The end is almost here- and Part 1 is perhaps the best way of opening the finale, combining violent wand battles, ominous signals of the end and even some light comedy in an effort to sustain the excitement that could have been lost through the flick's 'road trip' tone in any other film. Somehow, in some way, Deathly Hallows: Part 1 never ceases to be utterly compelling viewing, even through tedious episodic scenes which see the famed trio of Harry and co move from scenario to scenario at an alarming rate. Speaking of Radcliffe, Grint and Watson, all three leads do their jobs superbly here, boosting stamina with humour and/or angst as the seemingly impossible task of destroying Voldemort's Horcruxes becomes ever more out of reach. They're part of the reason that Hallows: Part 1 never lets up, but cameos from film greats like Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans and Dobby (apologies, but the house elf is amongst this reviewer's favourite Potter characters!) add more depth to an already layered epic of an opening. What truly gives the film its shocking effect (I was shaking) is its climax: a knife, a grave and a wand are the only hints I'll give at the sensational cliff-hanger that (somewhat) abruptly give way to credits. Seriously, while the pacing is a bit off at 145 minutes, and you'll be left begging for more, the latter can only be a good thing! Honestly, this is 2010's Avatar, and deserves (nay must) to be seen by all.
Haven't seen it yet but did watch the 'behind the scenes' on ITV2 and realised that the chase scenes where filmed at 'The Lookout' in Bracknell. The producers also closed the whole of Piccadily Circus in London (expensive) to shoot one of the scenes using hundreds of extras!
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