Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint return as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley for the first part of the movie realization of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (also know as Harry Potter and the Prolonged Camping Trip). Though, forget the book for a moment. Hallows is one of the best films of the year. Whatever affection you had for the first six movies, the same feelings will resound with this film.
For the .001% of the world who knows of Harry Potter but does not anything about this world, here’s how Hallows, Part 1 goes, in its most basic form. Harry, Hermione and Ron have quit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry prior to their final year to go find these horcruxes, which now-dead Dumbledore left for Harry to find. Harry must destroy these horcruxes (I think — my memory is a bit wary) so that he may defeat his rival, Lord Voldemort because “neither may live while the other survives.” The entire movie follows Harry, Hermione and Ron on their search for these horcruxes. The movie ends with Voldemort opening Dumbledore’s tomb to find the Elder Wand, which is about the halfway point of the book.
Now, let’s remember this is a movie based on the book. Read the book because it is far more intriguing than the movie. If I hadn’t seen the first six movies (or read the first six books) and read the seventh book, I would not have a clue what on earth is happening in this movie. From beginning to end only those who follow the series will truly enjoy it. I was even trying to remember some aspects that I had forgotten.
Paradoxically, the film is a fast-paced delight that is quite true to the book. Although watching the movie requires some thought to understand the plot, most people who watch it will enjoy it and think it is worth the $7-$10.
I don’t really have much more to say about this movie. It’s excellent whether or not you’re a fan; you just might actually understand what is happening if you’re a fan.
