The acting has come a LONG way and so far, this is the trio of young magicians at their best. There's no meed to get into the wonder of J. K. Rowling's intricate story. It was a truly masterfully written series. I'm not one to pander to the commerce-driven lack of vision or talent that spews out onto the screens these days (expecially from Hollywood) but this decision to make 2 films was wise as it explains more. And this film is, in its own right, invaluable, a must-see and downright amazing.

I've read reviews of how it was 'slow-paced.' Are they insane?? The film kicks off with Scrimgour's (Nighy) FABULOUS characterization of the times in a brilliant piece of casting. Then there's the secret mission to move Harry, a harrowing ambush and battle, seeing the shocking death of 2 moving characters. The suspense building at Malfoy Manor, and a gristly murder. An ambushed wedding. Chases by snatchers. Fallings out. Betrayals. More ambushes, showing the diabolical sorcery of Voldemort in his pet/horcrux Nagini. Lovegood's ambush, magical discoveries, kidnappings, rescue attempts and culminating in a brave sacrifice. Then the film ends with a desecration and promise of future horrors. DARK, DARK DARK!! :o) This is no sanctimonious summary. These were the events. And if the film slows down from time to time to reveal more of the complexity of emotional changes that the characters must undergo, and to reveal the complicated plot, not otherwise evident due to the absence of prose (it the FILM, not the book!)....then this is NECESSARY and welcome to convey the veracity of good characterization, and a good story. And it doesn't stay slow for long.

I just can't wait for the final show-down! Some AMAZING actresses and actors will be conveying some amazing characters and I look forward to Alan Rickman's grand revelation of Severus Snape and Maggie Smith's rise to all her glory as the Minerva that NO ONE should mess with! And Molly Weasely showing that a mother's love is its own potent brew...how ironic, given that this was the lesson Voldemort himself should have not just learned but passed on. :o) I have faith in the next film because if this one is anything to go by, the next one will be simply AMAZING!