This movie was all about Harry

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2007)

That's what the director (Yates) wanted the movie to be. I'm about half way through the book and have now seen the movie... so I have a half and half perspective. Thus far the book has been intriguing, and I believe Yates is right the movie should be about Harry and his struggle. Meaning if it doesn't impact Harry directly then it will be left out. No time to develop side stories and characters.
Does the Movie follow the book exactly? No, but after the first four films you should know that. Things get moved around, and left out.
Is this a stand alone film? No, if you have not at least seen the other movies you will be lost. And most likely hate the movie.
Also I noticed that reading the book (or at least half of it) did supplement the jumps in the movie. I could piece together what happened in between scenes. Also I was able to enjoy some of the Easter eggs (stuff for the fans that just movie goers would not notice) Once the movie passed the point of what I had read the movie still made sense, and progressed smoothly enough for me not to think I was missing something.
There wasn't a lot of screen time for our favorites, but if you give a character that in the past did not get that much screen time then you have to subtract from another. I for one am glad that they gave George and Fred more screen time. I like the characters, and it brought some humor to a film that was filled with a lot of negative emotion. Luna was great, but I think she needed a little more screen time to develop her better. Cho still really nothing there to make me feel like Harry would if she died. No emotional connection. I think Ginny could have used a bit more face time. Her advancements in magic even though hinted at in the movie would have taken to long to explain out on film. Kreacher also needed a little more time, without reading the book his presents really made little sense other than just a token creature wandering about.
I think the movie accomplished everything that Yates wanted. He also included plenty of Easter eggs in the film. Myself I could have used another hour, especially during the final fight scene. All in all I am happy with the film and look forward to seeing it possibly once more on the big screen, and then on DVD.