Managed to attend a repeat viewing yesterday, and I'm happy to say: I found it much more gratifying this time around. I'm now fully convinced that the main issue of this film are the numerous subplots going on, which in turn hinders important character expansion and progress.

I remember very clearly walking out of the theatre after seeing it the first time, and I had this brooding, disappointing feeling inside me. The realization came to me today, that it had to do with the disarray of all the different subplots. I was able to enjoy it more now because of this. And it has to be said: The production value of this film, and the whole franchise for that matter, is easily some of the best in film history.
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It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. — Albus Dumbledore