I've read and loved all of the books, so seeing the movies was a given. While I have enjoyed all of the movies, this movie, Part 1 of 2 for the last installment was very true to the book. The characters have developed well, and much of what happened within the book, even miniscule details, were in the movie which was great. As well, they took the time to really show the enchantment and magic within the movie.
However, since the last book was a very serious one, the movie is also very serious. This is not as light and mystical as some of the other movies and can be very dark at times. This is also the slower half of the book as it develops into the epic finale of the series.
Overall, they stayed true to the book, worked their cinematic "magic" and ended the movie in a part that makes sense, but leaves you wanting more. It was an excellent movie, and I would happily go see it again in theaters and will definitely buy it when it comes out.