REVIEW: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1- STARRING: DANIEL RADCLIFF, EMMA WATSON, RUPERT GRINT

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I 0pt"">is the first of the highly anticipated finale of the normal"">Harry Potter series. While the film has many good things going for it, it can’t help but feel like a prelude to something much more spectacular.

The film starts off with Harry, Ron and Hermione going away from Hogwarts and
setting off on their quest to find Horcruxes. While on their journey they are
chased by death eaters, snatchers and Voldemort’s minions. The movie mainly
puts a focus on how the three lead characters emotionally react to the events
around them. How their journey both strengthens and weakens their bond as
friends.

The film starts with a bang with an exhilarating chase sequence but after that it’s
takes a languid pace punctuated with brief bits of action. The films dark tone
helps create an intensity that gives the movie the illusion that important
things are happening when really it’s just sort of marking time to build up for
the grand finale. From that perspective it works, after watching the Deathly
Hallows: Part 1 I was more than ready to jump into Part 2. But Part 1 doesn’t
quite feel like a movie. By that I mean, the end doesn’t feel like the story
has been closed. I know, it’s part 1, but even the “To be Continued” ending
feel less like a “Aw snap it’s about to go down!” and more of just a stopping
point.

You could argue, “well of course it won’t feel like a real movie, it’s just Part 1 dumbass.” But, all the HP films were just parts of a way
bigger story. Part 1 should have felt open and shut with an ending that leaves
you in anticipation. Instead, I just felt like the movie, on its own, wasn’t
complete. Oh, and also, if you didn’t
understand anything in my brief synopsis, you probably shouldn’t see this film.
Those not already invested in the series will be lost and those looking to get
into the series shouldn’t start here.

On a more positive note, the cast gives some of their best performances of the
series. The dark and intense tone of the movie is made believable by Daniel
Radcliff, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint’s great chemistry and understanding of
their characters. Also, the film is wonderfully shot. From beautiful sweeping
shots of desolate forests, to the close ups and camera movement in the more
emotionally intense scenes, this is the best looking Potter movie yet.

One another thing I admired is how the film could effortlessly switch between
intensity and fun without it feeling forced or strained. One prime example is
toward the end when the trio are caught in a dangerous situation and the film
has the audience both in suspense and laughing at the way they get out of it
and it felt completely natural.

The ideal viewing experience would probably be watching Part 1 and 2 back to back. The
movie is enjoyable but you can’t help but feel as if it’s just a stepping stone
to something much more rewarding and spectacular. If you’re a hardcore fan of
the Harry Potter series it’s a must see, but for everyone else I suggest
waiting to see if theatres do a double feature of the two when Part II comes
out or just waiting for the two to come out on Blu-ray/DVD.