Harry Potter & the Deathly Hollows Part 2
(B+ or 3/4 stars)
Well, it's here ... my last review of Harry Potter film. Wahhh. And to be perfectly honest, some of that 'wahhh' is for my opinion of the film, itself. 'Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' offers superb technical work. The acting is great. But whether fault lies with the director (David Yates), the writing, the editing, or all 3, I'm left feeling satisfied by the end product, rather than thrilled -- and that's disappointing in & of itself.
Part 2 picks up right where Part 1 left off: following the efforts of Harry, Hermione, & Ron (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint) as they try to find the remaining horcruxes that will weaken Dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). All the while, Voldemort, having discovered Dumbledore's Elder wand, is on the move, desperately seeking Harry while using his death-eaters to launch an assault on Hogwarts - where Prof. Snape (Alan Rickman) has been leading as headmaster. Chaos & catharsis ensues as Harry tries desperately to separate his own prophecy (of sorts) from Voldemort's and kill him for good.
'DH:Part2' is a very good film. I just don't know if I loved it all that much. But then, there's also so much to absorb in only one viewing. As with many epic fantasy franchises, the journey often matters more than the destination. And that is one of the issues I have, here. After the fantastic 'DH:Part1', my expectations were fairly high. There was a quiet, lyrical approach to Part 1 that allowed the characters & the story to shine; as well as propelling the plot towards Part 2. But I experienced a rushed quality to this particular film that would have benefited from some breathing room (during & after the climactic battle). You know, there's nothing 'wrong' with what's presented. The translation from book-to-screen seemed to make sense. And the movie offers a plethora of powerful, magical moments (I'll mention below). But it felt like the filmmakers were rushing to 'cap things off', and in doing so, lessened the overall emotional impact of the final act (one example; will NO one congratulate the victor!?). Moments are missed, characters are glazed over, & I think that some of them deserved more attention; certainly during battle & the denouement. As final events unfolded, I had hoped it would all be more touching & heartrending than it was.
But let me touch upon what works in the film; and you know what, it's a hell of a lot:
1)Warwick Davis is one evil little goblin; ya gotta love him.
2) I enjoyed the entire sequence in Gringott's bank; especially when the gold goblets keep multiplying (great CGI). 3) I loved our 3 main protagonist's escape on the back of a dragon (and WOW did it look real!).
4) I loved watching Helena Bonham Carter acting like Emma Watson would (as herself, disguised with the polyjuice potion).
5) I am ecstatic that Maggie Smith gets to be a badass against Snape in an early pivotal scene. The quote she utters afterwards is priceless.
6) I sat in complete awe during the scene where the 'good guys' lift their wands to create a force field of safety around Hogwarts from Voldmort's minions (I was breathless at the beauty of this entire sequence).
7) I also loved the stone soldiers asserting themselves as defense. Rah!
8) I liked Kelly Macdonald as the ghost Helena Ravenclaw (or the Grey Lady). She conveys a lot in a small amount of time.
9) The entire 'Prince's Tale' segment with Alan Rickman's Snape at the center of it all is magnificently handled.
10) There's a "fiery" action scene in the Room of Requirements that got my blood going.
11) I was hypnotized by a scene btwn. Harry & Dumbledore at King's Cross. It felt appropriately otherworldly.
12) The acting during a forest scene where Harry speaks to 4 ghosts from his past is just extremely well acted - and moving.
13) I grew to love the Malfoys (Lucius, Narcissa, Draco) because of this film. They knew when to get out & fast.
14) Mrs. Weasley gets a real kick-ass moment (including the film's most memorable line of dialogue).
15) Neville - yes, Neville (!) - has a moment with Nagini that gave me goose bumps.
16) There's a nice hug that good 'ole Hagrid shares with Harry that comes across quite fatherly.
17) I loved the evolving sibling-like bond that Harry & Hermione have shared in the recent films.
18) Acting-wise, Daniel Radcliffe really brings it with clarity & some emotional heft. He's a wonderful hero. I also must make special mention to Rupert Grint who has attained - from film to film - the same loveable persona, while also creating his own subtle arc, as well. And both Ralph Fiennes & Alan Rickman deserve some award attention for their stellar work, both in the series, & in this film, particularly.
19) And as always, these films are technically exceptional: Eduardo Serra's sweeping camerawork, Stuart Craig's wondrous art direction, Jany Temime's costumes, Alexandre Desplat's music (infused with John Williams' whimsical themes from the earlier films), great make-up & outstanding visual effects.
I liked an awful lot. But I was surprised that David Yates created such a rushed pace (in the last 20 minutes); which in turn, messed up all the emotional beats that I expected from the conclusion of this phenomenal film series. The relentless flow of plot incident disallowed moments for emotional payoff. I wanted a more thorough 'closure', both in narrative & with the characters. Some deaths are too underplayed. I wish some beloved characters could have received their due (Luna Lovegood, Emma Thompson's Trelawney, Jim Broadbent's Slughorn, etc.). I even thought that the final showdown would be more momentous; more rousing; more special. But ... many plot strands were connected by the end. Some unlikely heroes stepped forward. And you can't argue with the source material.
Like Harry Potter, I have grown up with this series. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this 10 yr. cinematic journey. I am sad & happy for so many reasons. And for whatever individual complaints I have for each film (this included), I'll always appreciate the magic & the intricate relationships that all of these characters (and actors) have given me. Though this movie has its flaws, so many moments of adventure, fear, unexpected humor, kinship, & love attain near-perfection. I forgave a lot in this film. And though some people are complaining about this film's epilogue, its cheesiness, or the aging make-up (or lack thereof) used on some characters, I thought it was a fitting exit to a beloved project. I'll always have these 8 films to look back on & re-capture the magic all over again.
Part 2 picks up right where Part 1 left off: following the efforts of Harry, Hermione, & Ron (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint) as they try to find the remaining horcruxes that will weaken Dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). All the while, Voldemort, having discovered Dumbledore's Elder wand, is on the move, desperately seeking Harry while using his death-eaters to launch an assault on Hogwarts - where Prof. Snape (Alan Rickman) has been leading as headmaster. Chaos & catharsis ensues as Harry tries desperately to separate his own prophecy (of sorts) from Voldemort's and kill him for good.
'DH:Part2' is a very good film. I just don't know if I loved it all that much. But then, there's also so much to absorb in only one viewing. As with many epic fantasy franchises, the journey often matters more than the destination. And that is one of the issues I have, here. After the fantastic 'DH:Part1', my expectations were fairly high. There was a quiet, lyrical approach to Part 1 that allowed the characters & the story to shine; as well as propelling the plot towards Part 2. But I experienced a rushed quality to this particular film that would have benefited from some breathing room (during & after the climactic battle). You know, there's nothing 'wrong' with what's presented. The translation from book-to-screen seemed to make sense. And the movie offers a plethora of powerful, magical moments (I'll mention below). But it felt like the filmmakers were rushing to 'cap things off', and in doing so, lessened the overall emotional impact of the final act (one example; will NO one congratulate the victor!?). Moments are missed, characters are glazed over, & I think that some of them deserved more attention; certainly during battle & the denouement. As final events unfolded, I had hoped it would all be more touching & heartrending than it was.
But let me touch upon what works in the film; and you know what, it's a hell of a lot:
1)Warwick Davis is one evil little goblin; ya gotta love him.
2) I enjoyed the entire sequence in Gringott's bank; especially when the gold goblets keep multiplying (great CGI). 3) I loved our 3 main protagonist's escape on the back of a dragon (and WOW did it look real!).
4) I loved watching Helena Bonham Carter acting like Emma Watson would (as herself, disguised with the polyjuice potion).
5) I am ecstatic that Maggie Smith gets to be a badass against Snape in an early pivotal scene. The quote she utters afterwards is priceless.
6) I sat in complete awe during the scene where the 'good guys' lift their wands to create a force field of safety around Hogwarts from Voldmort's minions (I was breathless at the beauty of this entire sequence).
7) I also loved the stone soldiers asserting themselves as defense. Rah!
8) I liked Kelly Macdonald as the ghost Helena Ravenclaw (or the Grey Lady). She conveys a lot in a small amount of time.
9) The entire 'Prince's Tale' segment with Alan Rickman's Snape at the center of it all is magnificently handled.
10) There's a "fiery" action scene in the Room of Requirements that got my blood going.
11) I was hypnotized by a scene btwn. Harry & Dumbledore at King's Cross. It felt appropriately otherworldly.
12) The acting during a forest scene where Harry speaks to 4 ghosts from his past is just extremely well acted - and moving.
13) I grew to love the Malfoys (Lucius, Narcissa, Draco) because of this film. They knew when to get out & fast.
14) Mrs. Weasley gets a real kick-ass moment (including the film's most memorable line of dialogue).
15) Neville - yes, Neville (!) - has a moment with Nagini that gave me goose bumps.
16) There's a nice hug that good 'ole Hagrid shares with Harry that comes across quite fatherly.
17) I loved the evolving sibling-like bond that Harry & Hermione have shared in the recent films.
18) Acting-wise, Daniel Radcliffe really brings it with clarity & some emotional heft. He's a wonderful hero. I also must make special mention to Rupert Grint who has attained - from film to film - the same loveable persona, while also creating his own subtle arc, as well. And both Ralph Fiennes & Alan Rickman deserve some award attention for their stellar work, both in the series, & in this film, particularly.
19) And as always, these films are technically exceptional: Eduardo Serra's sweeping camerawork, Stuart Craig's wondrous art direction, Jany Temime's costumes, Alexandre Desplat's music (infused with John Williams' whimsical themes from the earlier films), great make-up & outstanding visual effects.
I liked an awful lot. But I was surprised that David Yates created such a rushed pace (in the last 20 minutes); which in turn, messed up all the emotional beats that I expected from the conclusion of this phenomenal film series. The relentless flow of plot incident disallowed moments for emotional payoff. I wanted a more thorough 'closure', both in narrative & with the characters. Some deaths are too underplayed. I wish some beloved characters could have received their due (Luna Lovegood, Emma Thompson's Trelawney, Jim Broadbent's Slughorn, etc.). I even thought that the final showdown would be more momentous; more rousing; more special. But ... many plot strands were connected by the end. Some unlikely heroes stepped forward. And you can't argue with the source material.
Like Harry Potter, I have grown up with this series. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this 10 yr. cinematic journey. I am sad & happy for so many reasons. And for whatever individual complaints I have for each film (this included), I'll always appreciate the magic & the intricate relationships that all of these characters (and actors) have given me. Though this movie has its flaws, so many moments of adventure, fear, unexpected humor, kinship, & love attain near-perfection. I forgave a lot in this film. And though some people are complaining about this film's epilogue, its cheesiness, or the aging make-up (or lack thereof) used on some characters, I thought it was a fitting exit to a beloved project. I'll always have these 8 films to look back on & re-capture the magic all over again.