The Harry Potter film franchise has finally drawn to its epic conclusion after nearly a decade. As it is the conclusion to a series of films that started when the principal characters weren’t even old enough to drive a car, this one had some hefty shoes to fill.
The film picks up where the last one left off and gets right into the action with the burglary of the wizard bank Gringots, which is honestly one of the better part s of the film. After thirty minutes or so we are treated to a speedy, underwritten, “frantic” search for the remaining Horucruxes which will help defeat the evil wizard Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). Then in record time everyone congregates at Hogwarts castle for the final battle where the remainder of the film runs its course.
Inevitably since this is the last film in the series, there was absolutely no expense spared in the special effects aspect of the film. While it is impressive and epic, watching the ultra climactic conclusion reminded me more of the last Lord of the Rings film than Harry Potter. It was as if there was a massive blender and the only things added were special effects (CGI), and “epicness” (panoramic shots of the CGI).
Sure it’s a fantasy series set in a fantastic world but I was actually not as impressed by this film compared to earlier entries in the series, solely because there was less character development. Sure we have had plenty of time to get to know Harry (Daniel Radcliff), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) in the past installments but with the exception of Serverus Snape (Alan Rickman) and Harry there is almost no emphasis on the characters whatsoever. The few insights into old characters were well wrought but didn’t do enough for the story overall to help with the hole that was clumsily filled by action and special effects.
Overall this film ,as with all the others in the series, is a treat for anyone who is a fan of the movies or books. This isn’t the best of the series but neither is it the worst.
Inevitably since this is the last film in the series, there was absolutely no expense spared in the special effects aspect of the film. While it is impressive and epic, watching the ultra climactic conclusion reminded me more of the last Lord of the Rings film than Harry Potter. It was as if there was a massive blender and the only things added were special effects (CGI), and “epicness” (panoramic shots of the CGI).
Sure it’s a fantasy series set in a fantastic world but I was actually not as impressed by this film compared to earlier entries in the series, solely because there was less character development. Sure we have had plenty of time to get to know Harry (Daniel Radcliff), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) in the past installments but with the exception of Serverus Snape (Alan Rickman) and Harry there is almost no emphasis on the characters whatsoever. The few insights into old characters were well wrought but didn’t do enough for the story overall to help with the hole that was clumsily filled by action and special effects.
Overall this film ,as with all the others in the series, is a treat for anyone who is a fan of the movies or books. This isn’t the best of the series but neither is it the worst.
4 out of 5
© Terry Cleveland, 2011
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