The Grand Conclusion -- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Movie Review

Potato On the Go:

After 10 years, the much awaited conclusion of what is said to be the most successful movie franchise in the world's film history is finally here, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. 

Based on the novel with the same title by JK Rowling and directed by David Yates, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 tells the continuing saga of the boy who lived, Harry Potter.  After Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione destroyed one Horcrux and unlocked the secret of the three Deathly Hallows, they continued to seek the other Horcruxes to kill Lord Voldemort and put an end to the spread of darkness.  However, Voldemort was able to get hold of the Elder Wand helping him target the final stage to ultimate power.  He launches an attack on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where the trio, with the help of their friends in the school, return for one last stand against the evil forces that threaten to conquer the Wizarding and Muggle worlds.

From OBB to CBB, I am honestly speechless.  I am in awe up to now with this movie masterpiece, the epic conclusion of the Harry Potter series.  I held my breath in almost every scene as the movie is filled with suspense, mystery and surprise.  There was never a dull moment and each scene just kept on exciting the audience as the story unfolds and suspense builds up.

I could say this is the best Harry Potter movie.  To be honest, when Harry Potter movies hit the big screen a decade ago, I was not an instant fan.  The first three movies, I thought, were good in the suspense build up but a failure in making cinematic conclusions.  But when the Goblet of Fire (Part 4), where the movie became more suspense filled than "kiddie", was shown in theaters, I was transformed from skeptic into a fanatic.  HP 7 Part 2 just mixed well all the necessary film elements to come up with an epic conclusion and a grand masterpiece.  The story (which started in Sorcerer's Stone) may just look like the usual battle of good versus evil but set in the world of wizardry but for me there is a lot more in store in Deathly Hollows Part 2.  It actually talks about how one can go selfless for his loved one, family and friends.  Many of them made the sacrifices -- Harry Potter, James and Lily Potter, Professor Dumbledore, Severus Snape and the teachers and students of the Hogwarts Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  I won't get into details but what can I say is that this is one rare chance to see a fantasy movie where substance and life's lessons are perfectly weaved in. 

Harry Potter 7 Part 2 is another acting ensemble.  Danielle Radcliff (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) all grew in Harry Potter, literally and figuratively speaking.  As they grew from kids to teenagers, all of them have transformed as well into becoming fine film actors.  Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort is perfect for the role.  The way he spoke and moved brought so much fear in the story.  Helena Bonham Carter, though with lesser scenes this time around, effectively portrayed the weired and eccentric role of Bellatrix Lestrange.  Alan Rickman is extremely commendable as he gives justice and emotionally charged performance to his role as Severus Snape who was highlighted in this movie.  Crowd favorites Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Julie Walters (Molly Weasley) and Matthew Luis (Neville Longbottom) delivered exemplary performances, they're a little funny yet kick ass in their scenes which earned them loud applause and cheer from the audience.  Matthew's role Neville was such a revelation in this movie and you will surely be surprised and be turned into an instant fan after watching this. 

Art Direction, like in the rest of the series, is not just a spectacular visual treat, but an amazing experience to bring the audience to an entirely new and unknown world.  Set design is majestic, costumes are elaborate, props are top class and make-up is truly magical!  Well, we've seen all of them in the rest of the Harry Potter movies but towards the end of HP7 Part 2, I just loved how they did the make-up.  The audience were surprised and just loved that scene. 

The film's cinematography is another proof that fantasy movies can make use of magnanimous artistic shots and uniquely angled frames.  Camera works helped elevate the drama, suspense and fear of the story.  The movie employed almost all of the known techniques in cinematography.  Sound is excellently done, may it a fire, magical blast, spell, collapse of structures and even silence!  And of course, special visual effects is spectacular!  And watching in IMAX made it more than perfect!  I felt I was inside their world.  It just feels so real!  =)  My personal favorites were the dragon scene, the defense of the castle, and the ultimate battle.

All I have for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 are good words (well except for that one cheesy line during the climax).  Indeed, it all ends here, and it bids goodbye to its legions of fans worldwide with a bang.  All good things need to come to an end and this is the best way how to conclude the much loved novel by JK Rowling. 

To the creator, actors, production team, producers and distributors of the Harry Potter series, THANK YOU.  It has been a good and memorable 10 years with you.  You've been a part of our life and as the movie ends, may we continue to cherish the wonderful moments and keep and use the lessons shared in Harry Potter.  

From a scale of 1 to 10 claps, I'm giving Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 a slow dramatic and proud 9 with magical fireworks lighting up the sky. This is another movie that I won't get surprised if it bags an Oscar nomination next year.  Yes, 'same feat like LOTR 3!  =)

From Warner Bros, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 opens in theaters on July 14.