Dark Harry Potter almost-finale does not disappoint

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Top Town Cinema last night

Reviewed by Bonnie HarrisonAfter millions of dedicated fans worshipped the six past movies, it has all come down to this. The end of the Harry Potter saga. At least, half of it.

Armed with popcorn and fizzy drinks, people came from all over Marlborough to be some of the first to glimpse the first half of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The Dark Lord, the One Who Must Not Be Named – Voldemort – and his evil disciples have conquered Hogwarts, and vanquished the great and bearded Albus Dumbledore from its halls.

Determined and resilient, Harry Potter, the chosen one, along with his loyal companions, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, must embark on a pilgrimage to defeat Voldemort, although it will not be easy. With the advantage of wit and sly cunning, Voldemort has devised a plan to make himself almost immortal.

With dementors and Death Eaters waiting around every corner, lurking behind every doorway, allegiances will be betrayed and friendships vexed. With the acting of ever-dramatic and motherly Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), supported by the love-drunk Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), there was a perfect contrast in personality for the courageous and arrogant Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) to form the most effective screen trio in the history of goodies and baddies. The well-practised actors' roles shone out as if they were their own.

But what is a blockbuster motion picture without special effects? These little things spice up a movie, and this is the most effective use of them I have seen yet. I found myself wondering how they can manipulate a film so much to make you doubt the laws of nature.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows reintroduced the lovably awkward Dobby, a house elf. Time and skill must have been poured in to create such an almost lifelike being on the screen. This movie has also brought something new to the legacy of the Harry Potter saga – true animation. Potter moviegoers will be entranced and creeped out by the storybook cartoon.

I recommend seeing this movie in daylight, because I expect dreams of brooding dementors, magic swords and elves tittering along in my dreams.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 19/11/2010

SCOTT HAMMON

SPELLBINDING: Harry Potter fans were among those who flocked to Top Town Cinema in Blenheim yesterday. to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, the first of two movies from the final book in the hugely popular Harry Potter series, which opened in Blenheim yesterday.