Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) by Gordon H — 02 Aug 2016

The final chapter has begun!

Originally written on November 26, 2010--.

Without the guidance and protection of their professors, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) begin a mission to destroy the Horcruxes, the sources of Voldemort's immortality. Though they must rely on one another more than ever, dark forces threaten to tear them apart. Voldemort's Death Eaters have seized control of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts, and they are searching for Harry---even as he and his friends prepare for the ultimate showdown.

I understand why the producers of the Harry Potter film saga split J.K. Rowling's classic novel into two films. There's so much material to cover, it would be utterly impossible to do it justice in just one film. Unfortunately, that means this chapter feels unresolved and incomplete. There is so much build-up to the final conclusion still to come that the ending of Part 1 almost feels like a "let-down." However, what this film does get right is the despair, loneliness, and sheer frustration that Harry, Ron, and Hermione go through as they attempt to hunt down and destroy the evil Lord Voldemort's horcruxes. It's not the final satisfying chapter in the saga, but it does set it up for what should be an amazing conclusion.