We pick up promptly where HP6 left off. Harry and the rest of the wizarding world is in a state of shock from Dumbledore's murder, presumably at the hands of Severus Snape. A new Minister of Magic is in charge, but it's all for naught as Voldemort's forces and influence is present at every turn. The world is, indeed, on its ear with muggles and half-bloods placed on full alert. Those two groups are being targeted in what can best be described as, well, a witch hunt. With that in mind, there's plenty happening and none of it's good.
Harry, Ron and Hermoine, however, are charged with another task: Finding and destroying Horcruxes. Years ago, Voldemort split his soul into seven pieces, transferring that energy into various objects, known as Horcruxes. There are seven total and Harry is privy to two that have already been destroyed (a Ring that Dumbledore had previously nailed and Tom Riddle's Diary, which Harry eliminated in HP2). Harry, who has meanwhile become Public Enemy Number One, knows of another, a locket. Securing that locket and destroying it becomes job one. Meanwhile, another story emerges: The Deathly Hallows, presumably a kids fable that may be an equally important key to it all. Yadayadayada, Harry and company hunt down the Horcrux while The Chosen One strives to live up to his name...all while trying to avoid capture.
It's good. Very good. In fact, it moved quickly into the Top Three Favs in the series for me, with its final position pending on another viewing or two. The story is coming together in Rowling fashion and is being lived nicely on-screen. Yeah, I'm a big fan of the books. The creativity stemming from Rowling's imaginative vision is simply unparalleled in modern literature. With that in mind, taking such a complex storyline to the big screen presents many challenges. This is true from both a Screenwriting and Direction standpoint. Sure, there are always going to be nuances gapingly left out in the transfer and we certainly see that in HP7 as we've seen it throughout the series. All in all, Screenwriter Steve Kloves and Director David Yates, got it done. They've held true to a great story and managed to weave the tale in a titillating and culpable fashion. Plus, the scenery created within the wizarding world is true to Rowling's form, which certainly enhances the credibility of Yates' vision and allows the story to play out to both book and movie fans alike.
The acting is solid here as well. In HP1, the kids got a free acting pass on being cute alone. That wasn't as true in HP2 thru HP4. Since HP5, they've really come into their own, especially Daniel Radcliffe (Harry). Rupert Grint (Ron) has always been solid as the sometimes stumbling, comedic side-kick best friend. The same is true with Emma Watson (Hermoine). Radcliffe's emergence has been more pronounced due to a role that is undoubtedly more demanding and transformative. He's certainly met the learning curve since HP4. Cute in HP1. Borderline adequate in HP2. Solid in HP3 and HP4. Since HP5, he's been very good. I'm already looking forward to next Summer's Part II--heck, I'm looking forward to a second viewing of this one.
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you've got to see this 4.5 Star flick and see it Big. If you're not a packin' a wand, you'll still enjoy it without getting too lost. As for My Order of Favs in the Harry Potter Franchise:
1-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HP5)
2-Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (HP3)
3-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (HP6-Pt 1) *This one could move up a spot
4-Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (HP1)
5-Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (HP4)
6-Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (HP2)
7-Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (HP6)
As always, thanks for reading,
True...OUT!
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