It all ends for Harry Potter and company in the final film of J. K. Rowling’s mega-successful literary series with the mythologically-dense and emotional “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.” Comprised of heavy action, and calling upon just about every character and magical item introduced during the franchise, “DH2” has a palpable intensity lacking in the wandering “DH1” that should satisfy the Potter faithful.
As we left “DH1,” our triad of heroes Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) had just escaped Malfoy Manor while evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) had just obtained the Elder Wand--the most powerful wand in the world-- and one of the three titular Deathly Hallows. According to Potterverse legend, the owner of all three hallows would become a master of death. Harry also is still on the trail of Voldemort’s remaining horcruxes, items that ensure Voldemort cannot die.
Recovering at a safe house, Harry quizzes fellow Malfoy Manor refugees Ollivander the wandmaker (John Hurt) and goblin banker Griphook (Warwick Davis). Ollivander provides key information regarding wand lore and the Elder Wand. Harry makes a deal with Griphook to help break into the impenetrable Gringott’s bank because he believes another one of the horcruxes is stored in the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter). The attempted robbery is one of the more spectacular and enjoyable sequences in the movie.
The increased action and driving plot bring out the best in Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson, a vast improvement over the more demanding “DH1.” Fiennes finally is showcased after being relegated to limited scenes in previous movies and doesn’t disappoint. He radiates intimidation and seethes just enough measured insanity to demonstrate that he is teetering on the brink of implosion.
Director David Yates brings a slightly uneven hand to the film. The first half of the film is very well done, heightening the audience’s anticipation of the grand finale without holding back on the pace and tone. We know that the end will be epic, but Yates drives full speed toward that cliff like Thelma and Louise. Perhaps it is this choice that sacrifices exposition on background stories like Aberforth Dumbledore (Ciarán Hinds) and his apparent disdain for brother Albus (Michael Gambon). Given that this is the shortest of the Potter movies, it would be surprising if anything was cut due to time constraints or budget – this film will make a mint like the rest of them.
Yates loses some directorial steam toward the second half, with a couple of crucial scenes lacking the emotional resonance necessary to the gravity of the saga. But a powerful moment in the Forbidden Forest is guaranteed to weaken even a Death Eater’s heart and is more representative of his oversight.
The special effects are exceptional and the tripled or quadrupled amount of magic displayed in the film versus the others results in the visual spectacle worthy of the quality of the franchise. If nothing else, the audience will be dazzled by the ultimate battle at Hogwart’s school.
Rowling’s most ardent fans can pick nits with small decisions here and there, but “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” casts a spell of excitement and high drama that will please the loyal Potterites who have stayed with the series to the very end.
DIRECTOR: David Yates SCREENWRITER: Steve Kloves PRODUCERS: David Heyman, Lionel Wigram CAST: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes RUN TIME: 130 minutes MPAA RATING: PG-13
