Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) by Jarndyce — 14 Jul 2011

Here's the thing: reviews from all the major critics are unfailingly unhelpful, and I'm always left wondering what movie they saw that I didn't, usually when, as here, they just love the film. The Potter finale is not bad, by any means.

Nor am I concerned that it takes liberties with the books. The problem is that, as a rousing finale, it is lacking, chiefly because the pace is all wrong. We've been set up for 11 years for the momentum that must carry this film, and it's all stops and starts.

Not good. Then, and also irrespective of Rowling's story, I was deeply disturbed by Voldemort's weak agenda. Haven't we been led to anticipate that, in full power, he is going to consume the world? So - why is he so triumphant at the Hogwarts scene, as though the school were his ultimate goal? The Voldemort I've been expecting would not bother making a recruitment speech to the kids.

They join or die, period, and he's too flimsy here to be truly scary. On the plus side: Rickman is fabulous. Radcliffe is better than he ever was. AT LAST, Maggie Smith gets to strut her stuff. That makes it worth it.

But...this was not a truly successful film conclusion to the saga. And, to be rather **** I so wanted a bit more oomph when Mrs. Weasley takes out Bellatrix. PS All the reviews indicate lots of casualties from adult and young characters.

Hmm. A few, none terribly shocking.