It’s all about the action in part two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I can see why the filmmakers split the book for this final sequel as it would have been a long and drawn out affair if they hadn’t. The special effects and CGI sparkle in this edition making the action explosive and adventurous.
Continuing where part 1 left off, Voldemort is found testing his new all-powerful wand. Harry, Hermione and Ron have smashed another Horcrux (Voldemort’s death escape objects) and are searching for the final three in order to make him vulnerable. When they find them an all out war begins between a horde of Voldemort followers, conjured creatures and the Death Eaters versus the Hogwarts class lead by Neville Longbottom, joining Hermione, Ron and Harry. But the final challenge between Voldemort and Harry strikes the final blow.
Direction by David Yates who took over in 2007 with the series is courageous and impressive. He puts Harry into the action and in many cases with extras running in all directions yet the focus still stays on his main man. I like the way he brings back Longbottom, the Weasleys and others for one last great performance. His ability to mix CGI with live action puts Yates up with the best of the directors of today.
Excellent Cinematography makes the film outstanding with amazing clarity even during the most hectic scenes with the cast running in all directions, CGI creatures entering the melee and Harry still the center of attraction. Close-ups of Voldemort are amazingly hard to get due to special make-up, prosthetic pieces and computer graphic blend for his face, but that seemed to be little problem for the camera crew. I give a tip of the hat to the CGI crew for producing an incredible dragon.
It was fun to see the return to Hogwarts with all the people in the paintings running for cover, the moving staircases taking a lot of the action, Hogwarts castle resisting the onslaught of Voldemort’s wrath and more. And many answers to the puzzling characters that came up during previous episodes are answered, friendships rekindled, and secrets are revealed.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images. See it in 3D and you can reach for a piece of Voldemort.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A truly good ending to a great series. (A)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
