I'm not sure if it was the original intention of the book to drag out events that transpired in Part I. Intended or not, it doesn't work onscreen. You don't do "character development" for the sake of doing it if the material is lacking punch (the good stuff all went to Part II, I heard), or that the young cast is not capable of handling the acting baggage (Part I devotes most of its time to melodramatic, talky scenes). Basically, they just didn't have enough interesting material for two movies to share. I also missed the whimsical tone and melodic score of past Potter movies. This darker, violent, gloomy, dull sequel just doesn't feel like a Harry Potter movie.
Regardless, you'll need to watch this anyway if you have been following the series up till now. Good luck to Part II.
Definitely not for newcomers.
Not cool: The amped up violence; one nude scene that felt a little inappropriate.
Saw it at: Golden Village Jurong Point, weekend morning show.
Cost: Free (courtesy of HSBC Reward Programme)
