The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Rating: 7/10 (1 July 2011)

I'm going to admit something off the bat, I've seen all the Harry Potter movies, but I've only seen them once and usually it's in the theater. The last Harry Potter film ended terrifically and I couldn't wait to see what the next installment was, to my surprise they decided to split the story into two parts: for story or money? I'm guessing more money vs. story, I mean come on, you know that Hollywood is bummed since these films are guaranteed money makers, and what a bad influence; it inspired Twilight to do so as well. Anyways I digress, since I've only seen each film only once and never read the books, I have to admit that I was confused throughout the film, thankfully I rented this one and watched it a couple of times, but to me, unless you're a die hard fan, this was the duller Harry Potter film I've seen of the bunch. This is basically the Harry Potter Project where the trio is just walking around the woods just trying not to get killed and learning how to survive. I know I will get hate points for that comment, but let's put it this way, I'm more looking forward to part 2 of the Deathly Hallows.
Lord Voldemort gains power throughout the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. Meanwhile, the Order of the Phoenix arrive at Privet Drive and escort Harry to safety using potion to create six decoy Harrys. During their flight to the Burrow they are ambushed by Death Eaters, resulting in the deaths of Mad-Eye Moody and Hedwig. Voldemort attempts to kill Harry with Malfoy's wand, but fails. It's revealed that Harry was also willed to receive the Sword of Godric Gryffindor, however Scrimgeour states that the sword is an important historical artifact and is not eligible to be given away. Under the disguise of Polyjuice Potion, the trio infiltrate the Ministry and successfully retrieve the locket, escaping into the wilderness. But making Voldemort more determined to find the wand that will destroy Harry once and for all.
Now I don't want to bash the film, because it is very good, however I think I need to see all the films again before I see Part 2. I was lost during certain moments of the film because I've forgotten some of the information from the previous films. However, as usual the effects are fantastic and very fun to look at. The actors have grown so much and have such great chemistry that's carried on the past decade, it's great to see how far they've come. It's also sad to see what their characters had to give up as children and going into this world with such power and still not 100% sure on how to control it all. Not to mention who has the most power and who is in control of the group? Something I question though, because the series was more meant for children and granted the children who started the books are growing up but these stories have become a lot more darker. Not bad for the adults, but I think since kids IMO are a little more "wussy" now, they might not be able to handle this story, especially with the themes. But as a movie, it's good, but you definitely have to keep up with these stories, otherwise you will be very lost like me in the Harry Potter Woods.
7/10