A bit bland, but that's because all the action is in Part II

Rating: 7/10 (20 December 2010)

*possible spoilers*
I first want to say that splitting the final movie into 2 parts was a stroke of genius, because it reduces the likelihood of the plot being completely butchered, which is what happened with all of the HP movies except the first two. As anyone who has read Deathly Hallows knows, much of the beginning involves the trio on the lam, hiding out in the woods, and doing a whole lot of nothing. Fortunately, DH part 1 doesn't deviate too much from the book, save for a completely unnecessary just-friends dance scene between Harry and Hermione. The scene in Godric's Hollow is creepy and nerve-wracking, just like in the book, although not quite as wonderfully terrifying as the cave scene in HBP. The scene in Malfoy Manor is also quite exciting, although again, the meat and potatoes of DH will be in Part 2. The acting in DH part 1 is wonderfully done, with no real exceptions. Helen Botham Carter is back as the deliciously evil Bellatrix Lestrange and Ralph Finnes once again captures his iconic role as Voldemort just right. Dobby (forgot who the voice actor was) really shines in this movie, and Imelda Staunton is back for a brief reprise of arguably the most despicable fictional character of all time; Dolores Umbridge. Overall, yes this movie suffers from a serious lack of action, but that's because that's how it is in the book. So no real complaints on my part.