Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - 2011

Finally, after basically being the most anticipated film of my lifetime so far, I watched the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I arrived at the theater around 10:30, to what is the biggest crowd of people I have ever seen at a midnight showing, or any time of day for that matter. The lights went down in the theater, and the crowd started cheering, which was probably my biggest complaint. I'm sitting here trying to watch this intense movie, and half of the crowd seems to be treating it like a comedy. I mean when people are dying I don't think it is necessary for an entire group of people to roar with laughter. But I suppose it does not matter, I am here to review the film.


I will start off by informing any reader of this review that it is possible I am a tad biased over the film. I desperately wanted it to be amazing, and that could work as both a negative or positive when viewing a movie. I must admit though, will all the universal praise Deathly Hallows Part 2 has received, I was absolutely terrified going into the movie that it would not live up to my expectations. I mean, this is the 8th film for goodness sake! Surely one of them had to be a let down. But no, I can safely say I enjoyed every single one of these films, and what a way it finished. I only hope that there is never a decision to make a sequel, we don't want to live the Star Wars days again.


The film begins with Harry, Ron and Hermione searching for the remaining horcruxes, right where the previous film left us. Harry is bargaining with a goblin, convincing it to take him where one of the horcruxes is, in exchange for the sword of Gryffindor. But before they leave Harry speaks with an elder, who informs him that if Voldemort has the elder wand as suspected, Harry will have little to no chance at defeating him. After those words of wisdom Harry and our heroes are off to find the horcrux, and even though they initially succeed, the plan turns into quite a little adventure. They are eventually lead back to Hogwart's, where Harry believes the final horcruxes remain, and our main characters have their last adventure.


After years and years of nothing but character and story developement, Steve Kloves finally settles down and brings all of the action into the film. I do not know about anyone else seeing this film, but how powerful and intense this action was just made me thank the slower, less interesting Part 1. Without it we would be no where in the final installment. In fact, without any of the previous character driven films, just simply building the friendships on screen for our three main characters. Even the Sorcerer's Stone works as a set up for this final movie, everything previously done is hard work that goes for the last two hours and ten minutes. Harry Potter is a film series, and like all others it is one that must come to an end one day. I cannot give enough credit to Steve Kloves for his job throughout the franchise. He has worked with the story and characters so brilliantly from day one to the point that in this last film I can honestly understand why some people were crying. J.K. Rowling created a magical world for children, and Kloves has perfectly brought it to life. There is a reason some people are saying their childhood is now over.


The visuals were superb. I cannot think of a word in my small vocabulary that expresses how beautiful they were. From fire dragons to oceans to the long awaited epic battle between Harry and Voldemort. Every scene left my mouth wide open, and I know for a fact I am not the only person in the theater that felt that way. I saw the film in 3-D, and I am surprised to say it was not near as bad as I expected it to be. Though if you want my personal opinion, save the bucks. There were certainly improved scenes from your average film, but not enough to pay extra and see the movie in 3-D. Either way I am sure you will be pleased with what you see.


The acting was emotionally brilliant. It may be too early to tell, but we may have a few possible Oscar nods coming our way. Most notably Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes. I would actually go ahead and predict Fiennes getting a nomination, as his performance was undeniably excellent. However, I personally think Rickman was the best out of any actor in the film. We learn the most about Snape then we ever have, and Alan Rickman portrays the chracter incredibly. Unfortunately, I do not think he was in the movie enough to score the nod, but maybe I am wrong. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were all exceptional, and each give their best performances of the series. It has been a true joy watching them grow up in this franchise, and the world will never forget them for what they did for it. As my earlier reviews state, their acting in the beginning films is shaky, but you know what? Toss it all aside, they are fantastic actors that have been supported very well through the movies.


Ladies and gentlemen, for the final film, let us all give director David Yates a round of applause. We all saw him struggle to get through the fifth film, start to get back on track in the sixth, and do well with the seventh. I for one have been rooting for him this whole time, and I am gladly hear to tell everyone that he is great in the final installment of the series. His direction is quick, keeps the pace going very well, and has a good bit of style to it. Everyone in the theater was glued to the screen the entire movie, I never once saw someone leave in the middle. And before I get carried away, let me just say look out world, David Yates might be getting a best director nomination at the Oscars, and I can assure you he will at the very least be considered. He does a fine job, no, more than that. Yates' direction is phenomenal.


Overall, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was a wonderful way to end one of the greatest film franchises of all time. If you don't like the previous films, or are the slightest bit skeptical, don't see this film. It is for the ones who want to like it, and love the series, that's what matters. The acting was amazing, the visuals astounding, the screenplay brilliant, the direction sharp, and the movie perfect. But hey, that's just me.

Rating: 10/10