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

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I is the first of the highly anticipated finale of the 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.