Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

The Harry Potter series has been hit or miss over the past few years. Overall I would place "Deathly Hallows Part I" in the 'hit' category. I have become acutely aware of movie cliches, actually more than that, cultural cliches. Clever comedies, like "30 Rock" recognize and play with these cliches. Shows like "24" and movies like "Twilight" take advantage of these cliches, but unfortunately rely so heavily upon them as to become cliches themselves. This relates to "Harry Potter" in the fact that when it's original, it's great, but when it turns to cliche, it falls flat. The whole opening sequence, as children are leaving home was terribly flat. I made it better in my head by playing "She's leaving home after living alone for so many years..." in my head as Hermione left her house. Movies like this need to be filled with a sense of wonder and amazement, otherwise the weight of reality will crush their potential. That being said, there were wonderful scenes and moments. The sidecar motorcycle chase sequence was amazing. The crackling AM radio dance scene was a great scene, not just for Harry Potter, but as film capturing an idea so gracefully. I think back to the first Harry Potter film, and I like that it focused on Harry's point of view. It was of course the Ugly Duckling story retold. Since then there have been a few movies that were good, either for exciting action or compelling stories. The movies have always contained at least enough to make me want to see the next on. Surprisingly, "The Prisoner of Azkaban" accomplished the amazing feat of making a Harry Potter book into a great stand alone film. Imagine how different the world would be if only all the Harry Potter stories had come out that good. Yet, as we have come farther from Harry's initial experience with magic, it seems as though the thrill has gone. I want to see it through of course. Having not read the books I'm hoping there's still a surprise or two in store. Obviously the wizard guy, Dumbledore isn't really dead. Snape (the undercover wizard) is going to bring down Voldemort and his whole organization (tax evasion charges). Once and for all Harry's going to tell Ron to take a hike (he's been the third wheel for too long already). And if there's any justice in this world, Harry and Hermione will finally get married, fade to black, "The End".