I’ve already given my take on this weekend’s big release, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” People have been lining up for hours, days, whatever, to see this closing installment, so it’s time to offer a place for you to have your say on the film. Let us know when you get around to it. And keep an eye on that box office.
Comments
108 responses to “Tell us what you thought of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’”
Magical.
The best movie I saw this year.
from a fan’s perspective. my review:
http://howtobesquare.tumblr.com/post/7640412780/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-ii
As a huge Potter fan I loved it. I’d say I loved 95% of this movie. It came really close to being a perfect Potter movie.
**SPOILERS**
But then Harry FALLS out of Hagrid’s arms at the end and Voldemort starts hugging people and Neville gives a really bizarre speech in which he says that it doesn’t matter that Harry Potter is dead – and this all culminates in a really sloppy montage of snake hunting and Harry/Voldemort morphing, before finally coming to a really weird and frustratingly impotent end to one of cinemas most anticipated stand-offs. Instead of Harry and Voldemort circling each other in front of everyone and Harry publicly redeeming Snape (like what happens in the book), we have yet another boring movie display of spells meeting in a sparkling firey way before Voldemort turns into burnt paper and floats away.
Never before have I seen a movie get so close to the very end before completely butchering it’s source material.
All that being said – the first 95% of the movie was really stellar.
I have some rather big issues with the film up until the Snape/McGonagall duel and from then on, despite a few minor quibbles, I thought it was done very well.
I am particularly happy that the most important part of the series is also the best, being the stretch of The Princes Tale, The Forbidden Forrest and Kings Cross Station.
I don’t get why the bad guys have to disintegrate into dust all the time and I wish Harry gave a big knockout blow to Voldemort rather than him just fading away.
The epilogue I think fits with the tone of the series in that it ties a neat bow on things and whilst they barely look older I think that is preferable to them overreaching with fx or makeup.
Overall a fitting send-off to a one-of-a-kind series that is inseparable from what will likely be the defining decade of my life.
Not a fan of the series at all. I liked this one probably the most of the series, that was, during the film. As soon as I pondered it a bit more afterwards there were some things that really bothered me, especially towards the end.
I believe Jeff Wells said this, but the ending at the train station is a farce. People were laughing at how stupid it was because everyone was supposed to be 19 years older while still playing themselves, it also felt like a wholly uninspired scene. Oh and the ultimate confrontation between Hairy and Hairless felt a bit shorthanded as well, a bit rushed IMO.
Some interesting visual elements, but honestly, I just didn’t care. And I have with previous series entries. But with this one there’s was a weird emotional attachment when I should’ve been the most engaged I’ve ever been.
But I love Maggie Smith so much.
I read somewhere that they did those variations from the material because they wanted more cinematic vibe in it?
This was probably the first HP movie where I had basically forgotten what happened in the book so I could judge it on its own merits.
I found it rather unsatisfying, clunky and somewhat mechanical in its execution. I haven’t really like any of David Yates’ HP movies. Maybe I reached maturity before WB could finish making all the films.
The exposition was worse than normal as well: “Hermione, remember the time you said that……” which turns out to be a plot point.
I’m a different Michael than #4, but I actually agree with a lot of what he said as well.
I thought the film was terrific overall, with only a few blunders here and there. I honestly couldn’t stand the epilogue AT ALL in the book, and sadly it was equally as cringe-worthy in the film. Up until that part I’d say that it was David Yates’ best effort as director so far, and a very fitting end to the whole series.
There was no way the epilogue was ever going to be good.
My friends and I, whenever we watch a highly anticipated movie or reading a highly anticipated book, have taken simply to saying, “Come along, Albus Severus” in a really annoying voice if it ends up being really bad compared to the hype.
The epilogue represents all that is wrong and stupid with “Harry Potter”, and I say this as a big fan.
Can’t comment on the movie yet, because I haven’t seen it, but it doesn’t surprise me to see the epilogue being universally derided.
Just want to ask you Kris, on your review, you seemed liked Alexandre Desplat’s “delicate” musical score…
But will it be eligible for the category because I think they also used some John William’s “Hedwig’s Theme” in some scenes, especially in the last part of the Epilogue???
I don’t know if it’ll be eligible or not, but what was obviously original to the piece, I really liked.
me too Kris. I think that if it can get eligibility then it has a big shot for a nomination. Also , on a related note, I spoke to the pianist on War Horse and she said the score is “miraculous”, your early prediction may hold true
Was a fan of Deathly Hallows: Part One and although I enjoyed this film and really liked certain aspects of it, it is a good not a great film.
My review:
http://www.movieparliament.com/harry-potter-review.html
Bryan, I’m with you. The effects were great. The dragon was creepily real! But this was the first Potter film where I felt absolutely nothing. I didn’t care, I didn’t cry, I didn’t laugh – I just felt so distant from what I witnessed. It was too episodic and had NO flow – it seemed to jump over every other scene, so all the deaths (which were mostly OFF-SCREEN!) and the love stories just stood there. Everything SCREAMED: “Moving on, we don’t have time to get into this part”. I must see it again, because the Potter films have been episodic before and jumped over things that seemed important. I can’t really put my finger on WHY it made me feel nothing compared to the others. I wasn’t even disappointed, I was just … nothing. ;(
Oh yeah I forgot to praise Desplat’s maginficent score. Truly amazing and the best since Williams departed the series for sure.
with the reviews and box office i think a best picture slot just makes so much sense
I finally saw it, and for me it is without a doubt the best of the eight “Harry Potter” films. It has the perfect blend of action and drama. The pacing is done right, and the important characters are given their moment to shine. For the first time in ten years, I can say I am completely satisfied after watching a Harry Potter film.
I’m not a book purist, so the little changes didn’t bother me at all. In fact, some of the changes actually improved on the source material. The epilogue is less saccharine than in the book, and Voldemort’s demise is less anti-climactic. (I must say this little bit was elegantly done in 3D).The return to the Chamber of Secrets, which was merely mentioned in the book was fully realized on film. And finally, the action sequences were much more epic than what was described in the book. (e.g. Here we see McGonagall (Maggie Smith) vivifying stone statues instead of wooden desks).
But while the action sequences were spectacular, it was the emotional moments that really made this movie work. Harry’s walk to the Forbidden Forest showcases Radcliffe’s acting at it’s best. After eight movies, his acting has finally improved to the point where the audience can empathize with him. Also worthy of note is the Prince’s Tale, the sequence that divulged Snape’s past. It was a brilliantly done sequence, which I thought was as tear-inducing as the “growing up” montage form “Up”. It was eight minutes of pure magic.
These moments will resonate more to those who are invested in these characters obviously. One’s enjoyment of the film will be correlated to how much he or she has spent in the past with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the movies or in the books. Having read the all books and seen all the previous films, this final film made me feel like I’m going to lose a family. The final moments also made me remember how long the journey has been. The epilogue features music written by John Williams for the ending of Sorcerer’s Stone. It makes you feel nostalgic, but more importantly it ties up the whole series perfectly. When the film ended, I felt a sense of completion. I was sad that it’s over, but at the same time happy that the series ended on the best way possible.
The BEST Harry Potter movie. Period.
Best Picture talk on this is going to get out of hand, I feel. But I ask this:
Does anyone expect a significant amount of the Academy membership to but a Harry Potter film in their #1 slot? That’s what it’ll take. And I just don’t see it happening.
Whether it’s nominated for Best Picture or not, the film has a better RT score than all but three of the last decade’s Best Pictures, and will most likely be a better reviewed film than at least one of this year’s nominees. That is impressive.
I think it deserves to be nominated, but I’m not sure if it will be. I do hope, however, that will get nominated in some technical categories especially for the visual effects and art direction. I thought those two aspects of the film were particularly Oscar-worthy.
If this film gets nominated for Best Picture I will eat my hat.
I enjoy Potter, but this is not Lord of the Rings or the Godfather. The academy isn’t going to nominate sequels of unnominated films, especially children’s films. It’s not healthy for the franchise to get blown out of proportion by people expecting a Best Picture nomination that won’t happen. The movies got great reviews, were technically state-of-the-art, and helped revive British filmmaking. Isn’t that enough?
The Academy has never really taken to Harry Potter (not even a win for John Williams), so I don’t see it getting a best picture nomination.
By the way, didn’t see Harry Potter. Yates’ treatment of Half-Blood Prince turned me off the films. I did see Winnie the Pooh which was delightful, charming and funny and very worthy of an admission ticket. No “share your thoughts” thread on something with a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a strong chance for an Animated Feature nomination.
I don’t think a 97% RT is what could generate something for a BP nom …
but an 87 on Metacritic (40 top critics), plus an insane box office, plus ‘return of the king’-like end of a franchise buzz, plus a campaign could certainly help, no?
I don’t know the true demographics of AMPAS, but I’d like to think that Potter fans (within the Academy), as well as the Brit bloc, as well as those urged to vote #1 for it could make up the 5% or even more.
It seems quite possible to me, but still improbable.
I liked the part where Batman and Bane were fighting.
If they can nominate Babe for Best Picture of 5, why not this in an extended BP line up?
But I guess it will all depends on how WB will campaign this this awards season, I heard they’re going all-out for this final film, and with the best RT score of the year so far (correct me if I’m wrong) and huge box office returns, this might be their only shot for a BP nomination…
Though the new Academy rule will definitely play a vital role if J.K. Rowling will be an Academy Award nominee… Either way, I just want Stuart Craig to win Art Direction……
I could see a HP win, whether it’s Rickman (if even nominated), Art Direction, or both.
I agree with what so many folks have said–mostly good, but it could have been improved so much if they hadn’t been in such a hurry. A minute to explain why the DA were in the Room of Requirement; another few minutes to show Percy coming back to the family fold before Fred dies on camera, thankyouverymuch; more than a one second set up and 10 second duel between Mrs. Weasley and Bellatrix. And I couldn’t agree more with whoever said they really missed the final duel taking place in front of everyone and the world finding out that Snape was actually a good guy. Also, Neville and Luna are my two favorites, but why a 30 second romance was written in for the two of them makes zero sense. And it would have been nice if Neville had just killed Nagini and gotten it over with, but I suppose those shots of the snake coming right at the screen looked great in 3D. *eye roll*
And the less said about the epilogue, the better. It was a disaster from the day JKR wrote it.
It is one of the best films in the series IMO, which makes it a very solid movie but not a classic or deserving of tons of oscar nominations. I have to say I loved the Neville moments, and the snake kill was really well filmed and the one moment that got an applause from the audience.
I thought the ending was fine conceptually, but the old-age make-up was very unconvincing and distracted from that scene. The rest of the production values where very solid though, even if not up to an Avatar or Dark of the Moon level, and the acting was good (I particularly felt Maggie Smith made a lot of her limited screentime).
“If they can nominate Babe for Best Picture of 5, why not this in an extended BP line up?”
Jeez, where to begin…
An outstanding achievement! I’ve never felt so much real emotion in a movie theater. People were sobbing and cheering and the energy was exhilarating. I do hope this movie gets a BP nomination! In the past five years I’ve seen a lot worse make even the top 5. It would be a slap in the face to the American movie watching community if it doesn’t. HARRY POTTER FOR BEST PICTURE!
“It would be a slap in the face to the American movie watching community if it doesn’t.”
Feel the same way about Transformers and Twilight?
**braces for anti-Twilight comments**
Harry Potter vs. Twilight
in
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
HARRY POTTER IS WAY BETTER THAN TWILIGHT YOU BASTARD!!!!
That was just for you matsunaga.
I understand your Need to compare these films to Transformers and Twilight. I really do. Kris I have read your words for years and have a monumental amount of respect for what you have to say. You definitely know what your talking about and you are right, this film will more than likely NOT get nominated for BP. I’m merely saying I hope it does. I’ve been passionate about these books and movies for almost 12 years and they mean a lot to me and to a lot of other people out there in the world! Why is it such a bad thing that we want the creators and artist to at the very least get some recognition for creating the biggest franchise ever and Hitting it out the park on the final film?
Did I said Twilight is way better than Potter?
Quintessential mixed bag.
The Good – I loved that they upped the magic finally (though still not enough) with the stone soldiers and giant shell thing. I loved Maggie Smith.
The Bad – When the movie ended I asked the resident Potter expert if Snape was Harry’s dad. So yeah, I still don’t understand the whole Snape thing. Like I understand the double dealings and whatever but it still doesn’t make sense. Seems like a lot of complicated work with little reward.
I also HATED how major characters were killed off screen. Poor decision to carry that over from the book. Also scenes that were supposed to be bombastic like the duel between Ron’s mom and LeStrange, and the Longbottom snake thing, didn’t pop for me. Also the final bit with Voldemort was flat, very flat. Dust in the wind…
In summary, I don’t think it’s a huge improvement over the other films. Nor is it a crowning achievement for the franchise or movies in general. But I also accept that I have ZERO investment in these characters and this universe having never read the books which undoubtedly affects my enjoyment level.
I’ve never thought that I would have to say this on this site, but can we not compare anything to Twilight? There are far worse franchises out there (Transformers, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ace Ventura) and the comparison to Potter doesn’t make sense anyway.
DC: I’m just saying. You seem to equate a potential Best Pic nod miss to a slap in the face of audiences because they are turning out in droves to see it. But when we start thinking box office is a measure of what should or shouldn’t get a Best Pic nomination, it’s a slippery slope. Which is why I ask, is it a slap in the face to audiences that Twilight and Transformers didn’t get Best Pic nods?
Not comparing them in any way beyond that. Though I think it’s debatable that the film “hit it out of the park.”
m1: It makes perfect sense when you consider the above. Just reacting.
It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the box office = best picture debate as it’s looking like Harry Potter might have a $100 Million Opening Day.
Money aside,
BFCA
The Dark Knight – 96
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – 95
Inception – 94
Star Trek – 93
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 – 91
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – 90
District 9 – 87
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – 87
MC
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King- 94/100 (26 100s)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – 92/100 (17 100s)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers- 88/100 (14 100s)
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 – 87/100 (10 100s)
Star Trek – 83/100 (6 100s)
The Dark Knight – 82/100 (16 100s)
District 9 – 81/100 (8 100s)
Inception – 74/100 (11 100s)
RT
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 – 97% (8.4/10) Top Critics 100% (8.8/10)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – 96% (8.4/10) Top Critics – 100% (8/10)
The Dark Knight – 94% (8.4/10) Top Critics – 91% (8/10)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – 94% (8.6/10) Top Critics – 98% (8.6/10)
Star Trek – 94% (8.1/10) Top Critics – 93% (7.9/10)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – 92% (8.1/10) Top Critics – 92% (7.9/10)
District 9 – 91% (7.8/10) Top Critics – 89% (7.5/10)
Inception – 86% (8/10) Top Critics – 79% (7.4/10)
While great box office certainly helps a film’s awards chances, I don’t think the academy is going to vote solely on what would please the public. After all, they have often snubbed well-reviewed blockbusters, and just two years ago they picked a relatively little seen indie over the biggest movie of all time.
What would be funny though, is if there is a big backlash to the film missing the BP nomination a la Dark Knight, and the academy reviews their voting process and finds that the film would have gotten in under the previous 10 nominee system (and really that is the only system I would see this film having a good chance under, it just seems unlikely that 5% of voters will put this #1 on their ballots) and change the BP system yet again. Though for the record I never thought Dark Knight would be nominated, I was predicting Wall-E for the last slot, and I also felt The Reader and Gran Torino were probably more likely given the reports that those films had passionate fanbases in the academy.
I thought it was a very good movie, and technically great (and I’m sure it will get plenty of noms in those categories). I have read all the books, and have generally liked all the movies, so I wouldn’t mind if it did get a BP nom. However, I don’t see how this would get enough number 1 votes. This series means a lot to a lot of people, but I don’t see the Academy as being apart of that group.
I’ve you have read the book Yes the filmmakers did an amazing job of tying of loose ends and bringing the story around full circle. Is it a perfect film? Probably not. Is it a near perfect film? Yes. I would say that the film hit it out if the park. This is my opinion and I’m entitled to it, as you are entitled to yours. And I respect what you say. There are degrees of truth in your assessment of the film. I agree with you that it’s a slippery slope talking about Oscars and Box office. And they should each be mutually exclusive.
I enjoyed it, it wasn’t amazing or anything, but it was good looking and it had a nice sense of closure. That said, I thought the pacing was really off and I missed the smaller, more intimate moments between our three protagonists (to me that’s were Yates always excels). Also, Daniel Radcliffe’s acting annoyed me, he didn’t conveyed enough emotion in those key parts were Harry understood and accepted his own fate. It’s really a shame because I thought he showed growth as an actor in the previous movies, but he was certainly out of depth in this one. In terms of Oscars I believe the series has one hell of a narrative for getting a nomination, if some of the more baity or prestigious choices disappoint later in the year, it may enter in the Best Pic lineup. If anything, I just hope Serra gets a nomination.
This blog is like its own little world. 97% on RT. 43 mil at midnight. It’s a home run.
RT scores mean squat. If I wrote a full review, there would likely be enough good in it to call it “fresh,” but I find enough seriously problematic that a BP nom would be the furthest thing from my mind.
It’s a numbers game. The academy has never loved or even liked Potter. 9 tech nominations across 7 films with 0 wins. That’s a pretty resounding “We Don’t Care About You.”
Under 10 BP noms, I think Potter gets in without much hassle at all, especially considering it could make 200m opening weekend. But I still don’t see enough #1 votes under the new system.
Also, any Best Supporting Actor talk for Rickman is silly. This is most definitely NOT a case of Sir Ian McKellen or Sir Alec Guinness. Rickman is given very little to do in the film and his performance doesn’t have any weight to it.