Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

07/28/2011 at 1:02 AM (Books, Movies) (Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling)

I watched the finale of the Harry Potter film franchise yesterday…finally.  It really cut to the chase, starting with what we saw about Voldemort at the end of Deathly Hallows Part I. Then we see the trio making a deal with Griphook to break into Gringott’s to search the Bellatrix Lestrange vault for horcruxes. It is only when they make their way into Hogwarts through Hogsmeade, the battle we have been waiting for begins. My tear ducts let loose after Harry learnt the truth about Severus Snape and his patronus. The rolling credits were bittersweet – I wish they had not added the coda. To tell the truth, I wish J.K. Rowling had not added it to the book either.

Harry Potter has so many memories: squabbling with my sister about who was to read it first, waiting in line of about 50 people at Big W after a book release, reading the old books and watching the old movies in a row in expectation of the next film and more. Although the Deathly Hallows was split into two parts, the film seemed to skim over the plot, especially the significance of the horcruxes and the backstory made for Dumbledore. The quickness of those 2.5 hours at the cinema astonished me. But it seems to have pleased enough people to garner more box office sales than Twilight on opening day.

Nevertheless it had a satisfying conclusion for the eighth and final Harry Potter movie.  Hermione is quite cute when she pretends to be the Dark Lord’s cohort in crime, Bellatrix Lestrange. The Room of Requirement scene with FiendFyre could have done with better explanation. It looks like a potent and destructive fire but its importance is not identified to the audience. So if you have actually read the books, this film will make sense. Otherwise, it will leave you scratching your head and puzzled. When Aberforth bitterly mentions Ariana, you would wonder why unless you knew Dumbledore had dabbled in dark magic himself.  The war was poignant and the changes, which surprised me, were acceptable. But if you are uninitiated to Harry Potter, this will confuse you from start to finish.

Verdict? It’s still an enjoyable movie to watch as long as you have some background and don’t mind the changes. Anyone going to seek comfort from the range of creepy Harry Potter newborn dolls?