Plot: In the penultimate edition in the Harry Potter film series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) find themselves away from Hogwarts Academy on a quest to destroy the deadly horcruxes. With Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and the rest of his Death Eaters in hot pursuit, it's up to Harry and his friends find a way to defeat the Dark Lord and his minions.
Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is easily the best in the series since Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. While the last few films in the Potter series have been entertaining, they never seemed to recapture the excitement and spirit of the first three films. Until now.
Director David Yates has crafted an excellent and gripping first installment of the final chapter in the Harry Potter legacy. At times heartrending and always engrossing, the film focuses more on relationships rather than spectacle.
To be sure Hallows has plenty of exciting moments. Visual effects supervisor Tim Burke has done another fantastic job bringing the magical world of Harry Potter alive. Harry's initial escape from his Aunt and Uncle's house (with the assistance of the Order of of the Phoenix) is particularly exciting and sets the tone for the rest of the film, as Harry and his friends seem to jump from one potential lethal moment to another. Harry, Ron, and Hermione's rescue of the horcrux locket from the Ministry of Magic will wow the audience.
As I said however, the most important part of this installment is the relationships, particularly between Herminone, Harry, and Ron. Emotion rather than magic rules the day. As the trio of heroes are dogged at every step, forced into the wilderness and on the run, it allows for Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint to shine dramatically. We get to see the three characters away from Hogwarts, truly being forced to grow up before our eyes. If the dramatic scenes in Hallows are any indication, all three actors have a strong cinema future outside of the Harry Potter universe.
Hallows in many ways is a commentary about the sacrifices friendship sometimes requires. These sacrifices manifest themselves emotionally (the spell Hermione casts to erase her parents memories for protection) or physically (Ron's near mortal wounds after the assault on the Ministry of Magic). This makes Hallows as a film a much more cathartic experience than you might expect.
Many have complained (myself included) about the final installment being split up into two parts. Outwardly Hollywood execs have said that there are too many plot points to keep it in one film. However really it's about money. Thankfully, in a very rare Hollywood moment, these two things don't end up being mutually exclusive. The inclusion of all the various plot points didn't drag the film down and will please fans of the Harry Potter books. (And the accountants at Warner Brothers.) The ending of Hallows feels very natural and is comparable to the end of The Empire Strikes Back in mood and tone. It evoked a sense of anticipation for the next film. If part two is anything like part one there are going to be some extremely pleased muggles out there. I know July 15, 2011 can't come quick enough for me.
My rating: 9/10
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