Movie Review: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”

NOW PLAYING at East Towne Cinemas

I’ve been a long time fan of the Harry Potter franchise, ever since the first live-action adaptation, “Sorcerer’s Stone.” But, the past three adaptations have been significantly different from the first three.They’ve lacked the luster that first drew me in—the magic. Simply, they lack action—especially when you compare them to other great epic films in the series like “Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Some devoted readers of the novels point to the fact that the books, while still great, lack action and therefore the films do as well.

Some film buffs argue that it’s Warner Bros. directorial decision in David Yates that makes these last few films rather boring considering that his previous experience lies mostly in romance.

And, some say that the decision to base the last three Potter movies in more tween drama and less wondrous action is a result of the recent success of the Twilight franchise, a plot that revolves entirely around the emotional conflict of a teenage girl.

Either way you slice it, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” is no different than the last three in terms of excitement. The story the film follows is the love triangle between the principle cast of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

If Twilight-type, teen romance is your cup of tea, then you’ll love “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.”

So, devoted Potter readers, enjoy your most recent chance to compare the latest adaptation to you own imagination’s version of the story.

Film buffs, I’d check out the DVD version of Part 1 before the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” because that film, is rumored to be much better.