Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; Directed by David Yates
When the movie opened, I’d heard so much good reaction to the latest Harry Potter movie, that I decided to see it as soon as it was possible, instead of finally getting around to another one that had been in release much longer. And I’m pleased I did so.
from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
The acting on the part of the three principals was very good. These kids have definitely grown in their craft and they carry it off well. Daniel Radcliffe of course has to convey a lot of various emotions as Harry deals with the issues of trying to defeat (as in kill Voldemort). But for me, Rupert Grint has had the harder job all along: as a sidekick, he does have to pull the comedy train (which he does quite well), but in this series, there is also his love of Hermione in all its awkwardness. And he delivers this very well. He’s also grown into a striking young man. But he’s learned the art of doing his job well without upstaging the main character (although I begin to think he could if he chose to do so). Emma Watson shines. She’s that good, she doesn’t need more words. The scene where Harry and Hermione dance in order to cheer themselves up becomes poignant, because much as she cares about Harry, he’s not Ron and that’s the guy she wants to dance with. It’s a nicely done scene.
The effects for the house elves have improved greatly (not that they were bad before). And given what occurs in this “episode” that is important.
One thing the filmmakers do well, is to make this film suspenseful, even if you know how the story plays out. I think it is because they realized that we need to stay keyed into what the characters are experiencing, rather than trying to surprise the audience. (I think that was one of the problems with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which felt more like a mere visual glossary to the book than it did a telling of that story).
All in all, a very satisfying adaptation, and it has prepared for the key conflict waiting the audience in the final installment. If you like the Harry Potter books and films, go see it.
