Post subject to spoilers, you've been warned, in small print n~n
Seen this last week, I was also tempted to write a review on it and post it here, however I feel that not having read the book would fracture the consistency of the analysis. With that said, I'm quite a large fan of the movies, and have yet to have not enjoyed one. This was no exception. However, with the latter statements, I feel that it was most certainly a film you would not enjoy had you not seen prior films, in saying that, not a great number of people who haven't been following the previous installments would have gone to see it anyway. The interesting this is, I found the film to be quite visual in a different way. Without the usual Hogwarts grounds making much of an appearance, it gave way to more challenges to the director of photography. We seen a lot more environment and less set work or man made environments. This was the work of the new director of photography.
I did notice however, that there was a contradiction. When Ron destroyed the Horcrux, he stated that there was only "three to go", however, there was 8 in total, 4 of which had been destroyed, so there was still 4 left. I decided to google it to see was I missing something, but it turns out that they made a mistake in that regard. Rookie error in my opinion.
There was also a flash back to when Voldemort killed Harry's parents. However, Voldemort was shown as his broken self, which doesn't make sense as he was still human at this point, rather than the snake like figure we see in the film. Also in Godric's Hollow, none of the characters (Harry, Hermione etc.) had their breath showing, despite the snow on the ground and the obvious low temperatures.
There are several little plot holes and continuity mistakes in the film, but by large I enjoyed it quite a lot. I've been informed that the second half should be a lot more action based. I did also miss Hogwarts however, I miss the fact that they were students so it kind of brought my emotions to a stand stead when I seen they were all alone. Some heartbreaking scenes such as Hermione having to leave her parents and the death of Hedwig & Dobbie, the film felt a lot more serious and emotional this time around. However, necessary due to Dumbledore dying in the previous film.
I eagerly away the second film to be true, I rather hope that John Williams composes the soundtrack, though that's wishful thinking to be true. All in all I'd give it high marks, a little over 4 stars. Worth the watch if you're any way a fan of the HP fanatic.