Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

This third Harry Potter film directed by David Yates proves that he seems to have a solid vision for how to translate the books to film. Part 1 of 2 of the Deathly Hallows is the first time Harry does not attend Hogwarts, but instead goes on a dark and twisted adventure with Ron and Hermione, of course, to search for and destroy Horcruxes. During this time they are constantly hunted by Voldemort's followers and by the Ministry, which is now controlled by the dark lord.

I don't really have much criticisms of this film. I guess the main issue with Harry Potter these days is that it has been around for so long now that I think some are getting sick of hearing about it. We have new, exciting new series' such as, the hugely popular Twilight Saga and all the Twi-hards that go with it, Chronicles of Narnia, and all the countless new animated films being dished out of Hollywood what seems like weekly! HP seems to be getting lost in the crowd. This may also be due to the fact that the original HP readers have grown up and may no longer be as interested, and the new generation of readers/viewers have many new series' to choose from. However, we must remember that our generation has grown up with these books and now the films and the actors that play the characters we love. We've all grown up together enjoying the intriguing, unique story about young witches and wizards and the adventurous lives they lead. So, there is a certain nostalgia that I think really helps pull in viewers year after year.

This film may be the darkest yet, but comic relief is successfully carried out by Ron, Fred and George Weasley, and my favorite character, Luna Lovegood. Polyjuice potion makes a big comeback in this film, as well as the house elves, Kreature and Dobby. Be prepared for a few deaths and injuries as we are getting closer to the end and therefore the final battle between good and evil. This movie does leave you hanging at the end, but that is pretty much expected since they split the last book into two films. If you are a Harry Potter film and/or book fan, you will be pretty satisfied with this film; the storyline, the actors and just the overall feel of it are, for the most part, what you would hope for. If you are a first-time watcher (there can't be that many of you left), you will be able to follow this film, as they explain what Horcruxes are and what the Deathly Hallows are as well. In fact, I thought the short film-like cartoon they inserted in the film to cleverly tell the Deathly Hallows fable was brilliantly artistic and fun to watch.
So I highly recommend seeing this film, if not just so you are better prepared for the final one this spring, which will no doubt be action-packed and entertaining!

Overall Rating (scale of 1-10): 7.5

Trailer: http://www.truveo.com/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1-music/id/327600013