Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Page 12

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I just saw it today, and I thought it was probably the best film since Columbus stopped directing (though there are probably people who disagree with me). For once, they didn't just take an axe to the whole plot and cut vital chunks out, which I was happy about, though there was some backstory missing. But I've long given up on lamenting about every detail that doesn't make it in, and the finished product was pretty damn good.

The tone of the entire film is wonderfully dark and somber, and the action sequences were actually cool to watch without being too overly flashy, melodramatic or drawn out. For once the filmmakers didn't shy away from showing the darker aspects of the book - Nagini's attack on Snape, Voldemort's walking through the blood of the people he slew in Malfoy Manor and the suffering soul of Voldemort in limbo were pretty shocking to see. The final fight between Harry and Voldemort was a lot more interesting than it was in the book, but a bit too long. The camera work was excellent for the most part and the effects were powerful and realistic. The deaths were still pretty glossed over, sure, but in the context of the film (Harry just returning to the rest of the fighters after destroying the diadem) it made more sense. In a way, just suddenly seeing the dead bodies of Fred, Tonks and Lupin was more upsetting than a long drawn-out death scene. I still wish there could have been that "Fred died with a smile on his face" scene that there was in the book, but since that would have required Percy to actually do something and he hasn't done shit since the second film, it's fine.

The only major problem is had with the movie was the overall disjointedness of the plot. Of course, having read the book I knew what was going on, but the entire time I was thinking how a non-fan might have seen it. Characters would suddenly show up places with no explanation as to how they got there. For example, how the hell did Luna get to Hogwarts ahead of Harry, Ron and Hermione since she was obviously not going to be able to be a student there anymore? How did Griphook end up dead in Malfoy Manor, since as far as I remember they never even implied he might have been captured? The scenes didn't really flow together in the first third or so of the film, either. The humor sometimes didn't make much sense in the context of the scene, but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as the sixth film's horrible attempts at humor.

By far, Alan Rickman stole the show with his portrayal of Snape as the anti-hero, and his death scene and the scene in the Potters' wrecked house were probably the most moving in the entire film. I never cry while watching movies, but I'll say I came very close with Snape. My best friend was completely gone next to me and began bawling as soon as the memory sequence began. Matthew Lewis' Neville was also an excellent surprise, and his speech to Voldemort and his allies was moving while staying away from corniness. Despite what others have said, I don't personally believe anyone's acting was sub-par in the least.

Lastly, it was a nice touch to hear the themes John Williams composed (Hedwig's Theme, Harry's Wonderful World was the other theme I think). It was a nice, subtle way to bring the story full circle.