Looking back over the last nine years, the changes in the Harry Potter movies are apparent. From the trivial (such as the aging of the three stars) to the technical (the confident directorial “wizardry” of the later films to the first chapters), this series has become a well-oiled machine that successfully captures the hearts of viewers from all age demographics. Unfortunately, in the first component of the final plunge, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, relies too heavily on the audience’s devotion to the prior films and lacks the strength in narrative and wonder most of the previous installments delivered.
In the latest adventure, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermoine (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) leave the school grounds in exile to find and destroy the Horcruxes, in order to defeat Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). Concurrently, the forces of evil gain in power and in Third Reich fascism take over the Ministry of Wizardry and hunt Harry and his cohorts.
Director David Yates (who directed the last four chapters of the cycle) takes an extraordinary amount of time to tell the story (150 minutes) with only sporadic moments of energetic drive and visual flair. When he does so, the movie soars. Disappointingly, they are only moments and the darkness of the current material lends the movie a melancholic gloom: not what the audience wants in closure from the highest grossing film franchise of all time. On the plus side, the three leads continually grow in their rapport and range, and it is hard not to root for Harry and his compatriots.
By the time Harry Potter will face his final battle with Voldemort on the big screen, we will have been watching this battle for over ten years. During that time, the innocence of the actors to the awkwardness of the initial directors has given way to a reliable fantasy franchise. Here’s hoping that the last chapter can reveal something more than just dependable. C+
In Limited Release
Director Charles Ferguson’s (No End in Sight) latest documentary, Inside Job, is a harrowing and comprehensive analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008. Narrated with subtly by Matt Damon, the linearly structured film succinctly explains how this situation arose with interviews from key industry players, politicians and academic. The film posits the frightening notion that nothing new has changed since the situation occurred and at this point, looks like nothing will. A
Now on Blu-ray/DVD
The reimagining of the 1980s cult classic “V: The Complete First Season” on Blu-ray is a thoughtful, suspense-actioner about alien visitors to Earth and their mysterious intentions. The set includes over two hours of insightful bonus features and a great transfer. B+
Once again, with his latest, Grown Ups, Adam Sandler confirms it is getting more and more difficult to return to the comedic heights of Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore. In this paragon of mediocrity, Sandler joins with Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider as childhood friends who discover the difficulties of accepting adulthood. The Blu-ray/DVD combo contains a plethora of bonus material, but it will only be valuable to those who love the film. C
Overwhelmed widower James Van Der Beek finds the housekeeper of his and his son’s dreams in Doris Roberts who turns out to be much more than that in the DVD release of Mrs. Miracle. Based on the bestselling novel by Debbie Macomber, this film proves to be a typical family film. No bonus features to speak of. C
For those who missed it or couldn’t handle the crazy schedule involved, now the chance to watch the best of last summer’s world cup in glorious Blu-ray 3D in The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup in 3D. This hour-long highlights film of the games is shot in stunning 3D HD and the visuals will impress all viewers, regardless of whether or not they are sports-oriented. The only downside is that it could be longer and there are no bonus features. A-
