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Review by Joan Radell July 16, 2011 5 Stars
In 1997 in Great Britain, an unknown author published her first novel. With an initial press run of 30,000, it was a charming story for children. Less than two years later, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone hit the top of the New York Times best seller list, where it remained for an additional two years. Thirteen years, seven novels and eight films later, Harry Potter has risen from literary and cinematic character to pop-culture icon. And now, with the release of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2, his story is over.
Part of J.K. Rowling's genius in the book series was her ability to increase the sophistication of each successive story as her intended readers aged. Harry is 11 when the story opens; he arrives at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry wide-eyed and nervous. By the time his epic quest is over, he's 18 and a wise young man of the world. The first film, released in 2001, was an enchanting (and enchanted!) romp through a fantastically imaginative place, unencumbered by the laws of logic and physics. The final film in the series, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2, is the crisis point, dark and menacing throughout. Not only have the beloved characters aged, Hogwarts School itself has become a bit worn around the edges, as though the grand castle is indeed a sentient being as well. |
 David Yates returns to direct his fourth Potter film, and his understanding of the three principal characters is supremely evident. Under his experienced hand, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) become fully-realized adults, not just children in bigger bodies. He sets the three in a threatening, shadowed world. The ultimate evil wizard Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has attempted to defeat mortality by hiding seven shards of his soul, called horcruxes, all over the wizarding world. If Harry can collect three objects known as the Deathly Hallows, he will be able to destroy the horcruxes and kill Voldemort, saving muggles and wizards alike. Ron and Hermione volunteer to help Harry on his quest. After months of searching, we join the dirty, exhausted, and terrified trio. They are faced with the overwhelming task of leading an army to a triumph over the purest evil, embodied in a not-quite-living wizard who is so powerful even his name can bring harm to those who utter it. Although all three are well-trained and capable wizards, they are decidedly human as well, and must face their own flaws to accomplish this Herculean task. With help from characters both earth-bound and otherworldly, Harry faces the final battle with help he needs and deserves. Perhaps more important than his physical battles, Harry must come to terms with his own family's history and the mysterious Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), Headmaster at Hogwart's since the death of Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). The subplots intertwine to form a story that is compelling, emotional, and more than the sum of its parts.
 THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 is all action, all the time. The film is so fast-paced as to be nearly exhausting. Both the characters and the audience beg for just a moment to breathe, but Yates is relentless. A flashback scene is the only respite, and it's welcome. Yates is careful to include cameo appearances of the Hogwart's professors we have come to love and the students that we've watched grow up for so many years. There are simply too many to list here; it's almost an all-star cast. His presentation is sentimental and doesn't become a tribute to them; it feels more like a chance to wave goodbye to old friends. There is very little of the visual humor that we've come to expect in Potterdom in this final installment of the franchise, but a few one-liners do help break the tension now and again. Veteran Potter screenwriter Steve Kloves knows his characters so well that the film's dialog is effortless, and the actors deliver it effortlessly in nearly every case. The weak links from the previous film remain weak, but the strong points just get stronger. There are secondary and minor characters whose actions are pivotal to the story's success that seem like afterthoughts. Recurring characters are unnamed, which leads to a bit of confusion in a few key spots. But both Professor MacGonagall (a surprisingly robust Dame Maggie Smith, well into her 70's) and Mrs. Weasley (Julie Smith) use their short appearances to very best advantage. You'll cheer for them both.
 David Yates made a daring decision. Knowing that most of his audience is thoroughly versed in the complete story, he wasted no time on recapping previous events or explaining basic wizarding techniques that we've seen often over the film series. This film will be utterly confusing to a viewer new to Harry's world and the absolute wrong way to dip your toes into Rowling's vision. Franchise fans, however, will appreciate that there is no time wasted on explaining the meaning of the name of each spell or the effect of each potion or device. He trusts his audience. A note to parents: there is a lot of violence in this film, and some scenes are very frightening.
As you might expect, the movie is chock-full of special effects, and they are simply awe-inspiring. (An audible gasp ruffled through the audience when members of the Order of the Phoenix cast protective enchantments around the Hogwarts castle.) The rendering artists' and CGI team's work is flawless, down to every pore of computer-generated skin, every lick of flame, every tattered dragon's wing. The 3D sequences focus more on depth than fly-in-your-face startles and are well-used. The round-framed 3D glasses handed to the audience are a fun detail, as well; they seem more like a party favor than a necessary accessory. I was also pleased that composer Alexandre Desplat returned to Hedwig's Theme as the movie's musical motif. The soundtrack is appropriately epic and adds drama and tension.
It's difficult for me to write this article as a pure review. I have watched Harry grow up alongside my own daughter who was 11— same as Harry — when the first book was published in the United States. With the end of the series, I feel a shadow of the sadness that most parents feel when their children grow up and leave home. The brief epilogue gives us a glimpse into Harry's future. I am not embarrassed to report that I felt a tug of maternal pride at the film's end. I am also not embarrassed to report that I arrived at the theater with a faint lightning-bolt drawn on my own forehead.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 is an exciting story, a satisfying ending, and a fitting tribute. It's a strong five out of five star effort. I will miss Harry and his friends at Hogwart's School. But I am glad knowing that they are out in the world, happy and healthy. I know that I sound too attached to these characters and that they exist only in the head of JK Rowling — who was kind enough to share them with the rest of us — but to quote a very old, dear friend, "Of course it is happening inside your head... but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" |
