Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie review

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the closing chapter of the saga that millions loved. The movie is the dramatic finale as Harry is preparing for his final fight with Voldemort. Harry must return to Hogwarts for the last horcruxes–he must find and destroy them in time to make Voldemort mortal in their last battle.  Harry finally finds out the truth of Professor Snape and Dumbledore’s death, which leads up to the epic battle that closes the tale forever.

The story is based on the book of the same name, and follows first half of the story from last December. As usual, the writers took the original book and turned it into a great film. They really brought the book to life. The sad tone it has from the end being so near did stop the writers from keeping a touch of humor in it, which helped lift the setting up, despite everyone knowing the story has tragic elements. I found Ron’s humor about picking up Draco and saving him to be a highlight of the movie, but I am a shameless fan of the Weasleys.

As you know, the main characters have stayed pretty much the same throughout the series. We grew attached to them, which is both good and bad; when things in the story do not our way, like in the first half with Dobby, it made us all sad. But most of the characters we have met over the years returned for the final film, which was fabulous because  it felt like seeing old friends again. This movie focused more on Harry and Neville, which makes sense if you have read the book, but it would have been nice to see more of Ron and Hermione..

The plot stuck as close to the original as any movie can stick to a book. That is one of things that I think helped make the movies such a hit. JK Rowling did not write the last book for little kids, and they didn’t pull punches, even if thes story itself is okay for older kids.

As for the set, I was shocked by how much of it was not in Hogwarts. However, they did correct that towards the end. I have to say that they did do a great job in making Hogwarts look destroyed. I would assume that has to be a tough job to do, but they did it well.

Now back to the topic of ages.  This is a tricky subject since the series started off being for kids, but as the series went on it became more gritty and mature. So with this being the final film and closing chapter of the hit series, it is nice that they made it good for most ages.  Small children might be frightened during the fights or upset by some of the deaths, but it is not overly gory or anything like that, so safe for older kids and up. I do believe that is how JK Rowling wanted it to be, which is great news for everybody around the movie.

To close this review out, I will give my rating as 8.5, since it was close to the book and had humor in it. But for me it was not a perfect 10 because they could have put more of a focus on the original trio. But no movie is perfect, and even Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is going to have its faults–and maybe have different flaws for every viewer. What did you think of the last movie?