I was, as I always am before viewing a new “Harry Potter” film, excited but skeptical. And with the exception of the first two (thank you, Chris Columbus), my skepticism has been rational as none of them have quite lived up to my expectations.
This is mainly due to the fact that it’s extremely difficult to fit hundreds of pages into a two-and-a-half hour time frame. Luckily, filmmakers decided to split this movie into two parts and I am pleased to say that this was a success.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” was triumphant not only in its box office earnings, $125.12 million during its opening weekend, but also in satisfying loyal book readers like myself.
While it was primarily a set up for Part 2, it still held its own as a film. The acting, on everyone’s part, was noticeably better than in any of the others. It also continued maintained the thrill element and the special effects were still impressive. This is especially evident in the excellently done scene when Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Hermione (Emma Watson) visit the woman they believe to be Bathilda Bagshot but is actually (spoiler alert) Voldemort’s snake.
The comic relief and aspect of romance were both amusing and entertaining in addition to giving a light-hearted feel to an otherwise dark story.
Other scenes that I thought were done really well were the death of faithful house elf Dobby and when Xenophilius Lovegood told the story of the three deathly hallows.
In general, I thought the movie was fantastic. Although, I was thoroughly uncomfortable while Ron (Rupert Grint) opened the locket and Harry and Hermione appeared metallic, lacking clothing, and kissing, but I appreciated it because that’s more or less what happened in the book and keeping to the original plot was something this movie did an almost impeccable job of.
Of course, there were still missing elements. Most were only minor such as beginning the story at the Dursleys’ home where Dudley tells Harry that he was not a waste of space, that Voldemort’s name was a taboo, and the presence of the picture of Phineas Nigellus.
The only thing I was genuinely upset about was that Peter Pettigrew was only stunned in the cellar at the Malfoy Manor and he didn’t kill himself. That was really a great part because Dumbledore told Harry in The Prisoner of Azkaban that Pettigrew owed his life to Harry. But, I digress.
The ending was abrupt and perfect, confirming that this movie was, in my opinion, the best “Potter” film yet.
