Unlike most of the Potter crew, I don't read the books and am never disappointed in films due to their lack of following the book detail or leaving out scenes from the book. As a screenwriter I know how much decision making goes on when trying to trim 400-700 page books into a 120-200 page script. Some of your favorite book parts are not gonna make the cut. But all in all... I really liked it.
If you're a fan of the original comics and or cartoon series this film goes way past that. You dont get the cheesy acting or comic relief moments like the Batman films over the last 10+ years. Bale rocks his role, Ledger introduces again to the real criminal minds of how the characters should be portrayed... what a shame to miss this actor.