Prelude to the End: HP Deathly Hallows Part 1 Review

Two Days from now,  the first part of the epic finale will finally come. After almost a decade of enchantment, Harry Potter series of movies will soon end. And as much as everybody don't want to let go of the franchise, Warner Bros. decided to make this last book special by making it into two movies. I got a chance to watch the advance screening last night and like what I expect, it is swarmed by Harry Potter fans from different ages, every one excited to see the film.



To those who haven't read the book, I will try not to spoil you though I know some already knows what will happen (thanks to internet). But I believe it is really a different ride if you watch the movies so reading the book alone is not enough. Again, as expected Deathly Hallows is as far as the darkest installment of the franchise. I don't even advice anyone to bring their kids to the theater. The level of maturity of the series already reached its peak with hard hitting duels, a lot of blood and even provocative scenes.

The characters matured as well not only in terms of age but also with their talent. The three leads alone, Daniel, Rupert and Emma had shown exceptional performance pushing their boundaries in acting.  Seeing the trio grow through every film fascinates me and makes me also realize how this three person single handedly changed a decade and eventually created a pop culture that may define it.  This three deserves the recognition of being true icons of this age not only for their famous characters but also for their years of dedication and mastery of the arts.

It is also good to see old characters back both allies and foes like Fleur Delacour played by Clemence Poesy (last seen on Goblet of Fire), Ollivander played by John Hurt (last seen briefly in Half Blood Prince), Dolores Umbridge played by Imelda Staunton (Last Seen on order of the Phoenix) and a lot more. The film also introduces new characters like Luna's father, Xenophillius Lovegood (Rhys Ifans); Ron's brother, Bill Weasley (Domhnall Gleeson) and  most of the Death Eaters, Snatchers and minor characters.

At last this movie is doing something they should have done long ago on the later sequels. I really believe, Harry Potter is a very dark book despite being tagged as a children's literature. After the 4th film (Goblet of Fire), the franchise goes down hill and the energy completely goes down with Half-blood Prince. Though that time I haven't read the books yet and to be honest somehow I still enjoyed those installments but I share the sentiments of Harry Potter fans, those installments are half baked and lacks the force that the books already have. But when I saw Deathly Hallows, with just the opening sequence alone I know the production already pushed their limits. And I'm not disappointed.

The only downside of the film is now that they are trying to inject as much events and characters from the book, a lot of characters from past books just suddenly appeared without proper characterization. And lastly it really sucks when a movie ends with a cliffhanger because Part 1 is just a very long Prologue of book 7. Now we have to wait until July to see the rest of it. And yes, I'm so excited.

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 will premiere nationwide on Nov. 18 (Thursday). Don't miss the enchanted prelude to finale and reserve your tickets now.