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Dark, brooding, ponderous -- it's my three-word review of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1."
I've read the books. I know that as the Dark Lord's power grows, Harry, Hermione and Ron are subjected to some pretty horrific stuff as they fight to contain Voldemort's power and eliminate the horcruxes that are repositories of his corroded soul.
Still, so much of what has made the previous movies a delight is missing. While some of the earlier films have almost jammed too much in, Deathly Hallows seems plodding and clocks in at 146 minutes.
Related:
Potter fans give 'Deathly Hallows' great reviews
Die-hard Harry Potter fans who went to the midnight or 3 a.m. screenings of "Deathly Hallows" give it overall good reviews.This is the part of the tale where Harry and company discover the significance of the three highly magical objects that combine to make "The Deathly Hallows." But if you haven't seen the previous movies or read the books, you're going to be totally lost.
I know this isn't your typical series, but I've always felt that a major motion picture like this should be able to stand on its own. I would advise some serious cramming if it's been a few years since you read the books or if you feel a little fuzzy on the characters and the plot lines. Sadly, film makers give you no help here.
Some serious cramming is recommended if it's been a few years since you read the books.
Of course there has been some controversy about the scene Director David Yates described as "very sexy." While described in the PG-13 rating as brief sensuality there is no blatant nudity.
Finally, lest you think I'm panning the movie, the action is intense, special effects are as always amazing, and there are some touching and compelling scenes. Many of the classic supporting characters are absent or make very brief appearances, putting more pressure on the skills of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Overall, they deliver.
I had an odd thought when I walked out of the Deathly Hallows screening: I remembered the scenes only in black and white and almost had to remind myself that it was, indeed, shot in color. Weird.
Three stars for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." That is the lowest rating I've given a Harry Potter movie.
