I admit: I'm a little behind on my HPs. I saw the first 2, missed the next 3 and am now dropping in on this one with a lot of holes in my understanding of the storyline.
Harry has become much more at ease with his destiny. He manages to be both pragmatic and idealistic, a nice contrast to Hermione who comes off as a bit too preachy and cagey to be much fun.
The Deatheaters deliver real chills and there's a scene in a lagoon that uses your personal demons against you quite well.
Half-blood was dark, mysterious, frivolous and great fun. These qualities do not contradict themselves in the hands of this director who balances jaw-dropping special effects with good old fashioned storytelling.