Firstly, the decision to split the final book is correct - to limit it to one film would be doing it a disservice, especially after all the years it's taken the series to get this far. Secondly, the end of this part is in the exact right spot. The nearest cinematic equivalent I can think off is the end of the Empire Strikes Back - it's also a film that has similarly dark moments. Thirdly, if for some bizarre reason you've not seen or read parts 1-6 yet go to see this, then you won't have a clue what's going on. The film assumes knowledge of what has passed previously. But is it any good??
It's beautifully shot with a bleached/wash out look. The story is fine and although it weighs in at around 2.5 hours it rarely drags. It is a dark story but there are some moments of humour and there are also some beautifully played passages. However...
The film concentrates on Harry, Ron and Hermione - the other characters are rarely on screen yet when they are the screen is completely lit up. Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter are excellent but are there for fleeting moments. A lot falls to the three young leads to carry the film - and to be honest I'm not sure they do. The simple fact is that the older actors are miles better than any of the younger cast.
After a while your mind can wander. I know Hermione has created a bottomless bag but just how many outfits did she manage to pack? Harry is 16-17 years old - has anyone not told him to get some trendier specs?
The leads are all great looking - special mention must go to Emma Watson's stylist as Herminone looks nothing less than wonderfully attired throughout - but sometimes it looks like a shoot for the latest Boden ad campaign rather than a film.
Overall it's good film, but you felt it could have been some much better.
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