A Parting for Potter, Part 2
Written by Beril Akinci, Aug 3, 2011, 0 Comments
It is clearly grasped from the numerous movie posters: “It all ends.”
Having received strong criticism for it’s gradually darkening plots, it’s not surprising that the Harry Potter series’ last installment is the darkest and gloomiest of all; however, after Part 1, Part 2 quickly picks up pace.
It’s not like the whirlpool battle scene in the “Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds’ End,” where the audience is eager for it to just be, well, over. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) move from scene to scene as Hogwarts and its grounds are torched and brutally destroyed.
Watching Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson grow has been almost romantic (maybe it’s because of the British accents). They have matured into talented performers, ridding themselves of the clunky interaction of the first few movies.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape is as brilliant as ever. He depicts a very different facet of the man we love to hate—a facet that he will certainly be remembered for. The scenes containing Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) are welcome and refreshing.
Deathly Hallows, Part 2, provides the characters with as much closure as possible, especially for some of Harry’s friends who never had a lot of voice. Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom almost outshines Harry with his heroics. Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) shows a little more self-confidence. Even Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is not his usual annoying self. Throughout the movie, director David Yates directly (and indirectly) invokes the characters, places and objects that fans have obsessively memorized.
Deathly Hallows Part 2 might not have made a lot of sense to regular watchers. Splitting the movie in half was definitely a smart financial move, but it may not have been wise in terms of a flowing plot. Part 1 is slow and random; Part 2 is action-packed. The flow is somewhat patchy, but not disappointing.
Something that is disappointing is the lack Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright). While she is absent for most of the seventh book, Harry cares about her. The movie could have made the bond between her and Harry stronger; lead characters tend to have the best relationships. It’s clear that she’s fond of Harry, but Harry isn’t so enthusiastic. Their connection pales in contrast to Ron and Hermione.
But in the end, everything from the set decorations to the special effects is magical. Certainly, both movies will be most enjoyable if they’re watched in marathon-mode on a massive flat-screen, at home, wearing lightning bolt-patterned pajamas and sipping homemade butterbeer.
