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Release Date: 15th July 2011
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Director: David Yates
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Writers: Steve Kloves (Screenplay) - J.K. Rowling (Novel)
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Cast: Daniel Radcliffe - Emma Watson - Rupert Grint - Maggie Smith - Ralph Fiennes - Alan Rickman - Michael Gambon
Review
‘Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2’ is arguably the most anticipated film ever made. The eight-part franchise has already become the highest grossing film saga, currently touching $5.5 billion in worldwide profit – the final part alone has broken two records, the midnight viewing, reaching $43.5 million, and the first day viewing, reaching $92.1 million. But was the final installment worth the wait?
The film is not perfect, but it is entertaining nonetheless. Along with hundreds of thousands of other Harry Potter fans, I impatiently awaited this last installment. The final book was just as enjoyable to read as its predecessors, and due to the anticipation created in the run up to its release, the film had an incredible standard to meet.
When you look at ‘Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2’ as the final episode in the saga, it is a good film. It flows very naturally, answers all the consumers unanswered questions and keeps itself very true to the final chapters in the book – for a film with such a high expectation, it is very well made and perfect in drawing the Harry Potter saga to a close.
In parts the film is moving, though this was always to be expected as many consider it to be the end of an ‘era’. In terms of direction and writing, the film is adequate. The manner in which the film flows and is constructed is very concise, mystical and impressionistic – perfect for solving the previously inspired mysteries.
The first problem with the film stems from performances. While the performances from supporting actors and actresses like Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter are excellent, I would, however, take issue with those coming from the leading three roles – Harry, Ron and Hermione. While the three (Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe) perform acceptably in scenes involving action, pace and panic, they do not always bring the required amount of sincerity to the more emotional ones. However, this does not predominate, as in contrast to the previous installments, ‘Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2’ is very action based, so the acting flaws are not as exposed.
A second problem I have with the film is in relation to special effects. The film has some scenes that do not seem to have had the same effort employed as that given to others. The battle of Hogwarts for example, a very famous chapter in the book, is well depicted - the effects are believable and exciting. However, other scenes throughout the film that require CGI and various effects are of a lower standard – for example, a scene in which Harry, Ron and Hermione are flying brooms through a burning room is very poorly constructed and lacks the standard of realism that is expected from todays productions.
Though there was nothing hugely wrong with ‘Harry Potter & The Deathly hallows Part 2’, I expected something more. In terms of aesthetics, the film had small issues throughout that dragged it down. Having said this, it was a film that I enjoyed purely because I am a Harry Potter fan, the final chapters of ‘The Deathly hallows’ where my favorite throughout the entire series, therefore it was exciting to see it come to life.
