Prepared Me Well For The Next Film

Rating: Null/10 (28 July 2007)

I'd been looking forward to this film for a long time. Ever since I read the fifth book, around the same time the fourth movie came out. So, I was really excited to finally find out how this book translated to film.
I felt the relayed the essential points of the movie very well, at least those points I remember most. I thought they did an excellent job on Umbridge. She was definitely a "pink nightmare." I also loved Luna Lovegood. I thought that actress did a wonderful job. I could forget she was acting and just see her as Luna during the film. I can't wait to see how she does in Deathly Hallows! And of course, the Trio (Harry, Ron, Hermione) were great as usual as were all the other regular, returning characters. My daughter loved how Neville could never get his spells right! ;-)
There were a few differences in the movie from the book and some scenes were left out, but that has been true of all the books (and not just HP books that have been turned into movies). A movie can never be as good as the book unless the book was written after the movie, in my opinion.
But for what it was, I think that this latest Harry Potter movie installment was just excellent. It prepared me well for the next movie to come. It did carry along at a pretty fast pace, hardly giving one time to breathe, but considering all the scenes that did have to be put in, it's amazing they did it in only two and a half hours. I though wouldn't have minded if it had been three hours instead. I'm excited to find out what deleted scenes will be added to the DVD version as extras or more movie...
And now I am eagerly awaiting how the next two books will be changed to fit the movie format and fit in with the already established Harry Potter movie universe (which does differ a bit from the HP book universe).
So, if you liked the other movies and felt they did do a fair job at keeping the essential parts of the books in the movie, then you won't be disappointed with this latest Harry Potter film. If you have only seen the films, then you should love it! My four-year-old and her seven-year-old cousin did! And the side of me that can watch it for movie value alone also thought it was wonderful ;-)!
For the rest of Harry Potter fans that don't think any of the films quite lived up to their own vision of the books, well then this one probably won't either. But for the rest of us, we can all enjoy our popcorn and candy and enjoy the movie for what it is. And know the people making the movies are doing the best that they can.
I must add that I hope much of what was left out or edited out is added back when this movie comes out to DVD, and not as extras but as actual footage in the film.