The film is based on the first half of the final book in the series by J.K. Rowling, so it's understandably incomplete. Not to sound too enthusiastic, but the movie is outstanding, and the best Potter film since Prisoner of Azkaban.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma "The Standout" Watson return as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. These three are trying to defeat the sinister, and malicious Lord Voldemort (Played by Ralph Fiennes), who sends his Death Eaters on a mission to find Harry, so that he may destroy him once and for all. Harry, with the help of his friends, tries to find, and destroy the remaining horcruxes, hidden objects that give Voldemort eternal life. As they try to uncover each of these objects, jealousy starts to arise between them, emotions are tested, and the mystery of a secret known as the Deathly Hallows is uncovered.

I'm normally not too vocal about censorship, but I personally wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone under the age of ten. The series that started with the family friendly Philosopher's Stone, has evolved into by far and away, the most tonally dark, and brutally violent entry in the series so far. This inspired ambition is thanks to director David Yates, who holds the record for directing the most feature film adaptations of the series. It's not only a great fantasy, but it works as an effective study of the character's hidden desires, and secret jealousies. The movie at times feels slow, but slow pace aside, the movie is totally enrapturing, none the least of which is a terrific animated segment explaining the origin of the Deathly Hallows, right up to the film's heart stopping finale, comparable to the brilliant cliffhanger ending of The Two Towers, that leaves me so excited to revisit the film.

The film's main cast, that include Radcliffe, Grint, Watson, Gambon, Fiennes, Coltrane, Rickman, Carter, Felton, and Staunton are back in top form, and most are better than ever, specifically the three children, who have come a long way over the past ten years, and deliver truly adult and complex performances. These returning members are helped out by great newcomers such as Bill Nighy, and Rhys Ifans, who clearly enjoy playing their characters, despite short screen time.

Such a dark entry in the series like this is nothing if not for the brilliant tech crew. The visual effects artists provide brilliant work, Stuart Craig's production design is darker, and grimmer than ever, the brooding cinematography by Eduardo Serra is right on the money, and the subtle mostly strings score by Alexandre Desplat is the best non-John Williams score for the series, and compliments the movie perfectly.

The only flaw is making us wait eight months for the last installment, but since such a day will be bittersweet at best, I'm content on waiting as long as possible to see it all conclude.

I give Deathly Hallows Part 1 ***1/2 out of ****