The 'Deathly Hallows Part 1' is Harry Potter's best yet

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 1

Reviewed by Jerry Saravia

 I have had the occasional lukewarm reaction to the Harry Potter film series. After the triumphant "Prisoner of Azkaban" and the swiftness of "Goblet of Fire," "Order of the Phoenix" did not engage me as much, though it had flair. I also felt that "Half-Blood Prince" was one of the weakest of the series, curiously cold and remote with the darkest blue hues to be seen, making it a bit of an eye strain (even "Chamber of Secrets" was a superior sequel in terms of look and attitude). But the first chapter of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is an exuberant, imaginative and outstandingly entertaining film that combines a lot of what does work in a Harry Potter film and brings it to the surface, brimming with dark pleasures, superb performances, excellent, thrilling special-effects, and a story that would make J.R.R. Tolkien proud (yes, it is that good).

Based on the J.K.Rowling novels, Harry and his magical pals are at their homes at the start of the movie, ready not to return to Hogwarts school but to run from the Death Eaters. This is essentially a chase picture and it starts with a fantastic chase through the skies, as bespectacled Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), the smart and alert Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and the easily bemused Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) use their magical powers to fly their cars and motorcycles to escape from those swirling clouds of black smoke (Death Eaters, of course). The trio and their colleagues end up in the countryside, far away from civilization (some of their families are safely tucked away elsewhere, and some have their memories erased). This all leads to the discovery and secret of the Deathly Hallows, which is presented in an astounding animation style that recalls Tim Burton mixed with Guillermo Del Toro. It is such an amazing piece of footage that I'd be remiss in saying it deserves anything less than accolades.

In the meantime, the pale villain of this series, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) with his creepy snake-like slit nostrils, wishes to destroy Harry. He asks his minions to find him but it gets complicated when Harry has doubles who are his own willing colleagues, trying to help Harry escape. The whipper snapper, Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter), is also back, and meaner than ever. There is also talk of the Sword of Gryffindor, something that Dumbledore (Michael Gambon, appearing in flashes since he was killed by Severus Snape, once again played with slithering menace by Alan Rickman) had left to Harry as part of a will. Naturally, Harry can't receive it since Minister Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy) states that it is of historical importance. Added to this are the Death Eaters making their way through all of London seeking the youthful wizard trio who are slowly becoming adults; dark visions swirling inside Harry and Ron's heads; a giant deadly cobra; goblins, including the return of Dobby; and the quest to find the four Horcruxes (dark magic objects) that contain Voldemort's soul.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I" is only an indicator of what's to come, which I imagine will be an apocalyptic fight between Harry and Voldemort. The tension also mounts between Harry, Hermione and Ron (at one point, Ron departs for a length of time), adding some layers of complexity and an awakening sexual maturity to their mutual relationship. It may be too soon to say this since, as of this writing, Part 2 is yet to be released in theatres but "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" (don't wave your wands in protest) is the best Harry Potter film of the series - scary, lightning-paced and frequently a demonic and clever ride through the emotional landscape of J.K. Rowling's world.