Movie Review: 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2'

It's been 10 years since the brilliant mind and imagination of J.K Rowling was first brought to screen with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. 10 years since we first stepped onto Platform 9 3/4. 10 years since we first met Dan, Emma and Rupert. And now, after 10 years, it's all coming to an end. No, I'm not just talking about a film franchise. The release of the 8th and final Potter film marks the end of something much more affecting: the end of a generation's childhood.

I feel sincere gratitude at having had the opportunity to grow up with these books and movies, and having witnessed them mature alongside me. If you watch the first film again, it's hard not to notice how different these final two films are from the one that started it all. Gone are the days of Quidditch, delectable meals at the Grand Hall, and correcting each other on spell pronunciation (it's levi-OH-sa, not leviosaa!). In fact, gone are the days of Hogwarts all together. The wonder, mystic, and magic that delighted readers and movie-goers alike has now been replaced by a darker, more urgent, violent quest for good to triumph over evil once and for all.

Splitting the final Potter book into two different films was a stroke of genius; Part 1, as accurate and effective as it was, couldn't help but feel like a prelude to something bigger and better..and that's because it is. Deathly Hallows- Part 1 succeeded in relaying all the loads of information that was necessary to understand Part 2, while managing to deliver a surprisingly entertaining and poignant movie at the same time. Part 2 is the movie everyone's been waiting for though. This is where the action is, where most of the great scenes lie, and where we get to experience one of the most epic battle sequences in years.

It's not possible to talk about this film without talking about its tremendous emotional impact. Every scene is dripping with the knowledge of what's to come, the knowledge that with war comes death and sacrifice, but also bravery, courage and perseverance. True fans won't be able to help but an feel irresistible swelling of pride when they see the Order show up at Hogwarts, when Professor McGonagall defends Harry against Snape, Neville's moment of glory, and when Mrs.Weasley says the famous line: "Not my daughter, you bitch!"...all moments that make you realize the immense power these characters have over you. Chills will overtake you as you watch Voldemort and his army of thousands of Death Eaters rush towards the castle that once represented everything that is warm and safe in the world -- only now to be the ground in which many beloved characters will meet their tragic and heroic end. The speedy 2 hours and 10 minutes running time mimics the non-stop commotion of war, giving the characters (and the audience) little to no time to grieve the deaths happening before them. With characters as cherished as these, I wish their deaths were rewarded with more honor and focus.



Bursting with technical wizardry, everything that is done in Deathly Hallow's Part 2 is done to make each and every scene as cinematic as possible. A few things are left out, as was to be expected (Kreacher leading the house elves in battle, to my dismay, was one of them) and small changes are made. In emotion and intensity, however, which is where it really counts, Deathly Hallows- Part 2 is as close to a carbon copy of its source material as possible. Composer Alexandre Desplat is an emotional puppeteer, his score constantly switching from foreboding to heart-wrenching, and then during the epilogue when we need it most, overwhelming nostalgic. Tear's (and lots of them) are an almost guarantee in these precious last few minutes. And as I heard the iconic "Leaving Hogwarts" score complimenting the sight of our trio (now seasoned, mature actors) saying goodbye to their children on Platform 9 3/4, It was with deep passion, sadness and unwavering fondness that I said my final goodbye to The Boy Who Lived.

Rating: A