I wasn't expecting too much from this movie, based on the reviews I had read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had watching this movie. Mind you, it is not in the running for an Academy Award, but it was packed with enough action and enough special effects that it kept my interest. And, since my expectations were low to begin with, it didn't disappoint. Fun for an afternoon with the kids, but not if it's taken too seriously.
I wasn't expecting any great cinematic exploits with this movie, just a fun action flick, and that's what I got. The special effects were good, the acting was fair and the story line was different enough from the first movie that I didn't feel like I was watching the same thing all over again. I would go see it again with other friends if I had the chance.
I went to see this movie with my 12 year old son, and we both liked it, although parts of it, I'm told, are better understood if you've read the book before seeing the movie. Still, I thought it was suspensefull, intriguing, and a good movie overall. For Harry Potter fans, I think it is a good continuation of the story and the previous movies.