Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is a 2010 fantasy film once again directed by David Yates. This is the first part of the Deathly Hallows which was divided into two movies. The cast stars the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, and Ralph Fiennes. The movie closely follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they step away from their school ties at Hogwarts, and move on to find and destroy the horcruxes (pieces of Voldemort's soul). Deathly Hallows Part 1 in short was a great, enjoyable movie. The reason I don't like this one as much as some of the other Harry Potter movies, is because it is significantly slower paced. This movie (with the exception of the 1st and 3rd act) has a second act that feels long. It's very drawn out and even though we are gaining essential aspects of this story we can tell we're watching something that's building to a bigger conclusion. It's the showdown between Voldemort and Harry that we want to see in the last movie. In all ways, this film sets us up for the final confrontation. Despite it's pacing, Deathly Hallows Part 1 is a great character piece. Exploring friendship, love, as well as the strength of bonds that we'd seen in Half Blood Prince. This movie has great action sequences. Especially the seven potters scene that happens to be one of my favorite scenes in this entire franchise. The last duel at Malfoy Manor between Malfoy's family and the main trio is great and wildly entertaining. Bellaxtrix Lestrange played by Helena Bonham Carter steals every scene in this film. Not for the good though. In fact, leaving this film you will feel a need for justice. This film also employs lots of really interesting camera techniques. The chase scene with the snatchers is excellently filmed and is a great scene. My point is that even though this movie is slower paced, it does indeed have some really crucial and well done scenes. Might I also add that the humor is properly injected into this movie. As always in the Harry Potter flicks. Overall, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is an intriguing character piece with great action sequences, heartfelt performances, and a really great set up for the final film. Three stars