Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1: A Vancouver Mom’s Review
By Selinda Lye, VancouverMom.ca Reviewer.
In 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone made its debut appearance in theatres across Canada. The Philosopher’s Stone introduced film goers to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and led them into a whimsical land of magic and spells, dragons and other mythical creatures, and, of course, quidditch. As Harry and his friends have gotten older, the obstacles and challenges they have faced while combating the evil forces have increased exponentially. Now, almost exactly nine years later, part one of the final chapter is about to be revealed.
The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 picks up where the last movie The Half Blood Prince left off and is definitely the darkest and gloomiest film of the Harry Potter series so far. Although the violence in the movie is not graphic, the scenes are intense and parents of younger viewers are advised to take caution.
The story no longer takes place in the comfortable, familiar and protective walls of Hogwarts. Instead, you learn of the chaos and confusion that has now fallen upon the world of magic with the passing of Headmaster Dumbledore. As Lord Voldemort grows stronger, the evil forces gain power and the good witches and wizards are paying the price with their lives. Leaving behind their loved ones, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) set off on a mission to find the remaining Horcruxes in an effort to destroy Lord Voldemort once and for all.
The movie runs a little under two and a half hours, but is chock full of action and suspense. Gone are the days of the Hogwarts Express, house points, and the sorting hat. Instead Harry, Hermione, and Ron find themselves continually in danger. They sneak in and out of the ministry of magic, escape death at the Lovegoods, and survive torture at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange.
Die hard fans will not be disappointed as many favourite characters make an appearance in part one of the conclusion. However, be forewarned that if you have not read the books, you will be in for heartbreak as some of the favourites meet unfavourable ends.
Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint are fantastic in this chapter of the story. They display their maturity through their struggles with decisions and through their interactions with each other. Now, more than ever, they are truly convincing in their portrayal of their characters.
The special effects used throughout the movie are quite impressive, but if you don’t like snakes, be prepared for a few serpent filled scenes. All in all, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 leaves this movie goer eagerly and impatiently awaiting the release of Part 2, which is expected to hit theatres in July of 2011.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 opens tomorrow.
Selinda Lye is the mother of a beautiful little baby girl who fuels Selinda’s passion to become the best mother possible. Find out how you can become a VancouverMom.ca Reviewer.
