Now that it's out, what do people think ?

I saw it today (Wed 11th) in Australia, and really like it. It's the best movie of the 5 so far in my opinion. It is truer to the book, although many subplots have been left out for expediency's sake. No Mrs Black, No visit to Hogsmeade on Valentine's day, etc, and other bits are barely mentioned, like the Weasley Twins experimentation with their joke lollies on the students. Some things are condensed, such as who betrayed the DA and why (Cho Chang got interrogated with Veritaserum by Umbridge). But it has the overall feel and mood of OoTP - lots of dark brooding, teenage angst and tension. There are extra bits that add to the entertainment, such as Crookshanks going after the extendable ears.

The acting is by far the best of the whole series. Dan portrays a torn, conflicted Harry very well. The emotion of Sirius's death scene was well done. Emma Watson lost the eyebrow arching, ennounciating overacting that was her tragic effort in GoF and does a really good job of Hermione this time around. Rupert's Ron is sensitive, wiser and with lot of dark humour - a more substantial character. Umbridge is restrained but suitably evil and becomes more so as the film progresses. Staunton did a great job. The new Luna Lovegood is excellent. And finally, Michael Gambon's Dumbledore is closer to the mark - less of the flaky lightweight and much more along the lines of the serene, all knowing and all powerful wizard that he is. Richard Harris would be proud.

The effects are excellent (except a couple of scenes with poor painting of perspective in supposedly long distance backgrounds) and the cinematography sweeping and grand. The use of flashbacks is effective and the montage of Daily Prophet articles helps to speed things along nicely.

There are two lines of great significance that I picked up on. Firstly, Malfoy's line to Harry in the DoM about his scar and secondly, Luna's line to Harry at the end about being reunited with things we've lost. I won't ruin it, but I think that they both have major implications for the 7th book.

Overall, it was great. The wife and I went without our 5 & 8 year olds to see what it was like. We are going back with the kids, as the violence is either threatened or implied, but there is very little actual damage done to people. Luna gets a blood lip at the end in the DoM, but that's about it. Actually, the 6 DA members get off very lightly compared to the book. But, it is suitable for children and not too horrific, which was my concern in checking out without them first.

I loved it. Best one of the whole series. I'm glad the same director is back for the 6th one and hope he'll be back for the 7th. Go and see it for sure - you won't be disappointed. It will be simply loved by Harry fans.

Durro