Expecto Patronum: FF’s The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 Review
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I have ridiculously high expectations for everything in life, which includes the world of movies, television, and books. This could be the kiss of death, if you think about it. I could be ridiculously disappointed. Quickly. The same goes with Harry Potter. I love these characters and their stories so intensely and I worry that I am putting too much pressure on the movie gods to get it right. I was so nervous before the movie started on Saturday afternoon!
But you know what – I was impressed. To be the one who has to jam pack such a complex and important novel into two and a half hours deserves a medal. And a street to be named after them. Even though there were some details (tiny, I admit) that I was hoping to see on screen, the movie sped by so quick… it was hard to believe that the credits were already rolling.
I really loved the beginning of the movie – seeing Hermoine leaving her parents, Ron in front of the Burrow, and Harry leaving the Dursley’s. (The Dursley good-bye is one of my favorite parts of the book and it was sadly absent. I am glad they included a scene of Harry opening up the cupboard under the stairs.) Straight away, we see the sacrifice that each of the main characters is making, in addition to how different the world is now that Voldemort is back.
A few things: loved Voldemort welcoming Snape to the Manor, “I thought you’d lost your way.” Glad to know Ginny has no qualms about asking her “boyfriend” (there was no closure here whatsoever) to zip her up in their kitchen with no bra on! (WTH?) Great moments of humor after George loses his ear; the toothbrush hanging out of his ear was great. I was absolutely in love with the scene at the Ministry when the adult actors play our favorite trio. Despite the outrageous suspense, these three created such a comical scene. In fact, it was one of my favorites.
More than anything, I was extremely impressed with the acting of Daniel, Rupert, and Emma. Daniel is always fantastic, but I think the other two really had their chance to show their stuff and they certainly did. Ron’s angry and jealous outburst was spectacular, as was Emma when she was being tortured by Bellatrix. They have grown into their characters so well, and I enjoyed watching them together so much. Being alone in the middle of nowhere brought out some serious and realistic scenes. The closest of friends would have fought and gotten frustrated. There is so much at stake, so much to fight for.
I’ve always been okay with Ron and Hermione coupling up. While Hermione and Harry frequently teamed up on certain adventures, Ron and Hermione had a lot of time together when Harry was off learning Dark Arts from Lupin, or Occlumency from Snape. Plus, Hermione and Harry were always best friends to me. He liked Cho, then Ginny and… I was never feeling it. Therefore, I wasn’t a huge fan of the dancing in the tent (although Dan has quite the moves). I think they could have filled up their time talking about something else, or joking around if they wanted it to be a light moment. (Maybe Harry could have mentioned Ginny?)
Was the movie perfect? No. But what is? I think for the first time in all of the movies, they did an excellent job of explaining certain parts so non-readers could understand follow along. (I adored the inclusion of the fairy tale with the simple animation.) Dobby stole the show. He was everything Dobby should be and more. I wanted more from Godric’s Hollow (especially upon seeing his house the first time) and some mention of the possessions Sirius had left behind (the note from Lily, the picture of him flying around on his first broom). Most of all I realized how empty the movies seem without hearing Harry’s thoughts all the time.
Seriously, how am I ever going to wait until July to see the last installment?!
P.S. If you were curious… I only cried about three times.
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