Throwback Thursday Review: 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Well after four months I've reached the end of my Harry Potter reviews with my thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 to tie in with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which I watched last evening so expect a full review within a day or two. I changed my mind on what my Throwback Thursday Review will be as I decided to review Lilo & Stitch instead of Frozen to coincide with Moana, since it centers on Polynesian culture and also to save my review of Frozen for the inevitable sequel that's in active development. In the meantime other reviews you can expect from me in the next week or two include Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, The Edge of Seventeen, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Moana, and Allied. If you missed any of my previous Harry Potter reviews you can find them at the subsequent hyperlinks Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' Review

Nominated For: Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the eighth film in the Harry Potter series adapting the second half of the final novel following up on Harry, Ron, and Hermoine's quest to destroy Voldemort's remaining horcruxes leading to the inevitable final confrontation with Voldemort himself.  

As I've said before, I'm not the biggest fan of film adaptations that split the book into two parts since it leaves both feeling slightly incomplete, a buildup with no real climax and a climax with minimal buildup. However, I think Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 suffers significantly less than Part 1 because it's the payoff the entire series has built towards and there's much more action to peak the viewer's interest.

David Yates returns to finish out the series and puts forth a strong conclusion to the franchise, at least till this weekend's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that looks to expand the Wizarding World both linearly and geographically by exploring America's Wizarding community of New York in 1926. Yates and his crew once again bring the various intricacies of the Wizarding World to life in a manner that continues to leave the viewer spellbound. Cinematographer Eduardo Serra frames the bleak scenery expertly while the visual effects and production design teams create convincing captivating creatures, enchanting environments, and incredible incantations.

Steve Kloves' screenplay is an adequate translation of Rowling's novel but one issue I have is that a few significant moments from the novel are shortchanged in favor of a slimmer running time and there are some alterations that I feel aren't as impactful as the original source material. I'm typically not sensitive about how faithful an adaptation of a book is but in this case I felt a couple changes detracted from the overall narrative strength of the story being told. Alexandre Desplat's compositions, appropriately melancholy and uplifting when necessary, make an excellent accompaniment to the pivotal moments both heartbreaking and riveting.

The enormous cast reunites practically every surviving character remaining in the Wizarding World for the final showdown. Daniel Radcliffe embraces the heroism that surrounds Harry Potter embodying bravery, selflessness, wit, and humility as he has previously but with a more mature demeanor evidenced in his performance this time around. Radcliffe showcases nuance and subtly that make watching his portrayal all the more rewarding. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint make the perfect supporting heroes, offering intellect and courage galore as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. 

Ralph Fiennes continues to play Voldemort as a reserved insightful menace and it comes to fruition with the final chapter. 

Alan Rickman offers complexity and emotional depth in his final turn as Severus Snape that's simply incredible and will likely leave fans in tears considering Rickman's recent passing earlier this year. 

Returning significant cast members include Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Robbie Coltrane, George Harris, David Thewlis, Natalia Tena, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, Domhnall Gleeson, Clémence Poésy, Bonnie Wright, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Devon Murray, Jessie Cave, Katie Leung, John Hurt, Simon McBurney, Warwick Davis, Helena Bonham Carter, Dave Legeno, Helen McCrory, Jason Isaac, and Tom Felton who all do well in the time allotted (I won't bother listing out the character names since the cast is so immense). Ciarán Hinds is introduced as Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus' brother, and does a great job with the screen-time dedicated to his character. 

In summary, David Yates in collaboration with his wonderful cast and crew offer up one of the best films in the franchise that's simultaneously technically proficient, well-acted, and an effective translation of the source material. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the ultimate conclusion for the franchise that provides enough heart-wrenching moments, engaging action and superstitious spectacle to please even casual viewers of the franchise.

Film Assessment: A+