Comparisons with the books and the other movies in this series will abound. If you disregard the other movies and the books, this movie still stands alone well, though some background is helpful.
There seems to be a good deal more humor in this film than in most thrillers. Alan Rickman's comic timing is extraordinary. Rupert Grint is almost cartoonish at times, and this touch of sophomoric humor adds a delightful touch.
The movie has a weak ending; it seems to just stop, or pause for the making of the next movie in the series.
Over all, the movie is entertaining and worth the wait. Its length - at over 2.5 hours - flies by.