First of all, it was very dark-pretty much all of it. Also, most of the time was spent with character development. Yes, they are adolescents now, but it was too much. The movie was much like the middle installment of the original Star Wars trilogy-by the end of the movie you are completely depressed. The only reason you have any hope for the trio of characters is that you know it's a Hollywood movie and good will triumph by the end of the next installment. The effects are great, as is most of the acting. I just prefer walking out of the theater with a smile. I think it would have been better had they interspersed some happiness like they did in the first few Potter movies. There are enough depressing things in life as it is :-)