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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

My vocabulary is inadequate if I have to put in words what I feel after watching this movie... so I settle for "leaves one speechless."

The world requires no introduction to the Harry Potter series, and the whole story is so intricate that a short recap is a gross injustice to it. So I won't bother with giving a rundown of what happened so far, but cut to the essentials: HP7 Part 2 is the climax of the whole series, the grand finale. But unlike its predecessor, Part 1, which went on a slow pace, this movie has got ALL the action. Of course it should, seeing as it portrays a war that can equal the Gods vs. Titans War (Greek myth).

Adapting books into movies is never an easy task, especially if the books in question have complexly woven plots and a vast fan following. The endeavour becomes even harder when the book is the last in the series, as expectations skyrocket to unprecedented levels.

And it seems that the cast and the crew were determined to give a nothing-less-than-the-best farewell, and give they did. Even Dan Radcliffe, who has been less than stellar on more than one occasion, essayed the role of Harry with panache, as did Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in their roles as Ron and Hermione respectively. The rest of the crew (the list is too long) did their jobs brilliantly, but  Alan Rickman's performance as Snape was a standout - stunning, but touching as well.

The movie was also a testimony to the brilliance of David Yates' direction. Plus, kudos to Steve Kloves and JKR for retaining the essence of the book, even with all the deleted and extra scenes, and for some spectacularly funny dialogues. My personal favourites include Ron's "That's my girlfriend, you numpties!" and Neville's "You and whose army?" As dark as it was, Part 2 had its lighthearted moments.  Oh, and the much-awaited epilogue was cute and sweet - I loved the elder versions of the Golden Trio and Ginny, and the kids as well. And Alexander Desplat's score just made things better.

But it's the effects that made the movie what it was. The only HP movie in 3D, and it was more than worth the money. The special effects were damn superb - the statues coming alive, the protection spells for Hogwarts, and more - without them, the film would have been nowhere.

The slight disappointment was the final battle between Harry and Voldemort which, in my opinion, should have been depicted as in the books, with the great hall and the humongous audience. But the sheer magnificence of the rest of the movie eclipses the teeny letdown.

I'd like to say more - I feel like I could never stop - but I think I should end it here. The last and final installment in the phenomenal Harry Potter series - or to be specific, movies - is a fitting tribute to the wonderful success of the books. It makes you laugh and cry, feel full yet empty, all at once. It's gripping, it's epic, it's breath-taking... it's pure magic; you have to experience it for yourself.

4 comments:

  1. Wow! Brilliant review Zainab! This could be published in a magazine!
    Personally. though, I was a tad disappointed with the movie. Maybe I think that's because I had already created a mental block (I am a firm believer of the Movies-can-never-be-better-than-the-book school) But you are right, the movie does make you smile and laugh and at times even sniff. For me, Snape was the best part of the movie! That scene really was touching. There were moments when I had goose-bumps too!
    In all, yes, it is a movie worth it's buck. :)

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  2. I also am a firm believer that movies can never be better than the books... but seeing a battle onscreen with all the effects is way more thrilling than reading about it. And there were several extra touches that I loved - esp. Snape crying over Lily's corpse.
    The only change that disappointed me was the last Voldy vs. Harry battle; I wanted it to be in the Great Hall with the whole audience, as in the book... but I guess I'll have to live with it.
    Btw, thanx for following my blog! :)

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  3. OMG! You're blog is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I had a blog, but then slowly i forgot about. But now seeing you're blog has inspired me to start my blog again! And lets not forget the reviews, or the poems! you are meant to write Darlin'! I can't wait to see you best-seller book come out!! :)
    BTW this is Nazu. I can't wait to visit you! Right now, i'm in grandparents house.. When I come to Calicut you are definitely giving me tips for the blog. :D
    See Ya!

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  4. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. harry potter merchandise

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