HP pt 2 is about a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to a seven part series as one could hope for, but it definitely has the feeling of a "Part 2," even more so that the "Part 1." That is not a criticism on the part of the director, if anything it is a criticism of all of the Negative Nancy's out there who said that they didn't like it because there was so little set up for its full-throttle, continuous action. These people really have missed the mark on this film; one cannot simply look at this movie as a self contained entity, because it most certainly is not. HP pt 1 was slow, somber, and quietly powerful as it set the stage for what the second part of the film would be like. This is not like Lord of the Rings or something along those lines where there is a certain beginning, middle, and end to each of the films, with a larger connecting story. It is a sister film that is meant to be watched together. The only reasons it was split was to keep the integrity of the story (if you are optimist), and the monetary goals (if you are a realist). In watching the final installment one must seriously keep in mind the first part of the story, because all that this film is is the third act of a four and a half hour long monolith. Keep that in mind or you might find it tedious.
Director David Yates really has done an amazing job taking the longest (and, in my not so humble opinion, the worst) books of J.K.Rowling's series, and created the most poetic, and fiercely beautiful of the films. The special effects in the this movie more than any of the others are so seamlessly incorporated into the story that I sometimes forgot that it was a movie, and that is all that I can hope for when I go to the movies. I want to be transported into another world that I can get lost in, and Rowling and Yates created something to be treasured.
The plot would be pointless to outline--if you are going to see then you should have watched the first seven films. Something about horcruxes and a completely irrelevant and annoying subplot about the Deathly Hallows which make one the conqueror of death, blah, blah, blah. If it needs to be explained then you are definitely in the wrong theater. I new that there were several kids in the wrong theater with avid Potter-crazed parents, because I had the privilege to listen to mom and dad explain the entire movie to them as we watched, but whatever. The bottom line is that it is the final showdown between Harry and Voldemort, and all stops are pulled out in a visually dazzling and emotionally taxing, two hour long battle sequence.
Daniel Radcliffe gives his best work this time. He and his two companions have really blossomed into wonderful young actors, but Emma Watson and Rupert Grint got much less screen time than in the past. Really this was not their film, it was all of the English acting world's. Seriously I think the only British actors not in this movie were Dame Judy Dench, and Sir Ian McKellen. With supporting characters played by Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham Carter (hilarious), Emma Thompson, and half a dozen others, how could it be possible to be star of the movie? The younglings didn't have a chance.
As an action movie goes this one is very special. After ten years Harry Potter's fan base is enormous and it has become so attached to the characters and to Hogwarts itself that it is extremely upsetting (for me at least) to see the characters and the castle under attack. When you are so emotionally invested in the outcome of the fight--even if you know the ending--everything becomes that much more interesting and breath-taking. In previous Yates films the magic used was mostly small and incorporated almost unnoticeably with a grande finale done meticulously. This, by contrast, was large and spectacular thumping fight that was very alarming and quite moving. A great soundtrack and fantastic CGI propel its audience through blood and carnage right up to its disarmingly quite end. If you are looking for a thrill-ride then this is one-stop shopping.
Academy voters should be on their toes for this one. Along with technical awards which I am sure it will win, I am guessing that it will get a Best Picture nod, Best Supporting Actor for Alan Rickman--who had such a short amount of time on screen, but gave it so much, it was incredible--possibly another Supporting Actor nod for Ralph Fiennes, and maybe even Best Director for Yates. This is not a movie to be missed. It is morally challenging, delivers some strong messages, is a technical wonder, and all around a great entertainment. I am sad to see Harry Potter go, but there was not much that could have been done better.
4/4
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