I also caught the TV broadcast, I'll have to catch the second movie next week.
It seems like a simplified version of the manga, simple enough for someone who hasn't read it, but still a bit too wordy. I would say that this first part didn't show much on how intelligent L really is, since in the manga L is always analyzing the situations with his own mind. Of course, there are no thought bubbles in the movie, and so movie L just sits there and eats tons of sweets. At least he redeems himself in the ending.
That ending part was awesome, as if L is mocking Kira with his action, while Light (Kira) stares at him with a straight face, getting the hidden meaning... signifying their cat-and-mouse game part 2 begins there!!!
After the movie there's a sneak peak for Death Note: the Last name, along with some revealing scenes. The Misa arc seems intact, but probably like the the first movie, I seem to see scenes where another crazy woman makes a hostage situation. Again the climax may be changed... but I expect the outcome to be the same: