“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” provides a fitting finale to a series that has captured the imagination of fans all over the world. And high praise goes to producer David Heyman, who has worked to align J. K. Rowling’s literary vision of Harry Potter and his world with the movie version, from the initial casting of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as Harry, Hermione and Ron along with other first-rate British actors in supporting roles to the selection of the various directors and Steve Kloves to helm six of the seven screenplays. “Part 2” picks up where “Part I” ended with Harry still hunting Horcruxes, which contain portions of Voldemort’s soul. Meanwhile, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has found the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand, and is seeking Harry while using his army of death-eaters and other creatures to strike out at Hogwarts, where his minion Snape (Alan Rickman) is headmaster. Snape’s elusive connection to Harry’s fate and the grim battle between Harry and Voldemort remains one of the film’s real strengths. So is Alan Richman, whose Snape has been Harry’s tormentor and protector. His final scenes are truly touching in their sadness, regret and loss.
“Part 2” unfolds with top notch production values that have come to characterize the series, creating a movie of adventure, drama and spectacle (although I’m not sure why the decision was made to convert this to 3D in post production. Perhaps Heyman’s only mistake?) Klove’s script allows us to say goodbye to many of the series’ beloved supporting characters, including the surprising heroics of Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis); the bravery of Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Sybil Trelawny (Emma Thompson) and Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent); the unexpected confrontation between Molly Weasley (Julie Walters), Ron’s mother, and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter); the wise and loving advice from Harry’s parents, James (Adrian Rawlins) and Lily (Geraldine Somerville) Potter, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), and, of course, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” ends with an epilogue that puts everything to rights and makes you want to watch all of the movies again from the beginning. “Harry Potter” has been about growing up, discovering yourself, and ultimately, the battle between good and evil. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to see this final chapter. 7/15/11
1 comment:
This is a fitting finale to the Harry Potter epical journey. J.K. Rowling has crafted a culture of magical sorcery and good verses evil in a classic form with imagination and skill. Her skill is comparable to the great English writers of the past such as Charles Dickens and J.R. Tolkien. I don't believe we heard the last from her or Harry and look forward to the futiure Rowling efforts,,,,,Bravo!
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