The grown-up Potter

Rating: 9/10 (22 November 2010)

The brilliance that is the Harry Potter series has stood the test of time and already touched numerous generations, and still will for years to come. The movies themselves have ranged from merely average to great, as have their predecessors, the JK Rowling novels. Harry Potter was created to be a family experience through and through and has survived its fair share of criticism by pundits and religious nuts who make a stand against witchcraft and wizardry, although none of what is actually done in the novels and films should be taken literally, however, the movies and books carry an air of how lessons can be learned. Sorcerers stone taught us that love is the most powerful magic. Chamber taught us that what we believe in can be available to us. Azkaban showed us that nothing is ever what it seems. Goblet shows us that we can have camaraderie in intense competition despite our differences. Order shows us that we cannot overcome the harshness of reality without friends. Prince shows us that we need to always watch our backs, friends quickly become enemies.
DH1 covers all the morals of the first six films and puts them in a glorious mix of darkness. It has an "Empire Strikes Back" vibe as you feel that nothing is going to get better for our protagonists as time goes on. The darkness is welcomed, however, because it is done correctly, from the opening scene at Voldemort's Table, through the trials of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, adult and sexual in nature. This film is important and should not be missed. If you are expecting a happy ending, wait six months. Performances are masterful and effects are well beyond par. Highly Recommended.