It is the beginning of the end. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the seventh film in the Harry Potter series, bringing the events of J.K. Rowling’s last book to the big screen. After seeing the film and remember the outrage of the film being split - with many thinking Warner Brother’s was milking fans of money - the decision to have two separate films was a great choice. Now, instead of heavily rushed films like Order of the Phoenix and Half Blood Prince, viewers have a film incredibly rich with moments and scenes straight from the book making this the best Potter film out of all of them.
It is dark times. Voldemort is particularly powerful, taking over a great deal of aspects of the Wizarding and Muggle world alike. He dishes out Avada Kedavra curses like he’s handing out candy. He is terrifying, seemingly even making his own followers fear him which is evidence in the Malfoy family.
However, The Chosen One - Harry Potter - knows how to make the formidable Voldemort vulnerable again. That is why he and his two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, go on a quest to find the Horcuxes - objects that hold a piece of Voldemort’s nasty soul.
Deathly Hallows is a slow start to the epic finale of the movies, as it probably should be since it is setting up for the big showdown in Part 2. The dark tone of the movie allows viewers to feel the heavy emotion that is showing on screen. Even happy occasions are ruined by Death Eaters and we find the trio on the run, avoiding getting themselves killed. Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint deliver outstanding performances. Of course, they have had ten years to perfect their roles as the infamous trio. Radcliff said they gave it all they got for their last time playing these characters. It shows.
The movie is not all doom and gloom, however. The juxtaposition of the light hearted moments make the film even more believable, makes the audience feel even more connected to these characters. Use of comedic moments, either with dialogue or magical accidents, provide a nice break from the hardcore atmosphere of the impending doom of the Wizarding world. Fred and George, the hilarious pair of Weasley twins, always provide a laugh or two. Deathly Hallows allows others to provide some chuckles including Fleur Delacour/Weasley turned into a bra-wearing Harry via Polyjuice Potion.
Let’s talk about magic as it is not a Harry Potter movie without magic. Deathly Hallows does not have as much magic as the past films and magic is certainly not the focus of the movie. However the scenes in which use a great deal of magic, such as the chase scene near the beginning and the incredibly swirling mass of Voldemort’s soul coming out of the locket Horcrux, are very subtle yet effective moments that says “Hey, we know this is a fantasy, magical movie. Here’s your magic.”
Exhilarating. That is what Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was. Although probably the slower of the two movies, Part 1 was still a great ride for the audience. The movie is probably more suited for those who have been devoted to reading the books or a fan of all the movies, as this particular movie jumps right into the thick of things instead of explaining past events. And if you have not been apart of this phenomenon in some way, then why not? Pick up Sorcerer’s Stone and get started. You do not want to miss being apart of this.
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