Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2011)
By thisguyoverhere | July 15, 2011
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Directed by: David Yates
Written by: Steve Kloves
Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy
There’s an old adage made popular by Spider-man: “With great power comes great responsibility.” The Harry Potter series has inverted this proving the converse true: “With great responsibility comes great power.”
For a decade us muggles have been invited to experience the magic of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and the lives of the characters that inhabit them. We’ve seen Harry grow from a mere 10-year-old tot to a stubbly, and toned young man (apparently the agonizing mental connection with he-who-shall-not-be-named makes you ripped). We’ve seen friendships blossom, relationships bloom, rivalries overcome, and, yes, even endured the hardships of death. In a sense, we’ve gone through the entire cycle of life with these characters.
Eight films over a ten year period is an amazing feat for any franchise, (and no doubt a grueling schedule for these actors). It has been quite the commitment for the massive ensemble cast to dedicate themselves to a decade’s worth of work, and with the exception of the tragic passing of the legendary Richard Harris (the original Dumbledore), each actor has in fact remained loyal to the series. So now, as it all ends, it feels like the equivalent of the end of a favorite television series – and most television shows would be lucky to have a decade’s run!
Deathly Hallows: Part 2 picks up abruptly where Part 1 left off, as the Elder Wand is discovered in Dumbledore’s tomb. From there, we’re immediately thrown back into Harry’s search for Voldemort’s horcruxes – the first of which takes us on a fun ride through the vaults of Gringotts. Harry, Ron, and Hermoine apparate all over the magic world, but their search serendipitously leads them to the one place they shouldn’t go: Hogwarts – which is now overseen by Professor Snape. Meanwhile, Voldemort continues his search for the Deathly Hallows and, of course, for Harry. Things finally come to a head at Hogwarts with an inevitable battle between good and evil; a battle which will finally pit Harry against Voldemort once and for all.
Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2011)
We aren’t given much of a recap of past events at the outset. That being said, it might be beneficial to re-read the seventh book, or rewatch Part 1 before entering this film as anyone who doesn’t know the books inside and out will have to recall how many horcruxes have been found, how many have been destroyed, and perhaps what they even are. Likewise, it’s also helpful to know the location and status of the plethora of characters – who is still at Hogwarts, who is working for the Order of the Phoenix, and maybe even who has already died.
Needless to say, there is a lot crammed into this film. Almost every living character appears at some point, (some only for a few seconds of screen time, (I <3 Emma Thompson)) and even a few who are dead. Luckily, having separated the last book into two films, director David Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves aren’t forced to omit much. Granted, some of the emotional scenes are a little skimpy, but they do seem to go out of their way to retain as many of the unforgettable cheers of the book, (“Not my daughter, you bitch!”) The result is gratifying, if very slightly lackluster. Still, Part 2 provides much needed closure to the series without leaving many questions unanswered.
A moment of admiration needs to be paid to the cast, who have all been essential to the growth of the series – not just the films, but the books as well (as the final book was finished only in 2007). Naturally Daniel Radcliffe continues to encapsulate Harry, because, let’s be honest, he is Harry. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson fully embody Ron and Hermoine. And while most actors have had their chance to shine as their characters, here Ralph Fiennes finally has his character’s greatest moments as Voldemort. He strikes a very rare and intoxicating combination of pure evil and strange charm. Watching Voldemort take delight in his evil deeds only makes the need for his demise that much more crucial. So, in his endless talent, Fiennes is able to pull from the bottomless chasm of intimidation, but oddly show an inkling of comedic timing as he did in In Bruges (sans vulgarity).
In the end, we’re left with a bit of optimism, the inevitable results of exploring themes throughout the series of believing in oneself, grappling with identity, and the importance of friendship. Sometimes bad things happen to good people; it’s how people react that defines their character. And in Harry’s case, with great responsibility comes great power, and with great power comes maturity.
United Kingdom, USA. 130 minutes. Rated PG-13.
