Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Review

Harry Ron and Hermione look on for one last time in the final Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

A+

A review by Frederick Cholowski

Note: Do not see this film in 3D. The post production added effects dull the colors and has motion blur issues. While this will have no effect on my review I definitely recommend seeking out a 2D showing.

After 7 books and 8 movies the Harry Potter franchise has reached its finale. A film that has been waited on since the final book came out in 2005 and expectations are off the wall. The final film needs to deliver. Well I’m glad to report that not only is the final Potter film worth watching it’s the best and most emotionally satisfying Potter film in the franchise.

Deathly Hallows part 2 starts right where the first part left off. Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has taken the elder wand and things are looking quite grim for our heroes. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) still have to find and destroy more horcruxes before facing the dark lord himself. Meanwhile Hogwarts has turned into hell on earth thanks to the new headmaster Severus Snape (Alan Rickman).

For the first time in a long time the story in a Potter film is truly something special. First off director David Yates uses his special abilities in creating mood and atmosphere. Yates hits all the right notes here striking the perfect balance of heroism and darkness. As well the film doesn’t suffer from the poor pacing issues of the last film. The horcrux hunt doesn’t bog down the pace this time.

Then there is the last half of the film witch stuns. It’s a fast pace emotional roller coaster with numerous stand out moments. Then they actually get the ending right. Some people may argue that it’s a little anti climatic but I don’t think so. I couldn’t see them attempting to make it more cinematic without making it cheesy and stupid.

For the first time in a potter movie I’m impressed by the performances. Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson all impress with the emotional depth they bring to each of their roles. Ralph Fiennes is great as Voldemort as he shows us two different sides of the villain. Of course Alan Rickman is amazing as Snape especially in a 5 minute segment late in the film that steals the show for me.

The special effects look really good here. Nothing feels cheesy or out of place here. The action scenes are great here and feel large and meaningful. Also the score in this film is fantastic. It is loud and bombastic when it needs to be, but then it quiets down and almost disappears when needed.

The finale of the Potter franchise is magical. It’s atmospheric and emotional well keeping the lighting pace. The most emotionally satisfying potter film to date Harry has certainly saved the best for last.