Release Date: Nov 19, 2010
Runtime: 2 hr. 27 min.
Director: David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes.
It has taken over a decade of critically-acclaimed books and films for one of the greatest storytellings to culminate at last in the final chapter; turning an average boy wizard named Harry Potter into the 'chosen one.' After facing adversaries in the form of Deatheaters and adolescence alike, we find Harry on a mission to overcome Voldemort once and for all. But such a journey doesn't come without obstacles. Being no stranger to the franchise, David Yates further hones his skills as the director, taking "Deathly Hallows" to unfamiliar territories beyond the castle. The vast landscape and dark cinematography help enhance the emptiness and turmoils that the characters face on a grander scale. With the stakes set high, tensions mount in the air between the three friends (Harry, Ron and Hermione) who we have witnessed grow and mature over the years. This maturity, in turn, goes hand-in-hand with their acting abilities which have improved exponentially since the first film. Rupert Grint as Ron continues to excel, delivering a convincing performance behind the more emotional aspects of the script. But the most impressionable character, is none other than a house-elf by the name of Dobby. Originally acting as comic relief, he promptly becomes the unexpected hero of the film. In addition, other old faces make timely appearances as we recall the plethora of characters that have come and gone in the past. Although many contest that the final book was unnecessarily divided into two films, it is reasonably justified given its extensive material. "Part 1" provides a detailed account of the titled 'Deathly Hallows,' through brilliant use of animation, while simultaneously discussing the aforementioned 'Horcruxes' and setting up the climax. If the previous film, "Half-Blood Prince," had a major flaw, it was that the purpose of the title wasn't thoroughly conveyed in the film. With that in mind, the film can get a bit long-winded at times, acting more as an introductory set-up for the battle of Hogwarts that is to come. There are also significant plot-holes, ie. new characters, that many Potter newbies will not understand due to liberties the writer took to maintain the bulk of the story. But for the most part, "Deathly Hallows" is the first to remain relatively true to the book while working as a solid film. By the time the credits roll, you can't help but to feel both satisfied and longing for the epic finale. Whether you're a die-hard Potter fan or not, next summer's "Part 2" will be one you won't want to miss.
Rating: 4½ stars
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