As an avid fan of the books, I generally don't have high expectations for the movies. Mostly, I go for entertainment and to listen to all of the gasps in the theater from the people who haven't read the books. However, I was quite impressed with what was included and what was not left out of the movie. It seems like the films improve with each passing release.
There is an excellent animation when Hermione is telling the story by Beetle the Bard about the Three Brothers. The animation was incredibly creative and oddly Tim Burton-esque for a Harry Potter/blockbuster film.
Daniel Radcliffe's acting could still use a little work, but Rupert Grint's has improved greatly since the first film.
As far as the ending goes (no spoiler), they could not have left it at a better place. If you haven't read the book, it will be a cliffhanger.