I gave a review on the JK thread in Books, however let me give a more movie review here.
*** SPOILERS ***
Firstly, as Jenn has said a number of times, it's a movie ... not the book.
I feel they did a good job of giving what needed to be told from the book. My wife has not read any of the books, seen the movies, and understood everything.
That said, of course if you have read the book there are going to be personal favourite moments you want more of (like the Weasley twins for me), but it is not necessary for the push of the story in a movie.
Excellent pacing. It just kept moving along without losing any of the emotional base. You get a great sense that things are totally going to sh!t, and that Voldemort and the Deatheaters are a threat always arond the corner. And when they finally show up! ... wow, visually very well done...
All the principles were played very well, and it was nice to see all the old teachers back at the Order of the Pheonix.
Snape was played with relish a salways and his limited time on screen is filled with a great performance that is always remembered.
The same goes for Oldman's Serius Black.
And Umbridge was played with a deliciously visious quality behind tah almost comical demeanor. Great work
Jenn commented on how pathetic Harry's first kiss was... poor guy ... hey, lets call it acting for now, as it IS Harry's first kiss ... the guy's not a pro yet...
All the changes made were well thought out. The idea of making it seem like Cho sold them out was a nice touch...
An to close out this review (as I could seriously go on forever --- but I'm working right now --- supposedly), I go back to the pacing.. it was well done,,, I truly felt as if the rise of Voldemort and the Deatheater army was such a powerful, looming threat ... all the little directorial touches (lighting, camera movement) were all used to good effect.
Go see this in the theatre.
two thumbs up
