Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One - Movie Review

I've read a number of reviews of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One like this one from Cinematical.com that reviews the film from the perspective of someone who never read the books and isn't much of a fan. This is not one of those reviews. But it's also not a review from a rabid fan. I've read all the books, but I've only read each one once. I've seen all the films, but I don't rewatch every single one right before the next one is released. Of the past six films my favorite has always been number three, Prisoner of Azkaban, because Alfonso Cuaron is a magical filmmaker and I wish he'd had it in him to direct more of the Harry Potters.

With HP7 though, David Yates has really proven that ultimately the series belongs to him. I loved this film. It's of course darker than any prior entry because the stakes are the highest they've ever been and death is all around our heroic trio. I loved the brilliant Hermione who shows once again that if it wasn't for her, Harry and Ron would be lost (truthfully they would have perished a long, long time ago without her). I loved the three character actors (Sophie Thompson SQUEE!) who played Harry, Ron, and Hermione disguised by the use of Polyjuice Potion into Ministry of Magic employees. Their spot on mimicry of the young actors facial expressions and body movements lent a wonderful and welcome bit of comedy to an otherwise tense action sequence. I loved, loved, loved the animated sequence that illustrated the story of the Deathly Hallows. It was a gorgeous, exciting, and unique way to tell that important story.

I think the best testament to how much I loved this film though is that halfway through I completely forgot that it is only Part One and was shocked and dismayed when it ended! This was the first HP film in awhile that didn't FEEL as long as it was.

I can't wait for the summer and Part Two!