As I sat in the theater waiting in jittery anticipation for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 midnight showing, I couldn’t help but think that this was the end of an era. People of my generation had quite literally grown up with Harry Potter. Up until this point in my life, J.K. Rowling had been continually supplying her fans with new books and movies. But after this movie, it would all be over. Nothing new concerning The Boy Who Lived would ever be produced. And this last movie, the very end of Harry’s story as the movie posters reminded us, would bring all the magic to a close.
Needless to say, my expectations were high…
And they were not disappointed. The movie was exciting, rewarding, and moving. Fans of the books will be very pleased with how closely the movie follows the true story line. Those who have not read the books may find it a little confusing, as it is quite fast-paced. Regardless, I recommend it to all who have seen the previous movies.
Daniel Radcliffe (L) as Harry and Ralph Feinnes as Lord Voldemort
Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange
The movie opens right where Part 1 left off. It quickly progresses to the Battle of Hogwarts, which is both exciting and action-packed. Movie-goers will love the reappearance of old characters. As expected, you will get to see an epic face-off between Harry and Lord Voldemort. Don’t worry, no spoilers here! The movie is much shorter than Part 1, only about two hours, but is much more emotionally exhausting. I can honestly say that I cried for three-fourths of this movie. Don’t attend if you are looking for a light-hearted summer comedy. The movie is not without its funny moments, but the majority of the film is dark and depressing.
Even as a teen, we hear the news about the boffo U.S. Box office opening weekend and after it’s second weekend see that Captain America bested Harry Potter to second place, but (and a big but here) that’s only in the United States. Unlike other movies, Harry Potter has fans all over the world. Kids and adults from England to Germany to Russia to Latin America all feel as I do about this magical world, and we all went to see it and will go back and see it again. In our minds we see Harry only as Daniel Radcliffe, Ron as Rupert Grint and Hermione as Emma Watson. As we’ve grown up, so have these actors with us and so have their acting chops. Their powerful performances match the epic feel of this final chapter.
Watson, Grint and Radcliffe
Personally, this movie was bitter-sweet for me. I have loyally followed Harry from the very beginning, through the books and movies, the highs and lows. I approached the end of the series as I would a trip to the dentist; it’s a good thing to get my teeth cleaned, but who really enjoys the dentist? While I loved every second of it, it left me with post-Potter depression. This is the end of an era, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione will be missed.
Mischief Managed.
To watch the trailer:
