Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

The first half of the great Potter finale is unexpectedly quiet and conversational, but it certainly doesn't hurt, because it is without exception superbly acted. The establishing part, which makes you realize how far not only the characters, but also their representatives have come since 2001, is probably the best of all. The tension is almost palpable for the whole 140 minutes, the gloomy atmosphere as well, but the screenwriter and director still know when they can afford something to lighten things up and the viewer doesn't get bored. The action start was top notch, while the ending with Bellatrix and Dobby is one of the most impressive moments of the whole series. And Alexandre Desplat got to compose the music, which was a safe bet. (2015-09-11)

Now I’ve reached the age where I have read all of the Potter books, but it’s so long ago now, that I can’t remember anything more than the main plot and how they ended. Yates understands (but the studio doesn’t yet) that most of the fans have aged considerably (personally I first got to know Harry and his friends in the ninth grade and a whole lot of water has flown under the bridge since then) and, starting with part five, has begun slowly but surely to shift from slightly rugged fairytale into a dark fantasy which suits us, over-aged kids, better now. Part seven also has the advantage that it radically differs from its younger brothers in its most fundamental aspect. We are no longer shut in at Hogwarts, but we are beginning to move around, far and wide around the entire, well... British Isles. The visuals in the first half of Deathly Hollows are entrancing (the sea) and yes, I also mean the ingeniously handled insert about the three brothers. Desplat’s music is probably the best possible substitute for Williams’ awesome soundtracks. The cast give their very best performances (after all these years, they have their characters nailed) and because the story has been divided into two, they have a lot of room to strut their stuff. They are clearly saving Snape for the finale and Voldemort is at last truly demonic. It was interesting that although it was a little slow-moving, I wasn’t bored for a minute. In fact this made me want to see the last half and maybe read the books again. Sometime. So, our last meeting is in six month’s time, Mr. Potter. (2010-11-29)

I am not going to complain about this movie, but I have to point out that I am so exhausted from the whole series that I would gladly accept Voldemort's victory. I have previously mentioned that, from my point of view, the movie series should have had only four parts, as this fully demonstrates a lot of filler from the books. Additionally, since the producers decided to divide the last book into two movie parts for higher profits, this flaw is even more evident in this case. Logically, the film does not escalate as it should and thus lags from a dramatic perspective. On the other hand, it once again scores points with the big budget and the care of the film studio, so Harry Potter fans will not be disappointed. Overall impression: 50%. (2011-04-06)

I feel like this doesn't have much to do with good old Harry Potter anymore. It's all a bit too dark and the Hogwarts atmosphere is sorely lacking. I still respect Harry as a fan though. I'm just of the opinion that a "new" viewer won't be impressed by this installment (at least the first part). At times I feel like I'm watching a Canadian thriller. I give it 4 stars, but on a completely different scale than the previous installments. But I'm looking forward to Part 2 anyway. (2011-05-13)

The world of magic has entered truly the darkest times, but despite what random critical outbursts might suggest, it has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the film adaptation. Yates and Kloves had a challenging task of transforming the "slower and more talkative" part of the Relics into a separate explosive blockbuster. The director stood out with incredible bravura, and whether the Trio is leaving home, the Tale of the Three Brothers is being told, or the horcrux is being destroyed, the magical atmosphere literally shines from the screen. However, Kloves' screenplay occasionally takes shortcuts, and if I didn't have the source material loaded backwards and forwards, I would be quite lost. But even though Bill and Fleur become members of the Order from minute to minute, when they were omitted in the Prince, and Minister Scrimgeour steps onto the scene only to quickly descend from it, the criticisms are hard to find in the consequences. The overall impression for me screams that from four hundred pages full of expectations of great things and the fulfillment of smaller ongoing goals, an epic fantasy full of intoxicating moments and such sincere private drama has been created that it takes one's breath away. The Phoenix and the Prince have gained a successful companion, and if David Yates was the king after the previous installment, he has slowly run out of room to climb. (2010-11-28)