Sci-Fi Storm

Here is a little mini-review from my first viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 – I’d like to see it again before doing a full review.

This was a great half-movie. I say half, not just because of the obvious “Part 1” in the title, but the fact that it doesn’t really reach a conclusion. There are many questions left to be answered (and will be in in Part 2), but it does reach a natural stopping point. It was described to me that it was a “true cliffhanger”, but I believe the opposite – it wasn’t left at a true moment of peril, so you shouldn’t be left cold on an adrenaline rush, but I think you will wish Part 2 wasn’t 7 months away.

There are a few differences from the book, but nothing that I think detracts from the story. MINOR SPOILER: Harry and Ron seem to know that the ring horcrux has already been destroyed, although it is never explained how or when, unless I missed it. I know from reading the book, but I don’t recall it ever being said in the movie.

The one thing that I think was lacking may have been pacing. The downtimes between the chase scenes seemed pretty long…my youngest child even at one point said she was bored and we thought she might go to sleep.

But other than that, its a great movie. A lot of previous characters have at least cameos. The fight scenes are generally well done – you can practically feel the impact of some of the spells. And it begins and ends on an emotional note.