So, the final film has been released, and it's safe to say the movie buzz has died down. The main question is, does Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 live up to the hype and expectation? Yes and no.
The film inevitably had a monumental burden to bear, being the final thread in what is arguably the most successful book and film franchise in history. In this vein, the film could never live up to the heightened expectations of Potterites across the globe, especially those that have read the books. There are noticeable changes, most of which aren't of major importance, but that still didn't stop me from silently thinking 'well THAT'S different to the book!' It's safe to say that the significance of the film prompted a slightly more critical response from me.
I'd be doing an incredible disservice to the film however if I based the entire review on my thoughts above. Pt 2 is still stunningly epic, tinged with impending doom, sadness and a very human story at its centre. Again I think that the film consciously chooses to focus upon the three leading protagonists, at the expense of some of the other favourite characters, plotlines and deaths. I'd suggest that this would perhaps be the main perceived weakness of the film as a whole. We see the Weasleys and members of the Order of the Phoenix fleetingly which may not be to everybody's liking. In the book, there is a significant conversation with Aberforth, Dumbledore's brother, which neatly ties up Dumbledore's background story. Wisely in this instance, the film chooses to not focus heavily on this aspect of the book, ensuring that the film maintains its fast past and stance as an epic finale. The Severus Snape by-line was handled sensitively and effectively, and in all honesty this was the only character fatality which evoked any emotion. Within Snape's memories we see flashbacks of previous films giving the perfect level of nostalgia, as well as snippets of Snape's early childhood which is intertwined with Harry's parents story. Despite my stated misgivings and loyalties to the book, I'm pleased that Pt 2 homes in on Harry in particular. The numerous deaths of much loved characters are, in my opinion, understated (not dismissed as some have said) which merely enhances the fact that this is Harry's struggle, against both Voldemort and himself. To reiterate this further, the final parts of the film focus mainly on Harry, and the inner demons and the revelation that he has to come to terms with. I would suggest that this is a fitting ending to a story which is, after all, Harry's.
The film certainly fulfils the visually spectacular requirement. A few minutes into Pt 2 we witness the trio breaking into Gringotts Bank in their hunt for elusive horcruxes, thus encountering a dragon; the preparation for battle and the Hogwarts battle itself is epically satisfying; the trio's expedition into the Room of Requirement ends in snake-like flames and Harry's final desperate showdown with Voldemort are specific examples. Not visually stimulating but equally loyal to the book is Harry's reunion with Dumbledore in a poignant scene at King's Cross station. This scene easily stands up to the aforementioned spectacles, and it is shot and acted perfectly. Also pleasingly, characters fulfil their destinies, good triumphs over evil and relationships are strengthened and affirmed. Specifically, Hermione and Ron finally reveal their true feelings for each other (in a rather fleeting moment I felt, though it was followed by rapturous applause in the cinema) and Neville finally transcends his wimpy stereotype and plays a key role in ending Voldemort once and for all, albeit fairly brief on-screen.
The person that I saw the film with commented that 'more of the book fighting should have been included'. I understand this cynicism, but I think David Yates crafted a perfectly satisfying film in the sense that spectacular set pieces and CGI did not overshadow the true heart of the story, that of relationships, sacrifice and self examination. Pt 2 ends 19 years later where we inevitably see that the trio have married their true loves and are preparing to send their children, the next generation of witches and wizards, to Hogwarts. For me, this was the most emotional part of the film, as David Yates cleverly lingers on their (supposedly) older faces in the closing shot, a final goodbye to the characters which we have followed diligently for the past ten years.
Goodbye old friend.
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