fans, this is lacking in detail, flow, timelines and key threads of the story. For those that have followed the movies only, this is full of action, entertainment, and won't bog you down with plot. It is fun and colorful, and has something for everyone but the true Harry Potter book fans. The kids loved it, even though they read the books. It's certainly entertaining and will still be added to my collection of movies later, but slightly grudgingly.
This was a lot of fun for us old fans and a lot of action for the new ones. It does set itself up for more movies or a series, but I kind of expected that. Still it was a good watch and kept enough of the old formulas and character types without being a parody of it's former self. While at the same time, giving the new cast enough wiggle room to become something more in the future. Again, a fun sci-fi and action film.