Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I hit cinema screens with a blast early this morning (Nov 18) with none of the pre-supposed dragging of drama in the lead up to the ultimate fight destined for the second part next year.  

This movie is action-packed and full of suspense. 

You can't trust anybody - even the most harmless of people could turn you over to the dark lord.

The Ministry of Magic is now in cahoots with he who cannot be named and even Hogwarts, which we see precious little of, is under his spell.

There are plenty of frightening moments with Voldemort's snake, Nagini, demolishing a poor teacher, and turning up when you least expect it to attack the main characters, and death eaters abound. 

The mighty trio of Harry, Hermione and Ron this time spend most of their time on the run while trying to find and destroy the horcruxes. 

It's also worth noting that this time they look quite grown up.

Daniel Radcliffe is looking more like the part he played in the West End's Equus where he stripped naked - he takes some of his clothes off here just as a reminder.

And Emma Watson has become rather elfin-like, even before the haircut.

What's great about this instalment is the scenes with less action are still incredibly interesting, with fantastic cinematography of the locations to which the trio dissapparate.

There are also humorous moments capped with good choreography, for example, there's a scene where the trio visit a character and the atmosphere is tense, shown by them all sipping tea, bringing the cups to their lips at the same time.

The animation when describing the tale of three brothers meeting death and the deals they struck with him, and the subsequent revelation of the three most powerful things in the wizard world (the deathly hallows) is also really clever. 

Death is a big theme - Dumbledore is already dead and is remembered, and another two characters make an early demise by movie's end so the whole tone of the piece is very dark. 

The acting is strong with all three leads giving their best performances to date.

There are also strong smaller roles. 

When the trio need to break into The Ministry of Magic unnoticed they go disguised as adults - these actors are so good at playing the children complete with their mannerisms that you really do believe in them.

The Deathly Hallows is perhaps the best in the Harry Potter series so far for tightness of action and maintaining suspense. 

Just one note of warning: At this stage in Harry Potter's adventures you're expected to know the terminology and be able to back reference so if you're a newbie, for heaven's sake read the books or watch a couple of movies before you go to see the penultimate instalment.

Otherwise you'll be complaining the franchise has lost its sheen because it's not amusing you with enough magic tricks and you may not be able to follow the plot.      
 

>> Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is now showing at Birch Carroll & Coyle. Contact www.eventcinemas.com.au for session times. 

>>Read more movie news and reviews at www.cairns.com.au/movies.

Share this article