A fine start to the end

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2010)

I have only read one book in the series, which is Deathly Hallows. I have been a fan of all 6 previous films solely based on the films themselves. Having read Deathly Hallows I came into this film with a little nagging concern. Would I be like some who are readers of the books and have felt the films removed way too much? Or would I continue to be content with the story and enjoy it the same? The answer is a resounding I loved this! Having read the book previous actually helped me to enjoy this film even more.
This is by far my favorite film to date. I was worried how Kloves would handle the tremendous amount of exposition that comes with this book. I need not have worried as there are elements which are downplayed considerably; most notably Harry's growing doubt of Dumbledore (this is only hinted at), his farewell to the Dursley's and the efforts on the home-front, mainly the Lovegood updates from the home-front. The camping scenes, as they have come to be known, are handled expertly and it is these segments that are some of the most enjoyable.
There are some embellishments here and there, all work well, especially a dancing segment during the camping montage. There are no surprise deaths, fans will be relived to know the deaths from the book have not been softened or changed.
Cinematography,music, SFX's, all are some of the best to date. The acting too is fantastic. I had read many a review previous to seeing the film that highlighted Grint's turn as Ron this go around as being the stand out. I have to agree he is the best he has ever been. But to me, Emma Watson is the diamond here. She has probably matured the most of the three leads, funny that she is the one who really isn't set on continuing to act after all the Potter films have come out.
One of the best films I have seen this year, it whets the appetite and has me anxious for the finale in July.