Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I-Blockbusters cost much at does how overcome in adversity

Over the years, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) has become somewhat of an icon within our society. Whether you love it or hate it, the "Harry Potter" franchise has grown to become arguably the most successful film franchise ever conceived. Not only setting various records, at the box office, the franchise is widely critically acclaimed. Not only that, it also supports one of the biggest fan bases out there, for fantasy franchises. Unfortunately, as a wise man once said, "all good things must come to an end." It seems like it was only yesterday, the world was first introduced to Harry Potter. Introducing us to a world where magic existed right underneath our noses. A world that dazzled the imagination, and left us wanting more. However, it wasn't just a story about magic and sorcery. No, no, no, if you thought that, then you clearly missed the point of each of the films.

No, it has always been an intricate story about one boy's journey into manhood, as he continues to overcome adversity and hardships. It's a story about how Harry Potter went from being a unsure little kid, to becoming a man. Something not all that dissimilar from how many times we have overcome trials and hardships, in our own lives. Often finding the strength within ourselves to overcome various situations, during our lifetime. Granted, the "Harry Potter" franchise illustrates this in a more entertaining and colorful way.  However, the message is still quite clear, as it speaks volumes to the heart of it's audience.

Based off the popular book of the same name, Warner Bros. has decided to split the final chapter of the "Harry Potter" series into two parts. Part one respectively coming out around the holidays of this year, while the second part will be shown in "3-D" during the summer of the following year, 2011.

For those who haven't been keeping up with what's going on in the series, then I would highly suggest you'd go back to get yourself caught up. Unlike the previous movies, this film makes various references to the previous films quite a bit; particularly, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Therefore, if your new to "Harry Potter" movie franchise, then I wouldn't recommend this film for you to get started now, as it'll just confuse you. However, I would recommend it to all loyal fans that have been following this series, since it's humble beginnings.

Having said all that, how does "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-part one" measure up to the others? Quite well, as a matter of fact. Although it does alienate any potential new fans to jump into the story, this new film might arguably be the best "Harry Potter" movie to date. The story picks up where "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" leaves off. Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has not only managed to gain control of Hogwarts, but he now controls the Ministry of Magic, as well. With nowhere to go, and nowhere to hide, Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) 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.

With the stakes higher than ever before, the intensity of this film far exceeds anything we've seen in the past "Harry Potter" movies.  Unlike the humble beginnings of the first couple of films, this new one has a darker tone by nature.  Almost naturally giving the movie a sense of uncertainty, as perhaps there may not be a happy ending this time for our would be protagonist.  Perhaps this is one adventure that even Harry Potter may not be able to win...  Am I saying that all hope is lost for our protagonists?  Certainly not; although this film does give us many reasons to doubt our Harry's chances this time.  Then again, isn't that the point of all "Harry Potter" movies?  Overcoming adversity and hardships, to the bitter end.  Where time after time, we often find ourselves digging deep within ourselves to survive, even though we may not have a chance to win.  It's the simple matter that one cannot give up in the face of adversity.  No matter how high the stakes are.  As the old saying goes, "When you accept the possibility of being defeated, then you already lost."  That message above all is one of the main reasons that Harry Potter still manages to stay relevant in our modern society.

Sure, you don't have to believe in the concepts of magic, as the story runs much deeper than that.  It's a intricate story about relationships, love, hardships, fear, hope, death, betrayal, and triumph.  A wonderful story about a scared little boy growing up to become a man that confronts his fears, even though the world is against him.  A universal concept that many of us can relate to in our lives.

As many of you can tell by now, I loved every minute of this movie.  Everything from the acting, story and tone of it was simply amazing.  Hands down, the best "Harry Potter" film ever conceived. All I can say is "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-part two" can't get here soon enough.  

Overall, I'd have to give "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-part one" a three and a half out of four.  Although the film is worthy of a four star review, the sad reality is if you haven't seen the past movies, then your not going to understand what's going on.  That reason alone is enough for me not to give this film a perfect review, as it has to be accessible to everyone, in order for me to do so.  Sure, you can argue all you want saying that all sequels are like that, but not the great ones.  For you see, every great sequel has to stand on it's own.  Otherwise, it's just another dime a dozen sequel.  Take "Godfather II", "Empire Strikes Back" or "The Dark Knight" for instance.  Those were great sequels, as they were made in such a way that even if you didn't see the previous films, then you'd still be able to get into the sequel's story anyway.  However, that's not to say that this film is bad by any means.  As I still stand by my own convictions and say this is by far, the best chapter in the series.