HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

One of the few bright spots during last night's MTV Movie Awards was the unveiling of the first teaser of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One. The last of the seven books has been split into two films to A) give director David Yates ample opportunity to tell author J.K. Rowling's sprawling story, and B) allow the Harry Potter gravy train to keep rolling as long as possible. I really have no qualms over either. I have yet to read any of Rowling's books--I'll be waiting until I've seen the last film to delve in--but through word of mouth, and the constant gushing from friends, I fully expect to get pulled into the magical universe that Rowling has given to the world over the last thirteen years.

If I've heard any misgivings over the films, it's that they have skipped over various, complimentary aspects of the novels. This is not an uncommon gripe when speaking of film adaptations (see: Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park etc), therefore I think it's fitting that Hallows will be split in two. When it's all said and done, I fully expect the Harry Potter universe to go down as one of the most successful in literature and film history. Giving the fans of both mediums an all-encompassing visual ending, is something well deserved, as well as an appropriate send-off. It's also quite a brave move for both Warner Bros. and Yates. Not that I'm expecting failure--far from it, but to split a much beloved source material into two parts is a bold move and something I wish more studios and directors would step up to do.



What I've loved most during the progression of films is the continued march toward darkness. Again, I have not read the novels, but just watching the advancement from a children friendly film in the first installment to what the sixth one offered--littered with murder, I'm genuinely excited to what the finishing tale will look like on screen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One hits theatres November 19, 2010, while Part Two will be seen by millions and millions of people come July 15, 2011.