Films: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (2011)

Dir. David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes....

It's the end of an era. I can say that because Harry Potter, whether through books or movies, has been a huge part of my life. It might sound silly, but there is so much good to be learned from those stories. Harry is a true hero. He's a real guy with struggles and a whole lot of issues, who ultimately realises that there is no greater love than to be willing to die for your friends, and even those you've never met.

So, slushy nostalgic and philosophical thoughts aside, lets review this as a film.

I think it's fair to say that the films have been getting better and better which each installment, and this one is quite simply brilliant. The actors, now young adults, have become so comfortable in their roles that the relationships, whether between friends or enemies, are entirely believable.

In brief (for those of you living in some kind of anti-potter bubble), Harry Potter and his two best friends Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts in an attempt to find and destroy the remaining horcruxes (portions of Voldemorts soul) and ultimately kill Lord Voldemort. Not your average end of term shenanigans for British school kids. Holding the fort in his absence, Neville Longbottom and the rest of Dumbledore's Army have been taking a beating, and welcome Harry back with open arms. All hell breaks loose, however, as a huge and epic battle breaks out within Hogwarts, the outcome of which guarantees that either Voldemort or Harry will die.

It's pretty gripping stuff, from the rip-roaring break-in at Gringotts bank, to the stirring speech given by Neville (My hero! I told you he would have his moment! *swoon*). Yates uses silences really effectively in the film, as he does the special effects which create the stunning final battle. You can't help but be swept up by the struggle between good and evil. As huge spiders and giants storm the castle, and Hogwarts' suits of armour come to life, it seems the whole magical world is involved in the fight.

There is not a single line that is delivered half-heartedly, as though the cast realised that this would be their last chance to ever play these wonderfully deep and well-loved characters. I shed more than a few tears, particularly towards the end in a scene where Harry comes to terms with the number of deaths that have happened in his name. He hates being 'The Boy who Lived,' but he knows what he must do. Radcliffe's performance is excellent and a far cry from little 11 year-old Harry who was rescued from a cupboard under the stairs and thrust into the spotlight.

So, in short, thanks Harry. Thanks JK Rowling. It has been a wonderful wild ride.

My Rating: ***** 5/5 stars
Recommendation: Don't watch this movie until you have watched all the others. Better still, don't watch it until you have read all of the books. Brilliant.

Neville is the new RPatz!

So, it appears Neville Longbottom was a late bloomer. Matthew Lewis, you are a gorgeous northern man! Neville was always my hero throughout all of the books. Right from The Philosopher's Stone when he is awarded house points for courage. And, not wanting to give anything away for those of you who haven't read the books, but Deathly Hallows is Neville's big moment. Eeeek. I am more excited than a kid in a sweet shop!

Step aside Potter, Weasley and you, miss Granger - Longbottom is in the building!

Film: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Film: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Dir: David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter

The penultimate Potter book is now a film, and, at 2 hours and 35 mins it is quite a ride. It's a slow starter but those who have read the book would expect this as it largely centres around relationships and conversations. Basic plot; Voldemort is now stronger than ever, terrorising both wizards and muggles with the help of his sadistic Death Eater army. His latest recruit is Draco Malfoy, who has been given an incredibly difficult task to carry out. Potter, dealing with hormones and relationship troubles, must also accompany Dumbledore on a trip to discover vital information which may help to defeat the Dark Lord.

The Potter trio are now of course old dab hands at this movie-making business, and their friendship comes across well on screen. Ron and Harry, particularly, have lost their teenage awkwardness and have finally begun to act! Ron, in fact (Grint), steals some of his scenes with his naturally witty sarcasm. And he gets the film's first big kiss - of which there are many! Hormones are raging which the film makers have decided to make a huge element of the storyline. Watson has grown into her role very well and still seems the most natural of the three on screen. Radcliffe's best scene involves a small sip of 'Liquid Luck' and results in comedy gold!

Gambon turns in another brilliant performance as Dumbledore, now slightly frail and world-weary, with some truly heart-wrenching scenes between himself and Harry. Alan Rickman is again faultless in his interpretation of the sly and mysteriously evil Snape. My 'man-of'the-movie' however goes to Tom Felton who plays Draco Malfoy. Stepping into his father's Death Eater shoes is a punishment brought on him by Voldemort, and his task is even more teriible. He cries, trash talks, shouts, runs, and fights, and you still can't help feeling a little sympathy for him.

This film is not as action packed as the others, understandably as I have said. However, CGI effects and the sound are both brilliant. Make up and set design once again are hugely important in creating a magical world terrorised by evil. My only criticism is, having read the book again fairly recently, there is so much that must be cut out. Rowling's brilliantly subtle story threads are occasionally lost in favour of the simpler, manageable story. For this reason, the film gets away with being an adaptation of an incredibly detailed and intricate story, but loses some of its storytelling flair. A fair compromise, however, for a very enjoyable (until the unding *sob sob*!!) film.

My rating: **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: If you have not read or watched any of the books or films before, go back and do your homework first. If not, enjoy!!