Finally a HP film that does the book justice

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2005)

First the bad points. There were many scenes that seemed so rushed in its script and on screen delivery that you can easily imagine someone standing just off screen with a stopwatch saying, "Come on! Quicker! We need this scene to be 10 seconds shorter." Yep, that was it for the bad points!
NOW for the good points. Considering that the screenwriter and director had to deal with condensing such a huge book into a movie that wasn't agonizingly long, it was marvelously achieved. I applaud the cutting of cutsie elements from the book such as the elves, S.P.E.W. and a lengthy Quiddich World Cup. They just weren't necessary to keep the film moving - and keep moving it did. This 2 hour and 45 minute experience (including all the advertisements) went by so fast that I almost felt sad that it was over. The actors have certainly churned out their best performances and for the first time Daniel Radcliffe showed a true connection with his character. The others were just as comfortable in their roles and captured the troubles with teen hormones brilliantly.
I can't say enough praises for Brendan Gleeson's performance as Mad Eye Moody. He could be burst-out-laughing funny and then turn the mood immediately chillingly cold. Fantastic casting all around.
The action scenes were some of the best choreographed that I've seen in a long time. The dragon felt very real and you completely forget it is computer animated.
Well, that's enough from me. This movie is well worth the money to go see and I am happily going to spend the money to see it again.