I know much was removed, but the one thing they should have kept (and she is in a deleted scene) is
Elva.
She plays such a significant role in the next three books that not having her in the movie is detrimental to the continuity of the series as a whole.
How do you explain that Elva is suddenly there when she was not shown in the theatrical release?
Arya's doesn't appear particularly elflike, which was a story point now and then, usually someone pointing and saying "Look! she's an elf!".
Angela was completely changed into a fortune teller who's appearance is no way similar to the book version.
Orik is omitted.
So are many other characters who play a role over the course of the series.
Since the role they play is key to the story, the movie is sabotaging itself.
Because of all these things, I get the impression the director was not really trying.
It's like he just wanted to do a one shot movie, get all the cash and royalties from the naive fans who didn't realize what they were paying for and move onto his next project not caring what a horrible job he did.
That's why I resent this movie, it's a bad hack job and they didn't even try for one sequel, let alone 3!
I'm hoping when enough time passes, someone with respect for the pacing of the original story and smart enough to note the key plotpoints makes a better version in the future.