There's no point in describing the plot; at this point in the series, you either know exactly what's going on, or don't care enough to bother with it. I will say that, despite a few inevitable changes from the source material, this, along with Part 1, is arguably the most faithful, and best, adaptation of the series.
I say adaptations because these films are based off of a source material, but they don't seem that way to me; they never have. No, these eight films are more of an interpretation of the source. Harry Potter, since his printed debut way back in fall of 1998 (summer of 1997 for you England folk), has grown into more than just a book series; he's become his own universe. Harry is no longer truly the core of Rowling's creation. He's the starting point, yes, but the series has blossomed into something much bigger, like Star Wars or Star Trek before it. In that sense, the nitpicking that has come with the films on story lines left out, scenes added or changed, are all null, and in a way, nitpicky, in my opinion at least. Are there elements of the book changed or left out with this final installment? Of course there are. But it does not take away from the experience of the films. If you've seen the previous movies, then you will be able to know where the series is going and what the characters are doing, even if you haven't read the books.
One of the series highest points has been its acting, and with the final installment, several people stand out. Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes, who have played Professor Snape and Lord Voldemort respectively, have been the best standouts of the series, and both give wonderful performances here. Rickman is able to fully embody Snape, and gives a great interpretation of the character, through the gut-wrenching final moments. Fiennes has reveled in playing Voldemort, making him even more sinister on screen than the character ever was in the novels.
I have also been a huge fan of each films look and design. David Yates, who has directed each film since Order of the Phoenix, knows the material and the world well, and is able to craft magnificent shots that have gotten more intriguing as he has grown with the series. The set pieces are also of special notice. The films have done a terrific job at creating the entire universe of Harry Potter, and it's easy to see a lot of time has gone into the design and execution not just of the main set pieces like Hogwarts, but also minor ones like the Gringotts Vault and Sirius Black's home.
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| Bravo, you three. |
But the greatest accomplishment the movies have is the growth and maturing of its three leads: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) have all grown up right before our eyes, not just as actors, but as people. They've matured so well as both actors and individuals, and it's rare, or downright impossible, that a film series can have so many of the same actors signed on for the same roles for eight movies that have spanned a decade. The work these three have done, along with the other child actors that have accompanied them along the way, are the highlight of the series, and something that will carry these films long into the generations that have yet to be introduced to the Potter saga.
There's no question in my mind that in about 25-30 years, another director will come along and want to remake the Potter films, to introduce them to several new generations. These eight films however, have done a terrific job of not only adapting the pages Rowling has written, but also interpreting them for a wider audience, making them accessible not just to fans of the books, but fans of good cinema as well. I, for one enjoyed the ride, and can't wait to take it again someday soon.
Deathly Hallows 2: B+
Overall Series: B+
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