It’s the beginning of the end, as the trailer so dictates. After almost ten years, 6 hugely successful films, Harry Potter, the brainchild of author J.K. Rowling has reached its final installment, in the form of two parts. Potter has its own special place in the hearts of avid fans, and especially alot of now adults who ten years ago were but wide eyed children, like our heroes in the first installment, growing up with them. I myself wasn’t particularly part of this group, i found the books unappealing, partly due to the rampid popularity. It was only once the films game out did i understand the magic of the worlds.
I think it’s quite amazing how these films have managed to tell a story over a whole decade, to show a set of unknown children grow into well-known adults, to see the extremely large array of British talent that have been apart of each movie, many for multiple films. It’s also been interesting to see the development and change of style through directors, from the faithful, kid friendly days of Chris Columbus directing the first two installments: Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber Of Secrets, to the dark, strange and wonderful world of Alfonzo Cuaron with the Prisoner Of Azkaban, the colourful explosion of excitement in Mike Newells’ Goblet Of Fire, to the bleak David Yates days beginning with Order Of The Phoenix completely through to the eventual end of the series. It’s been a wonderful metaphorphosis in my opinion, and i believe some franchises should be told as such.
Now to Part I, the film picking up from the aftermath of the previous film, Half-Blood Prince (spoilers) Dumbledore has been murdered, Voldemort strengthens his evil, the muggle world is becoming at risk and Harry Potter is in extreme danger. Every move is now under the watchful eye of the Death Eaters, ready to attack at any given moment. The only hope is the “horcruxes”, a series of items that contain parts of Voldemort that keeps him alive, to Harry, with the help of his friends Ron and Hermoine must find and destroy.
The last intstallment, Half Blood Price, was a grave disappointment, despite its wonderful cinematography and a lovely performance from Jim Broadbent. The film was made up of too much teen angst, as well as the lack of memorable parts, as if nothing at all happened within the film other than the development of the horcruxes. Even the death of Dumbledore was extremely understated. A truly depressing film.
Part I, however manages to greatly improve on the last film, containing a host of excellent scenes, the extremely unsettling meeting of the Death Eaters, in which Ralph Fiennes yet again nails the pure essense of evil in Voldemort, the Death Eater ambush/chase as Harry and friends attempt to bring Harry to a safe location, a extremely exciting scene. The Mission Impossible-esc infiltration of the Ministry of Magic makes for some excellent comedy as Harry and co disguise themselves as other people, especially through Ron, who plays his role all too well, forgetting who he really was.
By the middle of the film, the film turns into a slow burning road movie, which in proves to be bother an asset and a hinderance. The asset being, after such a convoluted first act, full of familiar british talent and action, it is nice change to see the main trio, Harry, Ron and Hermoine on their own, allowing them to give some excellent character performances that deepen not only their relationships but their characters (however the Nick Cave dance scene, despite the awesome nature of Nick Cave, was extremely tacked on). It does show how actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have grown in acting abilities. It becomes a hinderance due to the lack of happenings after awhile, there is alot of sitting around, thinking under a tree etc. which ruins the pacing slightly. This is possibly due to the film not needing to rush, with two films, it can easy relax as there is plenty of time to cover plot.
The third act brings back the excitement, especially with a standout scene at the Lovegood homestead, where Luna’s father Xenophilius (an excellent Rhys Ifans) reveals hypnotic tale of “The Deathly Hallows”, presented in a wonderful sillouetted animation by Ben Hibon, creating what i believe to be one of the highlights of the series. The climax of the piece is exciting, but muted compared to the others, due to this being not being the end of the story, but it leaves you hanging and it does make you want more. This is where Part II in July shall be a must see.
It must be mentioned, unlike the previous installment, the film really allows characters from the previous films to shine, even if it’s for one scene, it allows them to return, bringing with them their whole history within the series, from Brendan Gleeson’s Mad-Eye Moody, Helena Bonham Carter’s batshit insane Beatrix Lestange, David Thewlis’ Lupin and of course, Ralph Fiennes’ Voldemort. I must be mentioned too, its also great to see the return of Dobby, unseen since the second film.
I would have been interested to see the film directed by another director other than David Yates as it would have provided the series with yet another flavour. That said, he is comfortable in the directors chair and makes a very solid installment in Part I, a film that is very much NOT for kids. Like the main stars, the movies have grown to be for adults, and the magic is no longer child friendly. There are scares abound and the darkest mood yet, until Part II i am sure.
It’s the Harry Potter Horror Movie Extraviganza! And it will satisfy the fans and those who can understand what is going on. It’s a strong start, and the perceptions i’m sure will change once the final part is released in 2011. For now, some excellent, darkly magical cinema.
4/5
