Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
2010
Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson

Let me begin by saying that if you are not a Potter fan, then you will not like the movie. It's that simple. Even if you have not read the books, the movies are great. They are entertaining and suck the audience into a world that we have come to love and respect. Potter fans are a special breed. I do not expect everyone to be a fan. This is why I feel it is unfair to judge such a movie based on regular critics. I am a Potter fan, so perhaps it is unfair to listen to this review.

I liked it. The first part of the two part seventh chapter in an epic tale came through with shimmering light. David Yates basically took the book, split it into 5 hours of movie then cut that in half. And you know what, it works. This is nothing like the horrendous sequels to the Matrix, because there is actually a story. The books of the Harry Potter series bring people to a different place. In order to correctly tell the final part (and of course to make money along the way), the studio and director decided to split it up.

The movie begins like the book, the middle is like the book, the end (of the first part is like the book). Time seemed to fly by as I was once again sucked into a world of broomsticks, witches, and every British actor known to man. The characters are brought to light and become so life like that I actually feel as if they are a part of the real world. Hell, I've never been to London, so I guess it's possible. The movie brings back every character and facet of the phenomenon that has been happening for nearly 10 years.

Harry Potter and his friends set off on a mission to destroy Horcruxes (objects that contain parts of Voldemort's soul) so they can finally begin to try to defeat him. These objects are scattered throughout the land in various places. It can be a ring, a necklace, or any other mundane object. The other side of the story has Voldemort planning his defeat of Harry Potter.

The cast of characters brings forth the final chapter in such a convincing way. The 2 1/2 hours seemed to fly by as death eaters and the like continued their pursuit of their endeavors. Of course, the absence of Michael Gambon as Dumbledore did not bother me (Richard Harris was so great, it was impossible to replace him). Potter deals with Dumbledore's death like he has any other, with strict vengeance on his mind.

Mild humor and tacky animated sequences were the low points of the movie, but nothing that would completely spoil the experience. I look forward to the second part of the seventh chapter and the conclusion of the series. The experience has been a great ride, but will hopefully come to a great end just like in the books. Yates has done a great job taking over the franchise from the other directors and I look forward to seeing the final chapter of the Deathly Hallows.

Stars (out of 10): 7