'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1' dark yet humorous

(Cert 12, 140 mins, Family/Action/Drama)

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) face the renewed threat from the Death Eaters alongside their fellow wizards including Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson).

The nefarious Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his followers, including Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) and Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), continue to grow in power, threatening everything that Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and his followers hold dear.

Separated from their friends, Harry, Ron and Hermione embark on a perilous quest to track down the mysterious Horcruxes and stop the forces of darkness forever.

'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1' sets the ball rolling on the final chapter of JK Rowling’s best-selling fantasy saga, opening with heartbreaking scenes of Hermione obliviating her parents.

David Yates, who directed the sixth film, strikes an even darker, gloomier tone here, leavened with occasional flashes of humour.

Screenwriter Steve Kloves remains faithful to Rowling’s hefty tome but is allowed brief moments of artistic licence.

Thus, we see Harry and Hermione tenderly dancing together and Voldemort preys upon Ron’s insecurities and jealousy by taunting him with a vision of a naked Harry and Hermione locked in a steamy embrace, their blushes spared by swirling tendrils of smoke.

Even more startling is a stylish animated sequence that recounts 'The Tale Of The Three Brothers' from Hermione’s copy of 'The Tales Of Beedle The Bard', which explains the meaning of the Deathly Hallows.

The adventure concludes at cinemas in eye-popping 3D in July.

A seven-disc box set comprising all of the films so far is also available.

Rating: ***