Flick Flak: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Director: David Yates
With: Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
12A, 131mins
Like it or not, HPATDH Part 2 could be described as the biggest British movie of all time. In its opening weekend in America it took $168 million - even more remarkable when you consider that The Dark Knight, previous holder of the title 'highest earner over the opening weekend', took $158 million (more on Batman later!). So, does the biggest ever series of British movies bow out with a bang? Very much so.
The film picks up immediately where the last one left off; the hunt for Horcruxes continues, but as Harry and friends close in on the final three, Voldemort secures the fabled Elder Wand and launches an offensive on Hogwarts.
I make a point of judging the Harry Potter films as just that; films, unconnected to the books. It's been a while since I read Deathly Hallows, and I could only vaguely remember the complicated plot going into the last two parts of the series. Part 1 was a success, despite moving the action away from the safety of the school setting and having to rely on the slightly unconvincing acting of the young leads. Story-wise, however, I felt that the finale falls slightly flat. So, I'll dwell on the negatives first.
[Vaguely spoiler-y material!] The books had a really good emotional twist in the ending related to Snape and his relationship to Harry, and indeed his mother, but the film rushes over this a bit quickly, and I was left trying to puzzle out what was being revealed even as the memory sequences in the 'Pensieve' played out. Likewise, the film fails to fully explain the significance of the Deathly Hallows, and the Elder Wand in particular, until some token exposition at the very end, which is a shame because there is some solid plot trickery involved in the outcome of Harry versus Voldemort; the final round. [Definite spoiler] A particular moment of chagrin comes when Harry drops the Resurrection stone just before stepping out to face Voldemort - in the book he is in possession of all three Deathly Hallows, hence he can risk being killed. In the film though people who do not know the story will be left asking how it is Harry can survive another nasty green killing curse.
Ok, spoilers over. As I say, these are not points on which I take issue with the director for changing the book - when he did that previously, in the event of a certain main character's death, and more specifically Harry's state at the time, I applauded him, as I thought it served to emphasise Harry's guilt for not helping. I understand that events need to be jiggled and trimmed for a film, but this was not done as well as for previous films, to the extent that the film is clearly aimed at fans of the books. Which is risky, as said fans might not be pleased at the cutting of Dumbledore's intriguing past among other scenes.
The acting actually takes a step down from the previous instalment in terms of the young actors, but it is not too painful to watch. Matthew Lewis, playing Neville Longbottom, deserves some credit as he delivers some of the cheesier dialogue in the film really well, while all of the adult actors, particularly Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman, are on top form. Another issue I had with the film was that the moments that were clearly supposed to be emotional I didn't find to be particularly moving. Again, perhaps fans of the books will recall the sadness they felt when reading and will be sucked in once again, but watching it just as a movie it lacked emotional heft.
However! When the film is aiming at epic, effects-driven fun, it truly succeeds. While keeping the general tone still dark and ominous, the action sequences are impressive. The raid on Gringotts' bank is brilliant, and the dragon which they find is one of the best you'll see in a film for a while (hopefully until Smaug in The Hobbit). The Battle of Hogwarts needed to be epic, and it doesn't disappoint, looking like Lord of the Rings with wands as battles rage, spells flash, creatures of all kinds wade in and occasional slow-mo shows everything off a little extra. I still don't see these last few films as kids' films, and this one is no different. The battle is violent in places, there is a lot of talking, and the appearance near the end of big-headed Voldemort baby in limbo (not often you get to write that sentence) is nightmarish.
Overall then, you forget the problems because it is just so epic and stunning. The plot is a little wobbly in terms of delivering twists, the acting isn't great (the kisses are awkward), emotional moments are brushed over, and the "19 years later" scene... don't even get me started. It was unnecessary in the extreme in the book, and should have been cut from the film. But the film (and indeed films) have succeeded in bringing the magic to life in gorgeously convincing and spectacular style. These are the films that will define film for a generation of children, and it's a suitably grand exit.
PS: The teaser trailer for The Dark Knight Rises is accompanying HPATDH Part 2 and as a nerd I'm obligated to point out that you can watch it here.
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Related Article: Flick Flak: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 1
8 Comments – Postiwch sylw
Stormer007
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 19th July 2011 - 16:32pm
I had been wondering what the Flick Flak Furher (that's not unacceptable is it?) would have to say on the epic conclusion to the Harry Potter series. And to your thoughts I have but this to say:
"Hmm. Interesting."
=)
neilramsden
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 20th July 2011 - 18:42pm
Harry Potter fans- seen the film? Comment!
EmilySprout
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 20th July 2011 - 19:26pm
I've never seen a Harry Potter film, nor read the book. Discuss :p
Stormer007
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 20th July 2011 - 22:17pm
Emily.... you are a monstrosity!
neilramsden
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 21st July 2011 - 09:44am
Haha I did see on Facebook a friend whose status was "the only HP I need is Lovecraft." Gotta respect that.
DeadAngelLover22
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 21st July 2011 - 15:42pm
Oooh i really wanted to do the review of this but the words just wouldnt come to me, i still havent read the book but now i've seen the film, i couldnt stop crying when i saw the film >< it was so sad with the things Harry finds out but i stil have one question. . .doesnt it seem to point out that Snape might be Harry's dad or related somehow?? or maybe thats just me lol great review :)
Stormer007
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 21st July 2011 - 23:24pm
No. It tells the story of Snape's love for Lily Potter and because of his intense love for Lily, he was willing to sacrifice his life to protect the only flesh and blood she left behind... Harry.
neilramsden
Rhoddwyd sylw 10 mis yn ôl - 22nd July 2011 - 11:01am
Deadangellover - really interesting you should say that, because I suggested to my girlfriend immediately afterwards that if you hadn't read the books and didn't know the twists towards the end, the film really does hint at Snape being Harry's dad. If you were to take that view, nothing in the film contradicts it. There is one bit especially, where Dumbledore and Snape talk about Harry, they really seem to say without saying that Snape had a child by Lily even when she was with James. And all the stuff about Harry having Lily's eyes... nobody mentions if he looks like his father (though they do in the books.)
Also, thanks :)