This review is not a commentary on whether you should watch Harry Potter movies. That is a valid discussion; however, this review is to give insight to those who are considering seeing the film, but want to know more. The goal is to inform and convey the critic's take on the movie as entertainment and not a theological mouth piece.
RATING:
PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.
GENRE:
Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation
RELEASE:
Nov. 19, 2010
STARRING:
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Tom Felton, Bill Nighy, Bonnie Wright, Jason Isaacs, John Hurt
DIRECTOR:
David Yates
DISTRIBUTOR:
Warner Bros. Pictures
Please Note
In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.
Chrisitan Movie Review
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part 1
By Jayce O'Neal
Contributing Critic
CBN.com - This first part of the last installment of the Harry Potter series finds Harry in immense danger as the Dark Lord seeks to end his existence. In fact, the majority of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, has Harry hiding out with his closest friends, Ron and Hermione, while also trying to figure out how to thwart Voldemort’s evil scheme. In the midst of the confusion, Harry also must try to piece together clues given to him by Dumbledore in order to stop his enemy.
Bottom Line
The majority of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows focuses on the three young companions in the wilderness. The basic story is the same as all of the Potter movies: the battle between good and evil. Will the "chosen one" be victorious or succumb to the dark plans of the embodiment of evil, Voldemort?
Thumbs Up
The best part of this new film from an objective viewpoint is the dialogue between the three primary characters: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They banter as true friends would; and the dialogue also helps push forward the story, while providing much needed comedic relief.
Thumbs Down
This second-to-last installment of the Harry Potter franchise is probably the weakest of the series so far. The plot is extremely thin; and the overall story suffers, probably from the studios desire to squeeze one more sequel out of the franchise; Part 2 comes to theaters in 2011. Most of the film is just the three friends sitting in the woods not knowing what to do. Also, this sequel does not offer audiences as much fantastical action or whimsical quirks. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 simply rehashes the same thing everyone has already seen. Harry is chased. Voldemort tries to capture Potter, but only gets so close.
The biggest issue in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is that it references names and people (whom are rarely seen in the film) and spends less time on the people on the screen. Undoubtedly, the avid Potter viewer will love the movie and the slew of inside jokes and heaping mounds of Potter mythology. But, the average moviegoer may find themselves on the outside looking in.
Another issue parents will have is that the content is far more grown up then in previous films, as explained below in the "Family Friendly" section of this review.
How I Rate It
Family Friendly: This new Harry Potter film gets only 2.5 out of 5 stars for family friendliness. Some of the big issues discussed or shown in the film include suicide, murder, and even sexual innuendos. The most disturbing example is when Ron sees a vision of Harry and Hermione kissing. The kissing is extremely aggressive and the two youths appear to be naked. However, nothing explicit is seen; his view is distorted by flames.
As with the entire Harry Potter franchise, there is a slew of magic, incantations, and supernatural elements. While this movie depicts a battle between good vs. evil, many may take issue with the convention of magic as a whole.
Degree of Excellence: It deserves a 3.3 star rating for excellence. The special effects are good as usual and the dialogue is witty. However, this movie fell far short of the cinematic quality of the previous films in the series.
Take Away: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 gets 3 stars for being quite average. Even if you don’t have an issue with the premise, this movie leaves a lot to be desired.
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 Dr. Jayce O’Neal is the author of No Girls Allowed: Devotions for Boys , Crazy Circus World, and 100 Answers to 100 Questions Every Graduate Should Know. He also is a public speaker, and actor who enjoys cheering for his favorite sports teams while eating pizza with a fork. He likes to watch movies, visit amusement parks, and play board games. Dr. Jayce loves to be creative and encourage others to use their imaginations and their noggins. He has a Doctorate, two Masters Degrees, a Bachelor of Science, and a small trophy for perfect attendance in Sunday school from when he was nine. For more information visit: www.jayceoneal.com
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