Saw it. Loved it. In fact I'm going to speak the heresy. I liked it better than the book.
I think that's more acceptable though, if you understand I didn't really like the book. I mean I got it. I understand why it had to be dark, and why Harry as a character had to be more disagreeable than he'd previously been. I see why all that was necessary to the telling of the complete 7 volume story. I just didn't enjoy it.
I enjoyed the movie though. Loved the score. It stayed classic Potter, yet snuck out every once in a while to take chances. Guided, and punched everything beautifully.
The new characters were perfectly cast. Dolores Umbridge was totally loathsome. It was a difficult role, and the actress played it perfectly never letting it get out of control. Bellatrix Lestrange was one you could take over the top though, and Helena Bonham Carter didn't hesitate. You find yourself hating her, but wanting to see more of her. Really impressed by the girl who played Luna. I didn't care for Luna Lovegood in the book, but in the movie the actress forced me to like her.
The wizard's duel at the end was spectacular. There were these unexpected thrills. One should see that wizard's duel now, because it's all doomed to be imitated to death in the next five years, and it will all look old and cliched in no time at all.
This is one you really have to see in the theatre to get, I think. There was a guy in the seat next to me making a cam version. That was interesting. He was beeping away when the movie started, pounding away at the buttons, making the little lights flash, then he slung the thing around his neck. I'm glad I didn't just watch the cam version this time. There's no way I would be raving the movie the way I am right now if I had.
This one might be the most re-viewable of the bunch. I think people who only like it now, will love it after they see it 2, or 3 times. There's a lot of underlying detail, and texture.
