Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Ratings: 7.5/10

Film Class: B+

Genre: Fantasy

I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan, cos I haven't seen most of the middle few movies in this decade long sequel but comparing it to the first 2 I've seen as well as the more recent Half-Blood Prince, I think this movie ranks 2nd. I particularly love the Half-Blood Prince for the storyline, buildup, the genre as well as the independence of the movie. For the Deathly Hallows, not surprisingly, it falls short of being an independent movie because it's only part 1, but I honesty didn't expect the end to have such an unwelcoming cliff hanger.

Not much action in this film, a handful of scares and overall a pretty dark film. No more "broomstick" flying games in this movie (can't rem the name of the game), and the franchise has indeed sprouted a more matured theme with awkward romantic scenes filled with uncomfortable tension. If it's as what the book portrays, then it's forgivable I guess, but if not, it could be that the cast were not professionally equipped in that genre yet.

After graduation, and the revival of Voldemort, the hunt for Harry Potter begins. It is up to his friends and those who hold a noble cause to protect him whilst he searches the remaining Horcruxes (which holds bits of Voldemort's spirit) and destroys them. The magic world has been taken over the villians and time is ticking as the trio undegoes a series of challenges which both threatens their friendship and their survival.

The male protagonist is this sequel is just not as "invincible" as most other movies... instead Harry Potter is portrayed as someone who is extremely vulnerable and even his spellcasting skills is inferior compared to Hermione. He's so "lost" in this film which really makes him undesirable to watch. He's like Fredo in Lord of the Rings, but he's not even close to his "purity". Weasley was the usual funny guy who managed to lighten up tense moments and Hermione was as usual, the eye candy of the entire franchise who lighted up the screens, metaphorically speaking.

I did enjoy the movie experience, but was slightly disappointed by the lack of action scenes and even the ending action scene lacked "magic" power. Storyline was engaging, and the villians really stole the show. Let's just hope for Part 2, the heroes can steal back the limelight from them. 1 more year to go... darn it's a long long wait...