It's been a very long time since I've enjoyed a movie this much. Avatar combines outstanding visuals with a very good storyline. What struck me the most was the scenery and the way it's virtually alive with strange, unique, and very fitting lifeforms. A great way to spend two and a half hours!
While it does differ from the book in a few ways, the movie is a respectable entry in the Harry Potter franchise. Compressing a large book down into a 2 1/2 hour movie is not an easy task, and there will always be something lost in the translation. This movie sets the stage well for the final two movies. So, if you can put the books aside for a moment and enjoy the film for what it is, you won't be disappointed.