Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

It’s been said since the beginning back in 2001 that the Harry Potter films are critic proof. Yes, this is the first definition that pops into my brain whenever someone asks me if the most current film is any good. Having never read any of the books, yet having seen all of the films in release order, I can assure you that these are what they’re talking about.

Sure, they may be better than most of what else has come out the same year, but whether they’re really any good isn’t a matter of importance. Through thick and thin, the fans will stand by them and buy their tickets, ensuring massive box office numbers. While the best of (now seven) films is without question, Alfonso Cuarón’s Prisoner of Azkaban, I hope each new film will be the best. Only then will it finally win me over and now. With the arrival of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, unfortunately, I’m still waiting.

We begin this chapter with Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy), the Ministry of Magic, assuring the public that while these may be dark times, the ministry still stands strong. Next we see that Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) is doing everything in his power to ensure otherwise with a meeting including his rag tag group of evildoers featuring Severus Snape (Alan Rickman, looking rather portly), Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) and rounding out the Sweeney Todd cast, Wormtail (Timothy Spall) hiding in the corner. Also in attendance are Lucius Malfoy (Jason Issacs) and Draco (Tom Felton).

Team Evil has Charity Burbage (Carolyn Pickles) of Hogwarts in suspended animation to find out when Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is to be hidden at a safe house. After all of Harry’s friends gather in one place, they all take his form to throw off the Death Eaters as he’s still underage and has “The Trace.” After a deadly race to said safe house, Rufus shows up to present the will of the deceased Dumbledore to Harry, Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). None of them know why they are presented these gifts but accept and we the viewer know that all things will be spelled out by the end of the 146 minute runtime.

Article Author: Cinenerd

A Utah based writer, born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT for better and worse. Cinenerd has had an obsession with film his entire life, finally able to write about them since 2009, and the only thing he loves more are his wife and their two wiener dogs (Beatrix Kiddo and Pixar Animation). …

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