The film itself was quite entertaining (better than the last one for sure!) And sufficiently dark. Definitely not one for the little kids. If I had seen this one before the age of 10 I would have has nightmares for a week! But I think the darkness and violence is very true to the feel of the book.

I also really liked the subplot about how the media and politicians manipulated public opinion. The use of The Daily Prophet was interesting and added to the pace to the film. It tied in with Umbridge's ever opressive new rules that were nailed day after day to the Hogwarts stone wall. Both had a similar look and feel while they both became more and more fanatical as the film progressed.

I was a bit worried when I saw the previews, I didn't think they had cast Dolores Umbridge right. But I totally take it back. She was perfect. Creepy, sickly sweet and just plain evil. By the end you never want to see the colour pink ever again.

Luna Lovegood was brilliant as well. Spacey but insightful. Strange but kind. The only thing is that she reminded me a little of the Jan character from the Brady Bunch movies. I kept waiting for her to put on an afro wig and talk about 'Marsha, Marsha, Marsha'.

While we were waiting for the bus after the film we all agreed that the Dumbledore/Voldemort magic fight scene was very reminiscent of the Yoda/Count Dooku light sabre fight scene. Not in a bad way, it just had a similar feel.

But all in all I really liked it. It had a great cast, amazing effects, good pace and just enough eye candy. Admittedly I'm a Potter fan, so take this all with a grain of salt...but if you are a Potter fan too I'd suggest seeing it. I think it's one of the better films from the series.

-gg