When word came down that the movie version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last book in J.K. Rowling’s seven-book Harry Potter series, was going to be split into two parts, fans wondered: how? The book itself, conceived as one story, doesn’t really lend itself to any obvious “breaking” points — not if you want any kind of “conclusion” to the first movie.

More curious still was the news that the project was written and filmed as one long screenplay, and that the decision on where to split the film(s) would be made after-the-fact.

Well, it’s now after-the-fact.

Early “test” screenings, which producers use to gauge the audiences’ response to a film, have indicated that the producers have chosen a cut-off point — though, depending on the reaction to these screenings, that could still be changed prior to the movie’s November 19th release date.

In short, we don’t yet know where the story will be split. But here at TheTorchOnline.com, we have an opinion on where it definitely shouldn’t be split.

Here are the top ten worst possibilities:

10. After the opening title credit, but before any of the actors’ names are listed. This would make the first movie about ten seconds long.

9. Right after Harry Potter drops trou at the edge of the forest pool, but before he goes into the water to retrieve Godric Gryffindor’s Sword, leaving us with the image of Daniel Radcliffe’s bare ass for the next six months, until the second half of the movie is released.

8. In the middle of an establishing shot for the village of Godric’s Hollow.

7. At the start of a scene at the house of Bathilda Bagshot where Hermione stops to use the bathroom and ends up snooping in the medicine cabinet.

6. During “The Tale of the Three Brothers,” the tale told by Xenophilius Lovegood, right in the middle of a sentence.

5. An establishing close-up shot on the “King’s Cross Station” sign at the beginning of Harry’s first “dream” encounter with Dumbledore.

4. A pick-up shot of Bellatrix Lestrange casually scratching her ass in the middle of torturing Hermione.

3. Mid-pensieve, right before Harry learns that he has to die in order for Voldemort to die, at the moment when actor Daniel Radcliffe accidentally choked on some of the dry ice fumes.

2. The moment right after Voldemort tries to kill Harry, but before we learn he ends up killing himself. Never read the book? Here’s where you pay.

1. In the epilogue, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione are sending their kids off to Hogwarts, but before Harry can offer Albus any advice, and Ron stops to spit phlegm into a trash can.

A reader over at /film.com has seen a rough “test screening” cut of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (coming in November) and sent in a pretty thorough review.

The upshot? The film does contain some of the flaws of the book itself, but is still a very high quality production, on par with the last few films:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I is a great continuation of the series, thematically and visually in line with films 5 and 6. Though it is a fast-paced film, with several nice set pieces and much-improved performances from the young cast, it does suffer from two major problems. First, it faithfully adapts the seventh book, including the book’s own problems. The “camping in the wilderness” scenes become quite repetitive, and the attempts at drama/angst amongst the trio during these scenes comes off as tired. Also, the scenes involving the locket horcrux causing its wearer to be angry/aggressive are far too reminiscent of Lord of the Rings….The film ends at a very appropriate spot, and though not exactly a “cliffhanger”, left me greatly anticipating Part II.

Read the whole review (and comments from other viewers)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, the first half director David Yates‘ two-part finale to the Harry Potter saga, will be released on November 19th. High-resolution images from the movie are now out:

See the rest of the images here.

“You’re a wizard Harry.”

What would be better than finding out you are a wizard or witch? What would be better than learning to cast spells and charms (especially if you’re in the cross-hairs of the darkest and most powerful wizard ever born)?

Harry Potter learns many spells and charms at Hogwarts. Here are some of the most memorable — and my favorites.

Is Lumos the most widely-used spell in the books? It’s also perhaps the simplest: the light spell. Needless to say, light is conjured from wands many times during the books’ “darkest hours.”

Nox, meanwhile, turns off the light. It’s the counter spell to Lumos.

In Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban, Harry roams the halls of Hogwarts after dark looking for Peter Pettigrew on the Mauruder’s Map. Lumos let’s him see where’s he’s going (and see the map). He uses Nox when Snape catches him.

Avada Kedavra is one of the three “unforgivable curses.” It is mentioned in all of the books and first used in the sixth book. This spell or curse causes instant death to the victim.

This is a terrible spell to use, but a significant one nonetheless. Voldemort uses it on Harry’s parents and on Harry himself. Snape uses it to kill Dumbledore. And — for those who know Harry Potter through only the movies — expect to see this spell next in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Expecto Patronum is the Patronus Charm. It is used most in the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry teaches this charm to Dumbledore’s Army. This charm conjures an incarnation, usually an animal, from the wizard’s wand when the caster’s feelings are positive. This charm is usually used against Dementors.

This is my personal, favorite charm. I love the fact that each caster has their own animal-incarnation. I also love that the Dementors, visually scary and almost impossible to “kill,” can be avoided through the use of this beautiful charm.

Not surprisingly, the movies have had a great time depicting it.

Expelliarmus is first seen in the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This charm is used to disarm another wizard during battle, and Harry uses it to disarm Draco Malfoy.

But of course, the most important time Expelliarmus is used is when it saves Harry’s life in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. During the final stage of the tournament, Harry and Cedric both touch the triwizard cup, which is a portal to the graveyard where Voldemort and his Deatheaters are. Voldemort and Harry duel and, while Voldemort uses Avada Kedavras, Harry use Expelliarmus. But both wands contain the same phoenix feather, which causes the spells to collide (and prove ineffective) creating the Priori Incantatem, thus saving Harry’s life.

Protego shields the caster from his or her enemies’ spell attacks.

I remember Protego (Totalum) the most from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry uses it against Snape during their Occlumency lessons. When Harry uses it, the effects of Occlumency are reversed, and Harry sees Snape’s memories instead of Snape seeing more of Harry’s.

There are, of course, many more spells used in the books. Some such as Sectumsempra are only used once, but it’s such a memorable spell that no reader could forget it.

Good writers are good because they make the reader believe that what the author has written is “real.” The incredible magical details that J.K. Rowling has added to her books don’t just make you believe in the stories themselves — at least while you’re reading them, they make you think that magic might be real too.

• In the world of J.K. Rowling, one of the rarest items is a complete set of all seven Harry Potter books that are signed by Rowling herself. The HP Alliance auctioned off the set for Haiti relief efforts, and now the Association of Electrical Contractors of New York, which won them in an auction that raised $39,000, has relisted them in a fundraiser for two other charities. Dig deep, folks!

• Speaking of Harry Potter, there are some images out that are being called new, but I’m not entirely sure because they look more like screen caps from a trailer. This is the money shot:

• SyFy is at the Television Critics Association conference, now going on in L.A., and they’ve unveiled an ambitious development slate of comedies. In the fantasy realm is Lengendary, starring Kevin Sorbo as a former syndicated action star who has to battle real-life monsters who attack Los Angeles. They also have a 23^rd century take on Robin Hood they call Sherwood, and Zeroes, about a zombie extermination and removal company.

• There are rumors that Universal and Reliance are going to build a theme park in India using primarily Universal properties like Jaws, E.T., Spider-Man, and even a Harry Potter section similar to what has been built in Orlando. The estimated cost of $1.5 billion seems cheap to me, however.

• We may have no word on when the movie version of The Hobbit is happening, but reports say that Warner Bros. is advertising for a director-level position to develop games based on The Hobbit at their Gamasutra division.

• The hack-and-slash Dragon Age: Origins DLC is called “Golems of Armarrack” and is being released August 10, 2010 at a price of $5.00.

• Above you can see two new character stills that have been released for Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and below is the first one sheet for the film, with the CGI version of the ship itself.

• Tron: Legacy producer Sean Bailey sat down with io9.com to explain the elements in the Comic-Con trailer. One interesting part was when they asked him if the movie was properly called science fiction or fantasy. He says:

I think we wanted this digital world — we made a couple big decisions early on. We thought this isn’t an internet movie. This is about a [virtual] universe that was left alone. And it developed, like a Galapagos, over time. It evolved into it’s own distinct thing. So in terms of a character from our world going into a brand new universe, with all of its hopefully dimensions of factions and different ideologies and a history of its own ruler [who] came into power. That was a big part for us. Is it fantasy? I don’t know that, I guess it depends on your definition. But it is certainly when you’re in the room with the Sirens, as we call those characters. It certainly has a mythological feel to it.

• In Marvel casting news, Alice Eve has been tapped to play Emma Frost in X-Men: First Class, which would imply they’re going to follow the continuity laid down by X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I say if you’re going to reboot, then just reboot. According to the comics, the first class of X-Men was Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Ice Man, Beast, and Angel. How great would it be to see just those guys on screen, working as a team?

• In further Marvel casting news, the reliably grizzled Tommy Lee Jones has been cast in Captain America: The First Avenger as Colonel Phillips, who in the comics recruited Steve Rogers into the program that turned him into the star-spangled Cap.

• By now we’ve all seen the trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but here’s a funny take on it.

• A few years ago, I first heard the term “cinematic Marvel universe” and swooned with delight. Well, now the gods of Marvel are conquering the medium of television as well. How awesome would a few live-action series, a la Smallville, be? The possibilities are limitless.

• If your brain doesn’t explode with information (mine did), here’s a fascinating look at whether or not we live in a multiverse. And I’ll own it: I’m only interested in finding a double of myself so we can make out.

• Do to circumstances beyond our control … er, I mean from beyond the grave! Woooooooo … we don’t have one of our “goth recaps” of True Blood this week. But as a consolation prize, I can give you io9’s hilarious (and NSFW) review. And for those who saw the episode … some ending, huh? I’m going to need some serious therapy to erase that image from my mind.

• And while we’re on a NSFW kick, here’s a funny video from the folks at Cracked, which follows Toy Story’s Andy when he goes to college.

The first official trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the two-part finale of the Harry Potter movies, is out, and it looks amazing.

Interestingly, it’s a trailer for both movies. Alas, it gives no idea where they’ll break them in half.

Last week, in a splashy publicity coup, Universal Studios successfully introduced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one part of their Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida; massive crowds turned out, and the attraction is already being heralded a major success. But behind-the-scenes, things weren’t quite so seamless. The Poison Pen did some research. Here is all the gossip and scandal from the park’s opening.

• Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, who gave effusive, glowing interviews to the media praising the park’s attractions, was reading from a script and had not actually gone on any of the park’s rides. At 3′4″ tall, they wouldn’t let him past any of the “You must be this tall to ride this ride” signs.

• The “booger”-flavored jelly beans in the park’s bags of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans aren’t just made from actual boogers — they’re made from the boogers of third world children. Amnesty International has already launched a boycott.

• The park owners say they allow the wands at Ollivander’s Wand Shop to pick their own customers, but the fact is, the wands are specifically told to steer customers to more expensive models. 

• The park’s famous pumpkin juice is made from rotten Halloween pumpkins. They don’t even bother to take the candle stubs out.

• There is no actual ride for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, supposedly the park’s “premier” attraction. The line just weaves around the park until it meets up with the start again, creating one endless loop.

• Hagrid’s Hut is infested with rats and termites, and has no plumbing, electrical work, or even an interior — and it’s still appraising for about thirty times the typical Orlando house.

• The Flight of the Hippogriff is only six seconds long.

• Almost two weeks after the attraction’s official opening, Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint, who attended the opening ceremonies, is still standing in line for the Dragon Challenge roller-coaster.

• Honeydukes Sweet Shop uses no artificial sweeteners in their candy; they sweeten everything with little packets of sugar stolen from nearby Disney World.
  

• J.K. Rowling was at the park’s opening ceremonies, but didn’t appear publicly because Emma Watson turned out to be wearing the same shoes. After Watson’s appearance, Rowling had her taken out back and shot.

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• It feels like this movie has been in development forever, but the trailer for Seth Rogen’s take on The Green Hornet has arrived.

• In other superhero news, Marvel may be releasing short films to introduce the possibly comic-deficient film-going public to some of its lesser-known secondary characters. Depending on the scripts, that has the potential to be really cool.

• I won’t lie. There have been a few times when I thought it might be nice to snuggle next to Legolas on a cold winter night. But I never thought he would be so … plushy.

• The Baltimore Sun has a slew of pictures of the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which drew many of the films’ stars. Personally, I think my editor,Brent, should send me there to cover it up close. Let’s start an online petition to get Tim to Orlando!

• Yarr! Wanna read some scurvy plot points of ye old new Pirates of the Caribbean movie? Then click on the link, thar, matee. (Okay, I don’t do pirates well. But don’t I get points for trying?)

• This is pretty awesome: 7 cool special effects ILM created for The Last Airbender.

• And finally, principal photography for the new Conan movie is done, and Nu Boyana Film Studios have released this beefcakey promotional pic of Jason Momoa as the big guy himself. He actually looks pretty bad-ass. Now let’s hope the movie lives up to the potential bad-assery.

• Some quotes from True Blood’s Anna Paquin have been interpreted in a few naughty ways. What she said about dating costar Stephen Moyer was: “I think that one great bonus is we don’t need a fluffer.” And that’s been reported in different ways, including the idea that the sex scenes aren’t simulated, which is extremely unlikely.

• Harry Potter is over. Well, filming Harry Potter is over. We still have two movies we get to watch, and I think you can still buy Bernie Bott’s All Flavor Beans.

• Speaking of Harry Potter, on the Tony Awards Sunday night, Daniel Radcliffe presented with Katie Holmes, and she’s either a giant, or Daniel is really, really tiny (editor’s note: or, perhaps, it’s a little of both; Radcliffe is 5′5″).

• Most authors of “mainstream fiction” don’t even acknowledge fantasy fiction exists. But John Grisham is aware, and he’s ticked. He used to get introduced as “the world’s best-selling author” and now he’s number two behind J.K. Rowling. He wants his spot back, and started writing Young Adult fiction for that purpose.

• Continuing the “All Harry Potter” edition of Palantir!, Tom Felton says that Ralph Fiennes delivers some “horrifically evil speeches” as Lord Voldemorte in the Deathly Hallows films.

• Sir Ian McKellen took to his Twitter account to reassure fans that The Hobbit will indeed get made, and that he still believes they’ll start filming in November.

• Besides Smallville, I’m having trouble remembering the last successful live-action comic book series on television. But DC Entertainment CEO Geoff Johns tweeted that he was trying to break a clip of Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle out to show at Comic Con.

• Above you can see a newly-released picture from HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones from George R.R. Martin’s Song of Fire and Ice book series. And below, we have the first teaser trailer for the series that arrives in 2011.