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

Welcome to Socially Incorrect Media's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Review.

What It’s All About. . .

This is the moment fans have been waiting for since 2001. The beginning of the end. Harry, Ron, and Hermione return in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, but this time there is no Quidditch, homework, or evening visits to Hagrid’s. Instead, the trio has been tasked in finding seven Horcruxes, the keys to destroying Lord Voldemort once and for all. Along the way, we see friends and loved ones lost and three kids leave everything behind in order to complete their mission. But there is another plot afoot. Voldemort is looking for the Deathly Hallows and Harry, Ron, and Hermione might have taken on more then they can handle. 

Why It Rocks. . .

This is what the series has been building up to. After a mediocre start with the first two films, an excellent installment in the third (except for the ending shot, that will never be forgiven), and a much darker tone since the fourth film, Harry Potter fans could not have received a better beginning to the final two part finale. This story removes everything that has made Harry Potter films what they are in exchange for a more character based tale exploring the relationships between three close friends, constantly in mortal danger, and in way over their heads. These actors have spent the last decade shaping their characters and it really come through here. Which is a good thing because after the first 30 minutes most of the other supporting characters take a back seat and we get a journey quest with our heroes (think Frodo and Sam in Lord of the Rings, corrupting object included). The action here also steps back for a good portion of the film but is amazing when it’s used. And the ending is perfect. As a big fan of the books, it was the only logical place to split the story. 

What Could Have Been Better. . .

A few complaints would definitely have to include an awkward dance scene between Harry and Hermione, which I didn’t feel was a terrible addition but some people certainly will. Also a few of the action set-pieces, specially the scene at Godric’s Hollow and the chase through the forest toward the end, had way to much shaky-cam to really get what was going on. And one thing that really kicked me out of the movie was the scene with nude Harry and Hermione (don’t worry it’s kid friendly, but just barely). It’s just kind of jarring to see. 

Drum Roll Please. . .

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is by far the best in the series,. Even with a few blemishes here and there, the film’s tone and the finality of it all feels very appropriate for a franchise that, when all is said and done, will have spanned 10 long years. As legions of Potter fans wait with bated breath for Part 2 next summer (even though we all know what happens) take comfort in the fact that if it is anything like Part 1, your mind will be blown!!

Final Score: Go Now!!

Here at Socially Incorrect we are not using the standard number scale to rate our films. Instead, they will fall into one of three categories:

Go Now!! - The film is a must see and worth the price of admission

Wait it out. . . - With DVDs coming out so quickly, it’s good enough for a rental

Let It Pass - It’s a piss poor excuse for a movie and isn’t deserving of the name. 

Author: Daniel S. (Dankyn)