No matter how much you like or dislike Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 you are only looking at half a movie. Part 2 won’t be out till next July.

While the megamillion returns at the box office show that legions of Potter fans are happy, this reviewer found the latest in the franchise slow, too long, even a little boring. It’s not as good as others in the series, although it might be when the ending shows up. Apparently Part 1 covers the first 500 pages of the 759 page seventh book in the series.

Voldemort and his death eaters are out to kill Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). The forces of good rally around him and try to protect him, but soon he’s fleeing with only faithful friends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint). Luckily they can use their magical powers to transport themselves to remote places where the forces of evil have a hard time finding them.

They need to find the horcruxes that will reduce Voldemort’s power. There’s lots of action and some excellent special effects, even occasional humour, but for some of us this series has overstayed its welcome.

It’s nice to see our heroes more or less grownup; sex is even entering the series, with Ron jealous of Harry’s close relationship with Hermione. It’s also fun to play spot the famous English actors.

Rating: three deer of five

Next Week on Video

Tom Cruise entertains as a super agent in Knight and Day. Also coming out is the latest in The Twilight Saga: The Eclipse.

Alf Cryderman is a Red Deer freelance writer and old movie buff.