As the story has evolved into a very dark phase, so has the look of the movie. This episode was a bit slow and plodding but that is what this part of the story represents, the slow build to the final conflict.
Even if you have read the book and know what is coming, the battles are quick hitting and will still catch you off guard.
Only negative is the sometimes out of focus, blurry uber-high speed sequences, This has become a modern filmatic technique though I am not a fan. Fortunately it was used sparingly unlike the latest Bond offering.
There is alot of detail here and will probably require several viewings to catch all the subtle components. Looking forward to catching the IMAX version.
Great crowd for the midnight showing, these are always a fun event for big releases