Feature Film Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

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After ten years of cinematic magic, the much heralded sorcerer saga of Harry Potter comes to close and the world weeps. Most certainly eyes will be moist when the final spell is cast and the audience left longing for those wintry releases that begin with John Williams’ oh-so-familiar “Hedwig’s Theme”. The series reserves a spot in film history for its ability to enchant both the young and old with its commitment to quality and shrewd casting calls.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the finale of the epic series, brings us to the brink of all-out war between the forces of good and evil. Harry and mates Ron and Hermione are scrambling to find evil relics that harness Lord Voldemort’s immortality while dark foes gather at the gates of Hogwarts. The remaining wizards on the side of good must go to battle against insurmountable odds and pray that Harry fulfills his destiny as the chosen one.

Voldemort battling a hard case of nose envy.

Hallows 2 and extends his streak of impressive Potter adaptations that began in 2007 with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Nearly invisible in all the Potter hoorah, Yates deserves a caldron of credit for conjuring up flicks that sit well with the kiddies while providing enough bite for an older demographic. In fact, one can say that the recent films go beyond the realm of the playful schoolyard and enter a land more sinister and provocative than the younger Potter fans should tread. However, this is exactly the edge that series needed to harness true staying power.

The power of Potter lies within its ability in capturing the evil side of the cuddly quidditch world and broaden its audience base. And it did so in spades with the casting of Ralph Fiennes as the malevolent antagonist Lord Voldemort. If you have not seen Fiennes in Red Dragon (2002), you know now through the Potter films that he can be one of the most frightful figures in cinema today.

In Hallows 2, Fiennes is once again on display showcasing his maniacal maliciousness as the slithering Dark Lord. Along with his savory delivery and graphically enhanced snake snout, his portrayal of Voldemort is the perfect complement to Daniel Radcliffe’s innocence. Fiennes single-handedly elevates Hallows 2 to spectacle as audiences cringe and cower in anticipation of the evil wizard’s next move.

Just as Fiennes has left an indelible mark on the saga, so has the remarkable Alan Rickman. Few actors are such a pleasure to watch. His familiar nasally vernacular serves Severus Snape well and does much to keep the mysterious plot intact until the very end. However, by pointing out the skills of Rickman, one also exposes flaws in Hallows 2. The sprawling storyline doesn’t allow sufficient time to wrap up some of Potter’s most beloved characters.

The story of Snape is certainly explained in detail but the character’s ultimate fate is glossed over in a hasty scene. Much is the same for the wonderfully witchy Helena Bonham Carter. In this case, her character of Bellatrix Lestrange is largely ignored until the final battle sequence. Same goes for the amiable half-giant Hagrid. It is understandable that all cannot be covered in the verbose annals of Rowling but ample time should have been allotted to these characters that the film series owes so much.

With that quibble behind us, Hallows 2 is a cracking good show and often times bloody brilliant. There is just too much acting talent and effect-driven magic to dare look away. And although the sorcerer’s tale wanders from sub plot to sub plot, it still manages to win the hearts of moviegoers across the world by keeping a unique sincerity stashed under its cloak. Fare thee well, Harry!

Adam is the founder of www.featurefilmreview.com. Email comments to adam (at) featurefilmreview (dot) com.