It's time- with Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the Harry Potter film franchise has finally reached its end, and so expectations are rightfully high for it to deliver the perfect conclusion to the story of the Boy Who Lived. Does the plot succeed in closing said tale? Those who have read the book should already know that the answer to that is definitely yes, and for those who haven't you can rest assured that there are a wealth of surprising, thrilling, heartbreaking and touching scenes that combine to make an action-packed adventure and superb closure worthy of the Potter name. Admittedly, unlike Part 1 (5/5) the storyline takes its time to get going at an efficient pace, initially involving several dull conversations only serving to lead Harry and co to their next Horcrux and inevitably the final battle of Hogwarts, and this is sadly a notable shortcoming that may hold the film back from winning 'Best of 2011' awards or entering anyone's 'Favourite Films Of All Time' lists, although repeat viewings should help me better assess how much the slow pace of the opening actually affects the overall experience. That said, once the three protagonists enter the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange, the film refuses to pause for breath, rollocking on at a breathtaking speed that ensures viewers will be captivated for the majority of the two hour running time. There was always going to be the worry that Part 2 could become a 'war film' of sorts, placing a large emphasis on the students' plight to hold back the Death Eaters and graphically showcasing the deaths of fan favourite characters, but screenplay writer Steve Kloves and director David Yates have made sure the focus of attention is firmly placed on the Chosen One, just as JK Rowling did in the original novel, so that when Harry returns to the Great Hall in a temporary moment of calm, the sight of witches and wizards we grew up with lying either mortally wounded or often deceased is all the more harrowing. While I could go on at lengths about the incredible CGI, the constant seemless mixture of comedy and action or simply the astounding quality of direction, above all full credit for the film (and the entire series)'s success must go to the regular cast, returning for their finest portrayals of the characters they have been played for up to a decade now. From Daniel Radcliffe's Potter, a young man burdened with the knowledge that he is responsible for the deaths of countless friends and that he might have to make the ultimate sacrifice, to Emma Watson and Rupert Grint perfectly fulfilling our hopes of the Ron-Hermione romance, to Ralph Fiennes' terrifying yet disturbiningly comedic Lord Voldemort, there isn't a single cast member who disappoints. Extremely special mention must go too to Alan Rickman, who effortlessly gives his best turn as Snape for reasons I cannot explain here without spoiling the plot- sufficed to say, his final scenes will never be forgotten, shedding completely new light on the anti-hero that adds to the wealth of unexpected plot twists found here. There were always going to be points to nitpick at- as I mentioned, the pacing of the opening is off, and the 3D only amounts to a few standout moments that don't really showcase it as an essential viewing format- but to do so would be to detract from the unmistakable truth: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the best adaptation of a novel I have ever seen, and combined with the empathetic character drama that was Part 1 (yes, I saw them back-to-back!) makes for one of the best movie experiences in a long time.
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Friday 15 July 2011
EXCLUSIVE Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Review (5/5)
It's time- with Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the Harry Potter film franchise has finally reached its end, and so expectations are rightfully high for it to deliver the perfect conclusion to the story of the Boy Who Lived. Does the plot succeed in closing said tale? Those who have read the book should already know that the answer to that is definitely yes, and for those who haven't you can rest assured that there are a wealth of surprising, thrilling, heartbreaking and touching scenes that combine to make an action-packed adventure and superb closure worthy of the Potter name. Admittedly, unlike Part 1 (5/5) the storyline takes its time to get going at an efficient pace, initially involving several dull conversations only serving to lead Harry and co to their next Horcrux and inevitably the final battle of Hogwarts, and this is sadly a notable shortcoming that may hold the film back from winning 'Best of 2011' awards or entering anyone's 'Favourite Films Of All Time' lists, although repeat viewings should help me better assess how much the slow pace of the opening actually affects the overall experience. That said, once the three protagonists enter the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange, the film refuses to pause for breath, rollocking on at a breathtaking speed that ensures viewers will be captivated for the majority of the two hour running time. There was always going to be the worry that Part 2 could become a 'war film' of sorts, placing a large emphasis on the students' plight to hold back the Death Eaters and graphically showcasing the deaths of fan favourite characters, but screenplay writer Steve Kloves and director David Yates have made sure the focus of attention is firmly placed on the Chosen One, just as JK Rowling did in the original novel, so that when Harry returns to the Great Hall in a temporary moment of calm, the sight of witches and wizards we grew up with lying either mortally wounded or often deceased is all the more harrowing. While I could go on at lengths about the incredible CGI, the constant seemless mixture of comedy and action or simply the astounding quality of direction, above all full credit for the film (and the entire series)'s success must go to the regular cast, returning for their finest portrayals of the characters they have been played for up to a decade now. From Daniel Radcliffe's Potter, a young man burdened with the knowledge that he is responsible for the deaths of countless friends and that he might have to make the ultimate sacrifice, to Emma Watson and Rupert Grint perfectly fulfilling our hopes of the Ron-Hermione romance, to Ralph Fiennes' terrifying yet disturbiningly comedic Lord Voldemort, there isn't a single cast member who disappoints. Extremely special mention must go too to Alan Rickman, who effortlessly gives his best turn as Snape for reasons I cannot explain here without spoiling the plot- sufficed to say, his final scenes will never be forgotten, shedding completely new light on the anti-hero that adds to the wealth of unexpected plot twists found here. There were always going to be points to nitpick at- as I mentioned, the pacing of the opening is off, and the 3D only amounts to a few standout moments that don't really showcase it as an essential viewing format- but to do so would be to detract from the unmistakable truth: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the best adaptation of a novel I have ever seen, and combined with the empathetic character drama that was Part 1 (yes, I saw them back-to-back!) makes for one of the best movie experiences in a long time.
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