The movie was excellent! People have to get past the idea that the movies have to follow the books page for page, and understand that there are limits, due to so many different factors. The movie's story does not stray from the character's personas in the book; they are absolutely true to form. This movie does an excellent job of following the book in its most important parts, and where changes have been made, they are completely understandable (although I too, was a bit disappointed that there was no school-fought battle with the Deatheaters at Hogwart's). This movie is fantastic as both a stand-alone movie, or a companion to the books.