Ok, so I am on a no-chip diet. Starting today. I've made pretty good progress. There were rows of Lays in E2, and I wasn't even tempted. I walked right past our local All-Purpose Store and the supermarket without even looking. This area is to chip-addicts what I am to self-restraint. Buuuttt...I shall triumph :)

The movie is crowded. Things happen all at once, events slide into one another. Even Sirius' death is treated far too lightly. Considering its monumental importance in Harry's life, methinks it could have been heightened much more.
Performances are good. Imelda Staunton gets under the skin of Dolores Umbridge! From the hem hem, to the falsely sweet laugh to the fluttery way of speaking, she's done a wonderful job. Helena Bonham Carter plays Bellatrix Lestrange. She looks like a cross between Catwoman and and a Soho hooker fallen on hard times but she is captivating. Bellatrix's complete devotion to Voldemort, her mad joy at his return and her unflinching sadism are portrayed well. Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood and Natalia Tena as Tonks are truly enjoyable.

The growing relationship between Ron and Hermione is a high point in the movie. Tisn't flashy or especially highlighted. Instead, director David Yates makes sure that their relationship rings true to their adoloscence. The little, creeping tenderness-es, the compliment that means so much, this was by far my favourite relationship in the movie.
The end is rather nice. Harry's grief at losing Sirius, his realization that he 'has something that Voldemort doesn't...something worth fighting for,' endear him to the audience. Keeping in mind that most of the audience have been following Harry's life since he was eleven years old, tis bittersweet to watch him grow up.
Tis a testament to J.K. Rowling's writing power that her character arouses such affection in her readers.
Tisn't easy to make a movie of the books. There's too much struggle between detail and time, too many nuances that can be tapped into only in 700-odd pages.
Hats off to David Yates for a thoroughly creative effort.

This has been a week of meetings. Coffee dates with Alisha and Tripuri, an accidental meeting with Rekha and a much-awaited, much planned meeting with the Rambler who is as prettiful as I remember :)
And a here-I-go-shooting-my-mouth-off-again meeting with the Router, which he really did not deserve. I mean, somebody who calls to tell me that a g&r video with half-naked Axle and Slash is airing on VH1 is someone I should hang on to :)