PDM film reviews are back, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

Hello internet!

After a long hiatus I am now back. I will be posting film reviews that I've written since the last few posted until we catch up with the future and my latest reviews can once again grace this space! Happy reading.

We begin with my review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, which I wrote for Christian newspaper 'Evangelical's Now' (http://www.e-n.org.uk/5323-Harry-Potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1.htm), followed by my review of part 2, which I wrote for the fantastic website 'FilmJuice' (http://www.filmjuice.com/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2.html)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Anyone hoping to enjoy this first part of the finale to the Harry Potter series, would be well advised to review all that has gone before to clue into this film. The world of wizards continues to descend into darkness, as the evil Voldemort gathers his powers, and Potter nears the end of his quest to defeat him.

A huge improvement on the previous instalment, Part 1 proves that the decision to split the story into two films hasn’t just paid off financially, but in terms of storytelling also. The characters are finally given room to breathe, so even those unfamiliar with the books can relate to them, and enjoy the warm dynamic between the main trio.

Many Christian’s have problems with the Harry Potter stories, and there is just as much witchcraft and wizardry in this film as the others. What makes this perhaps more objectionable, however, is a surprisingly graphic intimate scene between two of the young leads. Granted, it is presented as a mental projection imagined by one of the characters, and is masked by special effects, but such a moment can’t help but be more gratuitous on screen than in writing.

One of the main strengths of the series has always been its straightforward morals: good is good, evil is evil. Whatever one might think of spells and cauldrons, and the effect that such themes might have on children, at least on some level they are prompts to consider the existence of the supernatural.

More than entertaining, this first really emotionally satisfying Harry Potter film is a definite success. The story concludes when the final part is released in July 2011.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Ten years and eight films later, the Harry Potter franchise has come of age. For those feeling the strain of the series’ ever darkening tone, hope is in sight! ‘It all ends here’ declared the advertisements and, true to that, we have at last a Potter film with a proper climax, and what a climax it is. With the board set for Harry to make his final play against Lord Voldemort, good takes on evil in an epic battle which includes many of the characters introduced to us throughout the series.

No other saga has been nearly as popular as J.K. Rowling’s opus, and for non-fans who expected each film to be worth seeing in it’s own right that fact has been more than a bit confusing. How could the films be so successful when they exclude anyone without an exhaustive knowledge of the source material? Part 2 of the Deathly Hallows just about makes it worth having sat through the, frankly boring, last few films by having a clear direction towards a definite conclusion. For the first time in years a successful balance is achieved between the oppressively dark feel and the sense of fun that should never have been lost in the first place.

Almost immediately we are plunged into a breathtaking action sequence which feels like coming up for air after all the depressing exposition that has gone before. Having directed the final four Potter films David Yates’ standard of pristine cinematography, combined with faultless effects work remains a spectacle to behold. This is the first in the series to be released entirely in 3D and the illusion is nigh on perfect, delivering a new and unobtrusive sense of depth plus a boost of pure adrenaline to boot.

Overall the acting comes into its own here, with Ralph Fiennes giving a terrifying and nuanced performance as the villain to end all villains, Voldemort, which will surely do it’s job of giving younger children nightmares! Even Daniel Radcliffe as Harry is at his least wooden yet, unfortunately leaving Emma Watson in the dust, with her unimproved portrayal of Hermione remaining earnest but one dimensional.

The incorruptible values modeled by the lead characters have always rendered Rowling’s stories impervious to stronger criticisms and with so many young people obsessed with Harry Potter, desperate to be like him, his loyal and self-sacrificial character is genuinely inspiring. Without giving anything away, Harry’s story arc concludes by borrowing from the ultimate redemption tale of all time to truly moving effect.

With millions trying to guess where Rowling would lead Harry in the end, she amazingly still manages to surprise. Fans will be overcome with glee that the final film is by far the best of them all and that all the parts that had them wondering ‘will the filmmakers get that right?’ will leave them breathing sighs of relief. As gradual hints of colour and light finally make a comeback, along with melodies from John Williams’ scores for the first two films, smiles will be plastered on even the most cynical of faces.