Of course "The Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is the second half of a single narrative novel that was wisely split across two films. Doing this allows screenwriter Steve Kloves, who has worked very closely with Rowling over the years to bring to life the very essential arcs of the story, to flesh out the layers of information provided in the seventh novel. Indeed, this is the end game of the entire mythos, and the stakes have never been higher. That this chapter does the best job yet at keeping the audience (readers and non-readers of the books alike) up to speed on what is going on and why is commendable. Much of the emotional power of this film comes from knowing exactly what each character must do to survive the struggle between the Death Eaters and the good wizards defending the Hogwarts School. The most poignant moments come when we discover vital information exactly when Harry does, sometimes to tragic effect.
David Yates, who has provided the series' direction since the fifth movie, has left nothing to chance here when it comes to audience expectations. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" is, in essence, a travelogue road movie that begins with urgency and carries furied momentum throughout its runtime until the cliffhanger ending that also opens this film. It only stands to reason then, that the entirety of the finale (also the series' shortest) feels like a 130 minute climax. Not all of the fans' beloved favorite characters are given a proper send-off, but this is a reflection of Rowling's novel, not the liberties often taken with the novels' screen adaptations. However, it is hard to imagine anyone being unsatisfied here when all the key players have their fair share of shining moments.
Screen veterans Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman who portray two of my favorite characters, Professors McGonagall and Snape, respectively, each have some powerful moments that are elevated by their considerable talents. They may be supporting characters, but that each completely own the screentime they inhabit speaks highly of their skill, as actors, and the witch and wizard they portray. At nearly 77 years of age, Maggie Smith in particular, had the packed house at my midnight screening applauding her sheer ferocity. It's quite clear after ten years that each of these actors has an endearment for this material that, for some, will be the crowning achievement of their career. Warwick Davis, pulling double duty here as the Goblin Griphook and Professor Flitwick, has come a long way from his "Willow" days. Watch him in one of the opening scenes as Griphook, where his focus and attention is so nuanced that it is worth a study for aspiring actors. It's a marvelous moment.
Chris Columbus kicked off the magic a decade ago with his direction of the first two installments, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Columbus brought a sense of whimzy to the world that J.K Rowling created and indeed, they conveyed a sense of child-like innocence and wonder; great detail was given to bring even the smallest elements of Hogwarts to life. The 3rd and 4th passages each had a new director who brought their own unique flavor along with the darker tone provided by the developments Rowling had created in each new novel. With each subsequent Harry Potter adaptation from Yates, the themes and material have grown ever-darker, requiring a word of caution to parents: these are NOT children's films. Some of the more menacing Death Eaters and violence is too much for youngsters and certainly, the first and second year Hogwarts students in this movie. In a particular scene in the great hall, as the students are addressed by an ominous presence, I noticed a child in the background whose frightened look may have been legitimate.
The big screen adaptations of J.K. Rowling's complex novels have not pleased everyone. With each book being larger in scope, if not in paper, than the last, the producers and directors had to make economical decisions with shooting, leaving out what was not absolutely essential to the main story arc. Rowling seems to have approved this. No matter what the fans' complaints have been over the years, rest assured, David Yates has finished out the series with a magnificent farewell; a two-part film that helps prolong the action and delay the inevitable goodbyes. I suspect many will tear up at least once during the procedings. I certainly did. The nice thing is, you don't have to be a die-hard fan of the novels to appreciate what is on the screen. No matter which medium you prefer to experience the world of Harry Potter, in the end what we're left with is two iconic ways to enjoy an impactful fantasy narrative that spans the entire childhood of three best friends.
*Note: This film is offered in 2D and 3D. However, it was post-converted to 3D and already has an intentionally dark, murky color pallete. Do yourself a favor, skip the extra cost of 3D and enjoy it the way it was filmed.
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