Cast: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort
Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape
Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom
Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
Rated PG-13
*The following may contain spoilers*
Monumental. That is the only word that can accurately describe the Harry Potter franchise. Shaping a generation, it seems as though the last fifteen years have been filled with Potter-fever, with first the books and then the movie adaptions. Now, it all comes to an end.
Sure, the final book came out several years ago, but the movies were still there, offering the promise of seeing our imaginations come to life. No, none of them were perfect but they never disappointed either. And now, they are gone. As I sat in the theater, watching the eighth movie finishing the events of book seven I couldn't help thinking that this is the end. After this, Harry Potter will be no more. It's a harsh thing to consider after the ten years of cinema, but the tagline for Part 2 holds true: "It All Ends" when the credits roll.
(*EDITORS NOTE* I'm going to write this review as if the readers know something or everything about Harry Potter up until this point. If you know nothing, go get the books. Or, here's the Wikipedia link.)
What I Liked:
As I said, none of these movies were perfect, seeing as how perfectly adapting a novel as epic and encompassing as any of the Harry Potter novels is a task made impossible unless each film is four hours long.
However, Part 2 gives the most room for creative liberty as the whole thing is essentially a giant battle sequence and the director did a great job. From the giant magic shield to the stone knight army, the added sequences only increased the action and greatness.
The script writers also did a great job, adapting some of the dialogue to allow some of the "smaller" movie characters there time in the spotlight. Professor McGonagall specifically comes to mind. One of my favorite characters in the book, i was always bummed that she didn't have more screen time. Part 2 really helps her shine though, allowing her to show off her skills with a wand, humor and gives a nod to the closer relationship she and harry had in the books.
There were also several subtle final moments with beloved characters that I felt went a long way for the fans. it was nice to see their deaths treated with the respect they deserved instead of being gruesome and vile for the sake of blood.
Credit is also due to Ms. J.K. Rowling herself as the original plot called for characters such as Neville Longbottom to finally rise to glory.
The visuals throughout were also great as a whole. The destruction of Horcruxes was particularly impressive as each time we saw a piece of Voldemort die. That was a lot cooler to me than just having the item shrivel; having it react and be as frightening as Voldemort himself was a nice element.
Like most fans of the book, I really enjoyed the addition of a physical scene in the Chamber of Secrets. It helped to tie all of the movies together and the kiss was long overdue.
Finally, you just can't deny the emotional ties that were in there. Whether it was seeing the book come to life or the final meeting with the characters I love so much or a combination of both, I cried inside the theater. I'll admit it. The sheer euphoric joy I felt as the battle began filled my eyes with tears of happiness, which quickly turned to sobs of mourning. Definitely some high emotions in this thing.
What I Didn't Like:
I'm going to be honest here. There is literally nothing I can hold against this movie. Of course, I have several fan complaints, but I won't get into that (but seriously, we could have fixed his wand). Instead, I'm focusing on the positives, seeing it for what it is: a great book adaption with stunning visuals and amazing use of creative freedom.
Final Thoughts:
As I said, I loved this movie with my entire being. However, seeing it and then writing this review is bittersweet. While i am so very much in love with it, this movie really does mark the end of an era. As the credits rolled and Harry's theme played for the final time, I realized that it was over, for good.
You will be missed, Harry Potter, though I look forward to reading and watching you repeatedly for the rest of days. Goodbye, my friend. May you never be forgotten.
When Should You See It?
If you're reading this, you've already seen it, so go again.
Personal Rating: 9 of 10
Plot:10 of 10
Spiritual Aspects: 2 of 10
Oh, and for all you fans out there, here's a little brain explosion for you: the real story of the Deathly Hallows.
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