“I need to talk to the goblin.” Even if you’ve been lying in a coma for the last decade and a half, you know there’s something special about J.K. Rowling’s world right from the start of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2.” It’s not just the fantastic nature of what are nearly the first words spoken in the last film of the franchise. It’s also the way they’re pronounced, with an unexpected authority from the movie’s young star, Daniel Radcliffe. And the way they’re received — no one questions the demands of this boy, nearly a man, who even after seven films remains something of a cipher.
The film picks up immediately where “Deathly Hallows – Part 1” left off. Harry Potter (Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) are continuing their quest to destroy the evil Lord Voldemort (it seems he can now be named, at least once in a while) by first destroying the horcruxes that contain bits of his soul. Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) seeks immortality; but all is threatened every minute he still lives. The trio has skipped what was supposed to be their final year of schooling there. They’ll eventually return, of course, for a final showdown that will see the building all but destroyed — along with some of its occupants.
| ON SCREEN |
| ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2’ |
| » Rating: 4 out of 5 stars |
| » Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint |
| » Director: David Yates |
| » Rated: PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images |
| » Running time: 130 minutes |
This mission is an extraordinarily difficult one for three 17-year-olds to accomplish. Especially since Voldemort now has one of the Deathly Hallows: the Elder Wand, which has never lost its owner a battle. Even they concede the odds are stacked against them. “We plan, we get there, all hell breaks loose,” Ron points out in arguing for an improvisary plan of attack.
They face all manner of beasts and burdens. Perhaps no other film franchise right now makes better use of cutting-edge special effects. Fans and non-fans alike won’t be disappointed by the spectacle of “Deathly Hallows.” The most curious creatures are convincingly frightening; the strangest spells look all too real as they’re brought to life. This is the first Potter film in 3-D. Director David Yates said last week, “I used 3-D like music.” It’s so subtle at times, you wonder why you’re stuck wearing those clunky glasses. But it does add to the sense of otherworldly reality for which production designer Stuart Craig should get an Oscar nomination.
The culmination of seven books and eight films doesn’t feel quite as satisfying as you might imagine. It all happens so quickly — and we all know what is about to happen. But the three unknowns who became some of the most recognizable faces in the world have grown along with their characters. Radcliffe, Watson and Grint are as talented as their wizardly counterparts. It’s hard to imagine anyone else touching these characters that millions of people around the world have grown up with themselves. “Words are the most powerful magic,” Dumbledore says in this film. But words must be spoken by people, and the incredible cast assembled here make magic one last time for what will surely be an appreciative audience.
