Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes.

Director: David Yates

Rating: 6.5/10

THE child stars thrust into the spotlight by the first film adapatation of the phenomenon that is J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series are now young adults.

The trio - Radcliffe, Watson and Grint - have become so identified with the series since 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone that it's difficult to imagine them actually doing anything else. Not that, financially at least, any of them will ever have to.

For the legion of Potter fans around the world, attendance at this, the seventh in the series, is a no-brainer. Hooked by the first book and devoted followers of all the tomes that have followed, they anticipate each new film adaptation with the sort of enthusiasm generally reserved for Christmas.

Here's a question: can a complete newcomer to the Potter legend appreciate this film going in 'cold', so to speak?

First, an update: As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes (you'll either know or you won't), he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.

Voldemort's (Fiennes) power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord.

But little hope remains for the trio, and the rest of the wizarding world, so everything they do must go as planned... That it doesn't, of course, is what sets up the final installment of the series (part two of Deathly Hallows is in the can and due out next year).

For the newbie (me) to the series, it may take a little while to get into the story (or, truth be told, even get close to understanding it). The compensations are stunning special effects and a superbly dark vision of the age-old battle of good versus evil. Fiennes is magnificent as the slippery fiend Voldermort whose power at this point is in the ascendancy.

Newcomers may be distracted by some of the lengthier 'talkie' bits but by the final reel chances are that like me you'll be left awaiting the final installment. (Parents be warned: there are some pretty scary parts so proceed with caution...)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is screening at Vue, Inverness. See www.myvue.com for listings details.

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