Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

My Rating: 9/10

Directed by: David Yates

Screenplay by: Steve Kloves

Based on the Novel by J.K Rowling 

(and don’t you forget it!)

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Runtime: 130 Minutes

For any die hard Potter fan the final conclusion to the worldwide phenomenon will not disappoint. The story is monumental cinema that will reach out to people young or old as a message of there is evil inside of all of us, but we can overcome it. It’s full of unbelievably thrilling action, more explanation and purpose to the story and plenty of powerful drama.  Lest I forget it is also filled with powerful acting and visually dazzling effects. For any major Potter fan a feeling of satisfaction will be with you when the film ends as well as a tear for the multi-billion franchise that has spanned for a decade. This film for me has been my most anticipated since I saw Deathly Hallows part 1 and it’s the most anticipated film for me since Toy Story 3. Simply mind-blowing for sure and it’s easily one of the best films of this year. 

Although I talk highly of this film, it is kind of biased considering I am a huge Potter fan, so my score isn’t over the top. Regardless of that this stands as an amazingly action packed emotional film that definitely deserves some awards for the upcoming Academy Awards. Director David Yates once again pulled it off and the direction and editing was very thrilling and well played out. It is hard to express how much I love this film without including spoilers, but I shall try my best not spoil one thing.  Similar to the previous film, a lot of things/people reappear from the first six films. In the climactic battle scene at Hogwarts so many characters return. We see Bellatrix Lestrange destroyed by Ron’s mother after she called Bellatrix a ‘bitch’ which was funny as it was rewarding, a ‘you got what you deserved’ kind of moment. Neville Longbottom makes a great revival and we also see also have small returning’s from Seamus Finnegan, teacher Sybill Trelawney, Ron’s obsessive girlfriend in Half-Blood Prince, Lavender, Minerva McGonagall and Horace Slughorn. Even returning from the very first film is the Goblin from Gringotts Griphook and even Ollivander, the wand shop keeper is there. The way there is so many characters in the story and the idea of seeing them again and knowing of how they become more important to the plot is one of the many exciting things the Potter films do. Things aren’t always as they seem a wonderful running theme from start to finish with the film’s series.

 One thing for sure is the film had my eyes opened wide more than any other film I have seen in the cinema. Constantly more and more is explained and it makes you think back about everything that has happened in all the films. The tension was thrilling and the action was equally brilliant. Things become clearer and the unbelievable details are explained, making the story of Harry Potter one of the most exciting ever conceived. J.K Rowling is one of the modern day literary geniuses for sure and her epic story will not be forgotten. She had a hard time writing the books as she suffered from depression and it is easy to see her heart and soul were put into the story. Hopefully she writes more books in the future, and in a documentary I saw, she announced she is considering writing a new children’s book.

The performances were absolutely breath-taking and are easily the most powerful of the series. We see Professor Snape like never before in both deeper character study and with back story, and it’s one of the most interesting things to behold in the film. Alan Rickman gave an award-worthy performance as Professor Snape, boasting true emotion of the once feared and mysterious teacher of Hogwarts who, up until the 6^th film, is very important to the plot. Once again, Radcliffe, Watson and Grint have served out golden acting that is no less than outstanding. Neville Longbottom, that nerdy little kid you always remembered from the first few films makes a huge impression in this film. Since Order of the Phoenix he has faded into the story more and in this film he appears as a strong, honest and wonderful character. I also would like to add that Matthew Lewis (his actor) has changed more than an of the other students that have appeared. You look at him in the first films and you see a nerdy, buck-toothed kid and when you look at him here, he is… well… more mature than ever. It barely even resembles his younger self. All of the cast members have changed in appearance naturally and as I have said in previous reviews of the Potter films, it’s a wonderful transition to see them grow up.

Voldemort and his Death-Eaters.

 The visual effects where overwhelming, more so than any of the films I’ve seen this year and certainly in any of the Potter films. In one scene we encounter a huge magical fire snake that chases Harry, Ron and Hermione and what a dazzling effect it was. I couldn’t even start to explain all the wonderful CGI in this film as it would go on forever. I commonly detest the CGI in live-action films today (as being lazy or pointless), this film really does suit it and they are unbelievably believable (wait, what did I say?). I don’t completely hate CGI in live-action but it has got to the point where it is usually pointless. And I’m a huge animation fan. Overall I give high thumbs up to visual effects supervisor, Tim Burke and the companies who are responsible for such dazzling effects; Framestore, Double Negative and Moving Picture Company.

I am not prepared to explain the final scene of the film, but I will explain the feeling it created. It ends in a kind of cycle as it reminds you of Harry first going to Hogwarts and that’s the best I can explain it without saying what happens. It was a beautiful, genius and warm way for it to end. J.K Rowling’s outstanding writing achievement has to be commended. It’s almost like Star Wars; it’s been a phenomenon and has one giant story full of characters. I am also not prepared to say which franchise/series is better because they are both terrific in their own way (although I don’t favour much in Episode 1 of Star Wars). Many characters die within the film and that is something I am willing to include in this review. It shows the tragedy that Voldemort brings to the wizarding world and is truly a character that in no way, shape or form is pleasant. As I have said before he is the ultimate persona of evil. He is a character you can pity as well as hate. He will never know what love, friendship and even real happiness is. A deep character analyses I will admit, but that’s what the character truly stands as.

Most Potter fans are going to consider this the best in the series which is highly understandable and I strongly agree with that. Although, it is the ending film so beside Harry Potter 2, 3 and 7 p1, I consider this to be one of the best. It is sad to see the Potter franchise go, but thankfully it ended in an overly-satisfying way. The series has been exciting, thrilling, emotional, and comical and every other emotion you can think of. At least a hundred characters, over 4000 pages of story and an outstandingly gripping story.  Overall this film is a beautiful ending and a story packed with outstanding action, dazzling special effects and powerful performances from the whole cast.

Ratings:

Screenplay/Story: 9.3/10

Characters: 9.3/10

Emotion: 9.3/10

Direction & Cinematography: 9.2/10

Visual & Editing: 9.5/10

Music: 9/10

Overall: 9.2/10

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)

My Rating: 9/10

Directed by: David Yates

Screenplay by: Steve Kloves
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Action & Adventure

Runtime: 146 Minutes

“These are dark times there are no denying” says the minister of magic at the very first moment of the film. Things have been toned up an extra notch and now the Death Eaters and Voldemort are trying to get to Harry. Deathly Hallows is one of the best films in the series because of it’s heroic heroin charm, and most of all it’s an adventure. It is also the most emotional, complex and even scariest of the series. Once more David Yates takes the director’s chair and even screenplay writer Steve Kloves is there. The first time I saw this in cinemas way back in 2010 November, I absolutely loved it, but didn’t get some parts. I was hooked on the Potter phenomenon once more so I watched Potter 1-6 at home for that week. What I then did was go to see the film again and it still remained brilliant. It’s an exciting journey full of action, drama, adventure and plenty of comic relief to keep you sane.

Harry and the gang cannot return to Hogwarts for their final year as dark things are afoot. Harry must defeat Voldemort there is no denying, and to do so he must find the 5 other Horcruxes. For those that don’t know, a Horcrux is an object that a wizard/witch can split their soul into so a part of them lives on forever (that is it at its simplest). So clearly this is no easy task for Harry to face alone and his faithful friends Hermione and Ron help him seek out the Horcruxes. Our action begins when Harry must be transported to the burrow, but to do so he needs protection from the Order of the Phoenix. So they all drank Poly-juice potion to look like Harry to fool the Deathly Hallows and with one of the most fascinating CGI effects of the past 10 years, we see 7 Harry's in one shot. It was definitely a remarkable technical achievement for the film. The music on the very first moments of the film (in fact before it even begins) was also thrilling. As I sat there in the cinema I recall the chilling and exciting sound of the calm and quiet Potter Tune play as the Warner Bros logo slowly came towards you.

Helena Bonham-Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange.

What is also great about this film is that it is coming towards the end, and things have been thrown in reminding you of all the previous films. First we have the Order of the Phoenix return alongside characters, Remus Lupin (the were-wolf teacher from Potter 3) Mad-eye Moody (The eccentric Defence against the dark arts teacher from Potter 4) and even previous objects that will be familiar to all Potter fans. In a will of a particular deceased person (no spoiler there) Harry, Ron and Hermione are left items. For harry, the snitch which he caught in his first year at Hogwarts, for Ron a deluminator which is actually seen in the first film for a few moments being used by Dumbledore, and for Hermione, a book called The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which seems useless at first, but soon helps them a great deal. Even Dobby is seen once more in his heroic and bright way.

Some may say the company is trying to just stretch the book out into 2 films for more money, although I don’t think so I am glad they did. A lot goes on in Deathly hallows and it’s good to get a little bit more of Potter. Director Yates is just brilliant. Each of the Potter films he has directed actually feels different from each other. Order of the Phoenix had a sharp and witty style to it similar to Prisoner of Azkaban, whereas Half-Blood Prince is moodier, darker and certainly a lot more emotional. Nothing in the franchise created the feeling Deathly Hallows does though. It is an emotional action packed journey and there is a sense of emotional intensity with this film, right from the exciting moody opening moment all the way up to the tragic heart-breaking finale. The visuals were astounding and were an improvement from Half-Blood Princes darker colour palette. They were at times ark yes, but they felt a great deal better.

Looking over the 7 films up to this point is unbelievable and creates a feeling very few film franchises do. Sure we have James Bond films and the six star wars films (excluding the new animated film) but they don’t do what Harry Potter does. It is an unbelievable story and the idea that you see the characters grow up along the decade the films are based is remarkable. Watch Deathly Hallow part 1 and go back to seeing Potter and the gang in the first or second film, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Thinking about everything they have been through and how they have always been good friends with each other and it’s an amazing relationship. There has been romance, arguments, time travel, death and several other things the gang has faced through the years and here they are now, out of Hogwarts together fighting.

Harry, Ron and Hermione have certainly bloomed now, and are pretty much young adults. Their relationship is strong within this film which is what makes it the emotional journey it is. During the quest to find a way to destroy the Horcrux they are carrying a lot happens with their relationship. The Horcrux is clearly an evil object and when wore it makes people nasty as we son learn. Ron in complete rage runs off after about 2 months of the quest. In this scene here is so many moods and it’s truly exciting. Ron soon returns to Hermione and Harry with once more with emotion. The good thing the film has done is added comedy moments. If there were not bits of comedy of the film, it would be insanely intense, and almost boring, so that shows the importance of laughter.

Voldemort makes a full on screen appearance once more and is more terrifying than ever. J.K Rowling’s Voldemort is one of the most sinister and evil characters ever created. He is evil, cruel, wicked and will never know what love and friendship is. The films share a budget of $250 million which for two films isn’t actually all that big. If you can do your maths it splits into $125 million per film, which isn’t much considering how great the visual and special effects are.

For Potter fans, this film is definitely going to be enjoyable as you recognise things from the previous films in the series and the immediate action happening with characters you are familiar with. For those new to the series I think there is plenty of action, adventure and emotion for you to understand the story, but I am also unsure if you’ll enjoy it that much. I am likely wrong, but that’s what I think. So we slowly approach the final confrontation now, only one can survive with Harry and Voldemort. Regardless of the fact you know that good will prevail evil, it won’t stop the rush of worry, excitement and most of all tension as we will finally get to see one of 21^st century cinemas scariest on-screen villains face the chosen one, Harry Potter.

 

Ratings:

Screenplay/Story: 9/10

Characters: 8.9/10

Emotion: 9.1/10

Direction & Cinematography: 9/10

Visual & Editing: 9.2/10

Music: 9/10

Overall: 9.1/10

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince (2009)

My Rating: 8/10

Directed by: David Yates

Screenplay by: Steve Kloves

Genre: Fantasy, Action & adventure,

Runtime: 153 Minutes

We have seen the characters bloom and grow through the six years at Hogwarts, as characters as well as actors. Half-Blood Prince is unquestionably the most dramatic (and if you like, the darkest) so far up to this point in the Potter series and more secrets are revealed and uncovered. Director David Yates takes the chair again along with returning screenwriter of the first four films, Steve Kloves and once more both their skills have contributed to this film. The films direction is safe in Yates' hands as he deals out the cards right with the film’s fine direction. Potter 6 is full of more teenage angst, unhappy things, and serious issues, and together combines to make one exciting drama that warps us into the seriousness of what may very well be, the end. Some will detest the films darkness, possibly even boring and depressing, but the films natural flow into the darker and more serious tone is only natural. Since Voldemort returned in Goblet of Fire things have been becoming more serious and from everything that has happened to Harry and his friends, and even for the whole ministry of magic, it’s hard not for the story’s tone to become more serious.

After opening with a sequence that takes place where the 5^th film left off, where we see Potter getting his picture taken after Voldemort’s return (after a battle scene between Dumbledore and Voldemort); the film sees Harry in the muggle world at a train station and Dumbledore arriving across the street. Dumbledore brings Harry along to visit former potions professor Horrace Slughorn, who has gone into hiding. Slughorn agrees to return to teach at Hogwarts as Dumbledore tells Harry that Slughorn's return to Hogwarts is crucial (which is soon explained in the film). So from here the film dives into retrieving a specific memory of Slughorn’s mind and along the way, the film is full of a driving romance between are characters, and that includes 16 year-old Harry kissing Ginny Weasley, Ron’s sister. A spoiler as it may, but I thought it would be interesting to mention that.

The acting performances of this film where strong as with most of the Potter films and everyone gave their 100%. Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, a character who up to this point you sort of thought little of after his scarce appearances with films 1-5, was remarkable and has bloomed into a great actor for sure, and lest we forget Harry and the crew. Radcliffe as Potter once more gives a bright performance. Young Watson who plays Miss Grainger also gives a more grown up touch to the character as her love interest is uncovered, being Ron. Grint as Ron Weasley, the often bizarre and odd friend of Potter, gives also gives a warm performance. In one scene we see him infatuated from a Love Potion and the infatuated and unbelievably happy expression on his face was hilarious and the whole scene was very amusing. Dumbledore’s actor Michael Gambon also boasts remarkable flare as we see Dumbledore like we never have before; more sincere, more heartfelt and certainly deeper as we see his true bond with Harry. Everyone did a great job with acting this film and the list goes on with great actors/actresses. Some that spring to mind are Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) and Helena Bonham-Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange).

Although Voldemort does not make a present appearance in the film (but instead flashback/memory sequences of his origins and youth under the name of Tom riddle) his name remains very much present. His Death Eaters are still faithful, sinister and wicked as ever as they cause havoc in both the muggle and wizarding world. The film’s overall style tone is very much dark, and I mean this literally in a visual way. The films colour palette is full of deep blues and dark grey, but this is saved with often moments of great colour. One scene springing to mind is when Dumbledore and Harry are after the Horcrux and to defend them, Dumbledore uses a powerful spell of where fire spirals around them in flaming glory. It very well shows Dumbledore as the most powerful wizard in the world.

The film ends with Harry, Hermione and Ron looking on into the distance knowing what they must face and is the last moment we will be in the walls of Hogwarts. Many critics dislike the films darkness as I said previously and if you are not a Potter fan, Half-blood Prince does not do much justice, but as a film with characters you are familiar with (alongside a few new ones) it is a powerful and compelling story. Although the film is not among the best of the Potter franchise, it holds out as yet another great Potter film, and after all, being a big Potter fan myself, it’s hard not to like any of the films. We are now approaching the end of the franchise and what an exciting thing it has been.

Ratings:

Screenplay/Story: 8/10

Characters: 8.3/10

Emotion: 8.8/10

Direction & Cinematography: 8.3/10

Visual & Editing: 8.6/10

Music: 8/10

Overall: 8.2/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

My Rating: 8/10

Director: David Yates
Screenplay: Michael Goldenberg 
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Family, Action & Adventure
Runtime: 138 minutes

Most people consider this the worst in the series which is agreeable to an extent. So here we are 5 years into the series and if you’re not a Potter fan then the series doesn’t do much for you from this point. All the innocence and delight in which we known Hogwarts and the magical Potter universe is now gone as the story takes us into more serious matters through it’s complex plot and twists that will give you a run for your money. Many dislike the idea of The film’s darkness after the 4^th film, but as the characters grow, the story evolves. Although the magical Hogwarts world was all magically innocent, I think the conversion of the story of Voldemort is terrific and Voldemort is simply the persona of evil and hate.

It is time for next term at the school of Hogwarts, but this time it isn’t fun and games, and laughter. We first see Harry with his bullying cousin Dudley and moments later, Dementors attack and Harry is forced to use magic. When he returns home a letter arrives telling him he is expelled from Hogwarts and the matter is soon looked in to. Not long after the death of Cedrick Diggory Harry returns to Hogwarts only to find that the magical community seems to be in a curious state of denial about his recent encounter with the sinister Lord Voldemort. Rumour has it that the dreaded Lord Voldemort has returned, but Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) isn't so sure what to make of all the hearsay currently floating around the campus of Hogwarts. Suspecting that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore may be fuelling the rumours regarding Voldemort's return in order to undermine his authority and lay claim to his job, Fudge entrusts newly arrived ‘Defence Against the Dark Arts’ professor Dolores Umbridge with the task of tracking Dumbledore and keeping a protective watch over the nervous student body.

The Army.

For new characters this term let’s start with Dolores Umbridge in her pink innocent exterior of niceness, which inside is truly evil, controlling and sinister. Umbridge is played deviously by Imelda Staunton and her character is truly sinister. Rowling is a genius with the concept of the innocent and happy exterior whereas inside this person is truly evil and wicked. And the character is brought to the screen wonderfully by Staunton’s playful performance. At this point in the story things have gotten very complex with a cast of characters spanning around 50 and the thing is, most of these characters have personalities and do have more than just one line. From the Dursley’s to Cornelius Fudge, the film is packed out with names that are cleverly memorable with the use of alliteration and names that slip off the tongue. An example is the newly introduced character Luna (or Looney some people say) Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch like a saint. Her character does not play much part in the film, but her performance is wonderfully eccentric and is a nice little character in the film.

Dolores Umbridge in her office.

The thing I loved about Potter 5 was the return of many things from the third film. The order of the Phoenix is a group that was set up 14 years ago to stop you-know-who and they group together once more. In the group we have returning cast from Prisoner of Azkaban Sirius black, Potter’s only remaining family, Remis Lupin. Mad-eye Moody from Goblet of Fire is also back which is nice and new to the group is Nymphadora Tonks, who has mood colour changing hair and Kingsley Shacklebolt. This time Harry’s mind is being toyed with and we finally discover about Harry’s mind being sort of intertwined with Voldemort’s. After Goblet of Fire Harry has been having nightmares and because of the use of Harry’s blood to bring back Voldemort, Voldemort can read Harry’s mind. Harry’s psychological state drives him insane but all that can be done is done to help Harry with the use of one of Snape’s spells.

At this stage it is an ultimate conquest of 'good V.S evil' and is when things get very serious, very dark, and very suspenseful as we approach the final confrontation. Between harry and Voldemort, only one can live. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix may not be the best Potter film, but drives the drama of the story and complex as it may be, it holds out as a great film to the Potter fan.

Ratings:
Story/Screenplay: 7.9/10
Characters: 8.2/10
Emotion: 8.4/10
Visuals & Editing: 8.8/10
Direction & Cinematography: 8/10
Music: 8.4/10
Overall: 8.1/10