"Deathly Hallows" mesmerizes audiences

When Warner Brother's announced they were splitting the final installment of the Harry Potter franchise into two separate movies, the reaction from fans was less than enthusiastic. However, the first movie did not disappoint.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I" had everything moviegoers wanted to see. With the right blend of action, spectacularly timed British humor and whimsical love partnered with harsh betrayal, this movie sent audiences on an emotional roller coaster, made that much more emotional because of the impending end to the beloved series. 

Director David Yates toiled hard in his rendition of J.K Rowling's New York Times Best Seller. Yates is no newcomer to the series, considering he formerly directed "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Yates is directing the final chapter of The Deathly Hallows.

From the opening scene, to the final moments of the film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I" mesmerized viewers. Growing up with Harry Potter and reading the entirety of the series, I was able to appreciate the subtleties in the growing relationships between the three best friends, Ron, Harry and Hermione.

The story remains a battle between good and evil as Harry and his friends quickly find themselves trekking on their own to continue Dumbledore's quest to find the remaining Horcruxes, which are pieces of Lord Voldemort's soul that can be used to weaken him, thus preparing themselves for the last and ultimate battle.

For most of the movie, the trio's companionship is tested as they spent a majority of the film fending for themselves in a dangerous, unwelcoming world of wizardry. Yet, through adversity and despair, Ron, Hermione and Harry prove that with a little bit of luck, love and the bond of friendship, anything can be accomplished.

The film provides non-stop action and thrilling suspense in battles with Death Eaters like Bellatrix Lestrange and a weakened Lucius Malfoy, and in the plan of Voldemort's extremely large snake Nagini and "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's" for the ultimate destruction not only of Harry, but the entire Muggle race.

Once again, the entire cast measures up to their stellar roles. In fact, the acting is far better than in any of the last six movies. Since the film focuses around Harry, Ron and Hermione's journey to find the remaining pieces of Voldemort to destroy, the supporting roles in the movie are little more than cameos in which the actors are on screen for less than ten minutes during any given interval.

That being said, the light appearances are filled with superb acting skill, given the already exquisite plot, which all came together very smoothly. In the end, audiences will be left wondering, "What is to come of Harry and Company?" and, "Is it possible for the Dark Lord to be stopped?"

Whether you are part of "Dumbledore's Army," well-versed in Harry Potter mania or just a simple "Muggle" with no prior knowledge of witchcraft and wizardry, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I" stands to offer a little something for everyone.  I know I can't wait to see what happens in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II," which is set to release July 2011.