Courtesy of Thefrostical.blogspot.com
Ten years ago, Warner Brothers brought the world of J.K. Rowling’s ever popular Harry Potter series to the silver screen. Since then, the film series has traversed through both a fantastical and literal coming of age that has resonated with an entire generation of adults who were children when this phenomenon started. And now, as the hundreds of movie posters for what is arguably the boldest marketing campaign in recent memory states “It all ends.” That is arguably both the greatest and also most disappointing aspect of Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the final installment in this magnificent magnus opus. Great because it brings this saga to an emotionally resonant conclusion, but disappointing because it marks the end of what has been an unbelievable journey.
Most people that are watching this film likely know what it is this the picture that sets out to present: Harry, Ron, and Hermoine’s final battle with Voldemort and his massive army of death eaters. The trio takes up where they left in the somber, atmospheric Deathly Hallows: Part 1 of seeking out the ever-illusive horcruxes (objects that contain parts of Voldemort’s soul). This takes them back to Gringott’s bank for the first time since 2001 in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Packed with a hilarious performance by Helena Bonham Carter playing Hermoine (or vice versa) and a tremendously thrilling ride on a beautifully rendered CGI dragon, this sequence starts the motor of this thrilling film on an exhilarating pace. No sooner has this sequence ended then Harry and company are back to Hogwarts and an emotional reunion with old friends who (thanks to the first Deathly Hallows film) have been sorely missed. It is one of the few moments of repose in this other-wise hyperactive film that makes us marvel at how much we actually have come to appreciate these characters. Right after that, the film kicks back into high gear, where it lurks for the majority of its remaining running time.
The film is epic and on a massive scale. There are giants, massive armies on both sides, hundreds of stone statues, mass destruction and death, and beautiful magic imagery courtesy of the CGI wizards behind this film. One particularly resonant scene portrays the teachers of Hogwarts protecting their school with a gloriously portrayed incantation shield. But regardless of the size in production value, this film is a far cry from the empty destruction of Chicago in Transformers or the overcrowded battles in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies or other blockbusters that think that bigger is better. Well it certainly does not get much bigger than it does in the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but this film is also as intimate as any blockbuster can ever dream of.
For me, the most resonant moments in the film are those where the action is put into the background and the characters are given their moments to shine. The reason that I believe that this series has endured as a success for its entire lifespan is because from film to film, regardless of plotting and continuity mistakes or minimization of major subplots, the filmmakers have always invested a great deal of interest in connecting the audience with the characters. Everyone of the films since Cuaron’s Prisoner of Azkaban back in 2004 has made a point of placing the evolution of the characters and their relationships as the moving force of the films – not the action set pieces or the special effects. And Yates does not forget that. Accompanied by a tremendous though never intrusive score of Alexader Desplat, Yates imbues this film with some of the most emotionally powerful moments that this incredible franchise has created. Harry’s realization of his fate, the ensuing meeting with his loved ones in the forest, the brisk yet sweet moment he shares with Ginny amid a ferocious battle, Ron and Hermoine’s final payoff in the Chamber of Secrets, the scenes after the major battles in which the dead and wounded are attended to, Neville’s realization of who he is, and most importantly, the fulfillment of Snape’s destiny. Snape’s character is given what is likely the most powerful arc in the entire series in what is likely one of the most memorable sequences in the entire saga. Alan Rickman, who has been spectacular throughout the series never ceases to impress as he finds more and more layers of vulnerability behind such an implacable and imposing figure.
The rest of the cast is quite spectacular as well. Daniel Radcliffe, who I have been satisfied with for the past three or so films as Harry, really carries this film like he has no other. He looks confident with the material which is loaded with extremely emotional moments. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who practically stole the last film from Radcliffe, continue to import the dazzling chemistry and tension that has become so intriguing during the last few installments. Ralph Fiennes finally gets an opportunity to be Voldemort for more than 10 minutes in a Harry Potter film and he proves why he was the perfect choice for this part. His Voldemort is Satan if there ever was one; chilling and dangerous but charming and elegant all at the same time. The rest of the cast from the previous seven films gets a return in what ultimately equate to cameos though some really take advantage of their screen time. Maggie Smith makes a wondrous turn as the ever-powerful McGonagall who is so imposing and still has time for a cute, humorous moment (it’s impossible to miss). Matthew Lewis makes a striking return as Neville who comes full circle after being a pitiful coward for much of the series. His monologue near the end of the film, may seem like familiar material, but is delivered with so much conviction and strength, that it is moving.
The film isn’t perfect. It does feel like the second half of a much larger work and surely benefits from being watched with Deathly Hallows Part 1 (which ends up being a tremendous four hour film). Then again, which Harry Potter film aside from maybe the first two, can truly claim to be a film that can stand on its own and not a piece of a much larger puzzle. And I would also like to add that fans will complain (including myself) that certain subplots and character interactions were short-changed in the proceedings. However, one must understand that the filmmakers had a truly grueling and often thankless job throughout not only this film, but the entire saga, of attempting to please everyone and still tell a coherent story suitable for the theater.
It is truly bittersweet to these characters that I have grown-up with finally leave, but I also could not be happier to see it end on such a high note. After the first two installments that were clearly geared to children and their parents, the story has evolved and matured in ways that has never been seen by a Hollywood Blockbuster. We have seen such great films such the original Star Wars franchise take steps back in complexity and maturity in addition to other countless unmemorable Hollywood franchises. But Harry Potter films never took steps back, only forward. And with each subsequent film, the cast, crew, and filmmakers grew with us toward this: A cathartic goodbye that will make not only these films, but also this experience, forever memorable.
9 Golden Snitches
This was definitely the best movie that I have seen this year. I thought the final battle was epic, and the best part of the whole film. My kids and I can’t wait until this movie comes out on DVD. Until it does, we can always enjoy the other movies whenever we want. As a customer and employee of DISH, I know that right now, there is a promotion where you can get 3 free months of Blockbuster when you sign up for DISH Network! Here is all the information.