Wow!

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2005)

I just got back (literally just walked in the door) from the midnight showing of this movie and all I have to say is "Wow!" This movie exceeded all of my expectations. After the third movie left out so many vital plot points and confused the timeline, I was concerned that the movie version of a book twice the size of the 3rd would leave out and confuse even more important information. Needless to say, I left the theater after the third one slightly disappointed and believed that I would have the same reaction to this film. Not so.
This film, on the whole, stayed very true to the book. Small things were left out or changed but it did not have a tremendous effect on the plot. I did feel that some parts were rushed, but given that Kloves was given a 2.5 hour time limit, I understand the reasoning behind the parts he rushed and feel that he made good calls with what to leave in and what to throw out. All of the main characters, especially Daniel Radcliffe, have improved their acting tremendously in this film. The parts were cast so well. All emotions (by all characters)were expressed so well both in dialogue and facial expressions. I believed every character. Such was never the case in previous Potter films. There was, in my opinion, a perfect balance of comedy, drama, suspense, and action. Very, very few "cheesy" moments that I wish had been done differently, and no aspect of the film was overdone. I personally loved the sly comments by "Mad-Eye" Moody which the view does not understand the significance of until after the film is complete (unless, of course, they have previously read the books).
This is, in my opinion, by far the best Harry Potter film released to date. I will definitely see it again.