Saturday, December 17, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows - Part 2 (UK/USA, 2011)


After five months of its record breaking release in theaters, I finally watched this movie and I must say it was surprisingly un-epic and anti-climactic. Some may argue that this lack of satisfaction is due to the fact that I watched it on DVD in my living-room instead of immersing myself in the in-your-face 3D visuals, surround sound, theater experience, but I've seen many a movie on the small screen of my iPad that has given feelings of ethereal euphoria or the hibbi-jibbies. To be fair, I will make a list of likes to counterbalance my overall dissatisfaction.

1. The trio's initial daring adventure into and out of Gringotts - Quite exhilarating and kept me at the edge of my seat, metaphorically speaking since I was sitting on a sofa.

2. Not necessarily likable but certainly unforgettable was the eye-piercing scene of shirtless Harry and Ron. I'm sure you'll hate me for simply mentioning it and putting that image in your head. I apologize. Another unforgettable scene was Voldemort hugging Draco. Awkward and uncomfortable is an understatement.

3. "I've always wanted to use that spell." -Professor Minerva McGonagall

"How can you live with yourself, Lucius?" - Voldemort
"I don't know."

4. Neville Longbottom.

5. Severus Snape and his backstory. Probably didn't cause as strong emotions as it did with others, but oh how full of emotion!

6. The soundtrack. Specifically the track "Statues." That track helped carry the emotions of urgency and terror, but also of hope and unity. Very powerful.

7. My absolute favorite part of the whole movie is when they're securing Hogwarts. That was the epic moment of the movie for me. The music, the visuals, feeling like you wanted to be a witch or wizard right then and there and point your wand to the sky and help create that massive shield. Ooh... I got chills. Watch it from 1:35 - 3:15.


Maybe it wasn't as satisfying as I expected due to the lack of surprise that results from watching a movie based on a book-series that you simply can't put down until you finish reading. I highly doubt I'm the only one who's own imagination was more satisfying than the final product of Warner Bros. Overall, a good ending to the series. Not great, but good.