For once I wasn't disappointed - not even a little bit! awesomo!

Rating: 7/10 (14 July 2007)

Well I went into this movie without many expectations and without rereading the book (it was my least fave) but having said that, this film i enjoyed so much and didn't come out thinking 'omg what was that?' What really made this good was the fact that everyone acted really well for once. Nothing felt too contrived. There were a lot of moments skirted over (i'm glad they cut all that stuff about cleaning out the house) but they kept all the key checkpoints. And for once, one could emote with Harry. His performance was top here and I could really feel his anguish and despair. Well done Radcliffe. What was also a plus was Luna - really well cast as was Umbridge (i was skeptical at first cos at first glance you just want to hug Imelda Staunton).
The SFX was great too and the climax at the Ministry was given full justice (unlike last film's).
The use of hand-held shots was refreshing too. And nice moments caught by the director esp with Ginny. (v.subtle but there nonetheless).
Definitely the best Potter movie since the debacle of no.3 and 4. If you treat it as a separate entity to the book.