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"Prepare For The Final Chapter"
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The first part of the two-part finale to the Harry Potter franchise released in 2010.
< read all 24 reviewsPrelude To War That Sets Up The End For The Harry Potter Franchise...
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Nov 21, 2010
- by woopak_the_thrill
- posted in Movie Hype
Rating:
Admittedly, I haven’t been the biggest fan of the “Harry Potter” movie franchise (though I still saw each and every film after “The Sorcerer’s Stone” on dvd); I thought they were decent movies but I just wasn’t its intended audience. Well, the last two sequels caught my attention since they became much darker and more exciting, so I decided to see the first half of the final chapter of J.K. Rowling’s magical fantasy series called “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows“ in theaters. It feels as if it was almost a shame that it took this long for the stories to reach a level of maturity that I could appreciate. I haven’t read the book in the series so I guess I am at a slight disadvantage since my friends have told me that this film was quite faithful to its source material. But hey, I know film and I can always judge the way a movie is made.
+4
The film takes off after the events of the last film. Dumbledore is dead, Hogwarts itself is reeling and Lord Valdemort (Ralph Fiennes) has grown in mystic power. Valdemort has extended his reach of power to the Ministry of Magic and has sent out his Dark Eater horde to eliminate all Muggles. Now Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has to abandon everything he holds dear and to try and seek out the pieces of Valdemort’s soul called “Horcruxes”. Harry and his friends, Hermione (Emma Stone) and Ron (Rupert Grint) must go on a journey that can either give them the means to end Valdemort’s reign or cost them their lives; armed with Dumbledore’s parting gifts and their training in wizardry, they must fight Valdemort’s evil forces and avoid temptation from the “Horcruxes” itself….
Seems like “Deathly Hallows” is a cinematic event that is intended to give as much detail as possible to develop its storyline as it has been divided into 2 movies that clocks in at about 5 hours. The previous installments were chopped down as to keep the story tight and quick, as it also never disconnected folks who’ve never read the books. Yes, there were times when the previous script felt choppy, but they were easy to follow. This time around, “Deathly Hallows” is more detailed and quite long in two parts; this is the problem when one remains faithful to any book, it may alienate and disorient those who haven’t read the entire book series.
Not to say that despite some disconnection on my part that I thought “Deathly Hallows” wasn’t an effective motion picture but it was a chore to put things together at times and it does feel rather slow at some parts of the film. Still, director David Yates and script writer Steve Kloves take our protagonists on a wild quest that allows them to grow outside Hogwarts and away from their comfort zone. You feel that Harry and his friends are grieving the loss of Dumbledore; what’s more, they almost seem lost without his guidance, and the wilderness where they trek is brought into lovely exposition due to its wonderful cinematography. Gone are the light-hearted mood and fantasy-storytelling that was established in the first 4 movies; this time around the mood appears real, and our characters are made to experience the real world. This world is much darker and feels much bleaker with higher stakes; and Yates did the right atmosphere and surface as our heroes mature and become adults…and adults are made to experience a potentially more violent world filled with jealousy, betrayal, sexual tension and casualty.
“Deathly Hallows” departs from the family-friendly mood and earns its PG-13 rating. There are quite a good number of scenes that depict battles of wizardry, there are assassins, high-flying ‘broom fights’ and other chase sequences that generate tension in its storyline. But Yates and company don’t just give the viewer a film of adventure-fantasy, he allows room for reflection. Harry and his friends are given more opportunity to bond and to realize the stakes, they mull over their future and they show the proper emotion. Despite some disconnection on my part (because of not reading the book), I appreciated the slower pace the film took on and the way it built its momentum to an upcoming war. One who has seen all the films of the franchise would appreciate the groundwork that was laid out in its previous installments, it was nice to see Harry and company just go out, cast a spell and realize their destinies. Yes, the film is slower than usual, but I liked the way it built on characterization; Yates also brought forth a balance of humor (I thought the comedic touches in the opening act and how they infiltrated the Ministry of Magic) and the return of several characters of the franchise such as Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), the talkative elf from “Chamber of Secrets“ and some others. The film is filled with wizards, ghouls and creatures that it keeps moving so no one sticks around too long unfortunately.
Thankfully, “Deathly Hallows: Part One” doesn’t feel too much of a cliffhanger but it takes a slight pause and the next chapter is due in theaters mid-next year. This is a film franchise whose stories matures along with its characters as well as its audiences, it does build well on its “first chapter” execution (albeit a bit loose) and I felt interested in seeing the next chapter. Yates does seem to be the right man for the job, as he goes into possibly the most intricate and character-driven film of the franchise. He goes in and out while keeping the main storyline from previous movies intact as well work with the groundwork already established; but as good as this first part is, it still remains to be seen how it all comes together in 2011. For now, “Deathly Hallows” does make the franchise come alive and makes me optimistic for the finale.
Highly Recommended! [4- Out of 5 Stars]
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More Harry Potter and the Deathly H... reviews
Having secured a seat at a local sneak peek premier (all it took was dressing up like Mad Eye Moody!), I had the grand opportunity to check out Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I last night. I must admit that I wasn't a fan of Potter until the first film came out. After that, I was hooked. I've gone on to watch all of the films and read all of the books. Deathly Hallows, as far as I can remember since … more
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So, Harry James Potter finally grows up and the series is coming to a halt? Hmm, not sure if I like that. Harry Potter was not only legendary but he's truly cute and adorable as a child. I know, I know, we all have to grow up... Yuck, that takes the fun out of life, don't you think? Before we get on with life, as we all do, let's take a look at these kids who have made the series of films such a joyful journey, even for the adults. Cute, aren't they? Reminded … more
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Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows is an entertaining movie. The tone is dark and the plot is a little hard to follow some times. I enjoyed the movie nonetheless. This movie sets up the last picture that will be released next year. The plot of the Deathly Hallows has Harry Potter and his friends looking for Horcruxes. Horcruxes are objects that can be used to destroy Lord Voldemort. He is the bad guy in the movie. He is played brillantly … more
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I’ll go ahead and clear the air here; I’m not the biggest Harry Potter fan in the world. Not to say I don’t like the films or the books though. I saw the first two films whenever they came out in theaters, and I remember seeing and really enjoying the fourth film. Until now I’ve not seen either the 5th or the 6th films, and I’m not a big reader, so none of the books ever really caught my eye. I can also say that I’m not the biggest fan of the latest installment … more
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I finally made it to the theater to see the newest addition to the Harry Potter series, and i will start off by saying that all the fears and doubts that i had after the terrible movie that was The Half Blood prince where completely dissolved by the time the end credits were rolling. More than any other in the series this movie reminds me of The Sorcerers Stone in the way that it follows the storyline in the book almost perfectly, right down to the majority of the script. There are even parts in … more
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review by Stephanie_Smith19.
December 24, 2010
Finally! After weeks of anticipation and quiet thoughtful patience, I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1. And may I say, I was not disappointed in the least. It was every bit what it marketed itself to be and everything I expected. I expected an epic penultimate film to lead to the last film, and that's certainly what I got. Some may not agree with me but I think this is the best Potter film to date and I can't wait to see how the second part will top it. … more
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review by CRSwanson.
December 03, 2010
So here we are at last. Part one of the last film of one of the best series of movies in a very long time. The Harry Potter series, books and movies both, have been generally very good, very well-received and very profitable. Part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is very good. In many ways its better than the first half of the book it’s based on. It tells the tale… well, you all know what it’s about. Harry and friends go hunting down the various parts … more
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So after an unsuccessful attempt at rallying a large group together to go see this film (stupid Thanksgiving holiday), I opted to go with a few frat brothers late last night. Of course I was dressed up all day as a Hogwarts Ravenclaw student (faux blue-striped tie and all) amping myself up the whole day. Plus I’ve been reviewing the Deathly Hallows by listening to the audio book (which is extremely well done) and was ready to test … more
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Is anyone going to come to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 who is not aware that it is two unfortunate things: part of a series and a tease? If you’ve been in a coma for almost a decade and think that Part 1 means the first part of the series then you will be lost and nothing in the movie or this review will change that. If you cannot read, then explaining, in print that “Part ONE” means that the movie will stop instead of end would be similarly wasted. … more
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The final chapter is here. When they first movie came out the high school seniors now were in first grade. We have grown alongside Harry Potter and now his final task is upon us in what will no doubt be the biggest hit of the holiday season. This series both has left its mark on our culture both with the written word and cinematically. While I have never enjoyed the books, I appreciate that it got kids to read, and in a day of growing technology there is not enough one can say about J.K. Rowling’s … more
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About the reviewer
William (woopak_the_thrill)
Please "Like" Film and Movies and Keep the Economy strong....LOL!! My Interests: Movies, Anime, History, Martial … more
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About this movie
PG-13
For some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images
Cast:
Helena Bonham Carter,
Richard Griffiths,
Ralph Fiennes,
Jason Isaacs,
John Hurt,
Jim Broadbent,
Miranda Richardson,
Maggie Smith,
Michael Gambon,
Fiona Shaw,
Toby Jones,
George Harris,
Rhys Ifans,
Alan Rickman,
Robbie Coltrane,
Bill Nighy,
David Thewlis,
David Bradley,
Timothy Spall,
Peter Mullan,
Brendan Gleeson,
Daniel Radcliffe,
Emma Watson,
Rupert Grint,
Warwick Davis,
Julie Walters,
Tom Felton,
Harry Melling,
Bonnie Wright,
Evanna Lynch,
Natalia Tena,
Imelda Staunton,
Helen McCrory,
Mark Williams,
James Phelps,
Oliver Phelps,
Joshua Herdman,
Frances de la Tour
Director:
David Yates
Genre:
Adventure,
Drama,
Fantasy
Release Date:
November 19, 2010
MPAA Rating:
PG-13
Screen Writer:
Steve Kloves
Runtime:
146 minutes
Studio:
Warner Bros. Pictures,
Heyday Films
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well, Scotman, I think most reviews that really go in-depth have minor spoilers--it is just the way it is, you can't help it--what's bad is an in-depth summary that gives spoilers. I don't think this review needs a strong warning (I think that is what Debbie's trying to say and/or readers of the book know what is up!), because quite frankly, if you've seen some other reviews, the spoilers are much stronger in them than in this review. I'm surprised you didn't say anything when another review gave away the destruction of a certain locket (a strong significant scene) and I'm the one you told that I should warn about mild spoilers. :P
Personally, minor spoilers are necessary to prove your point (not that I think there were significant spoillers in my review), otherwise, you sound like you're a critic basing your criticism on nothing and what's the point of reviewing if you don't prove your points? If one cannot back up one's claims about a film then that's when you get a lot of questions....thanks anyhoo for the read.
So what's the topic for discussion?