Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows 2 (some spoilers)

Perhaps I'm pickier than the general moviergoer, and perhaps I was expecting a lot, so at this point I'll just say it - despite the number of good reviews - I was disappointed with the conclusion of the Harry Potter movies. No I didn't get in line for the midnight screenings, but something almost as crazy, an 830 AM screening - that's right bright and early, or in Vancouver, gray and early today.


It started off well enough, picking up where part 1 ended with Dobby's death and launches quickly yet sluggishly through the rest of the film.  Fans hoping for a big epic battle, not quite the battle you're hoping for. The battle scenes are almost eerily poetic in a way, taking a back seat to the process of destroying horcruxes as well as Harry's final walk to Voldemort.


There are a number of changes from the book, and despite what screenwriter Steve Kloves has done, I wish the movie was longer and truer to the book.  There are obvious attempts for some lightness amidst all the dark, but there are numerous cheesy lines that I could've done without as they change the overall tone of the film. For example, when Professor McGonagall set the statues free to defend, she says "I've always wanted to do"...it takes away from the seriousness of the war at hand. Neville taunts some of the death eaters and they take the Slytherins to the dungeons instead of getting them and the younger students out. Did I mention Draco also pops out of nowhere as does Harry?


On the action side, the weaving of spells is pretty cool to look it though we get a good glimpse in the trailer.  As for 3D - more could've been done to really make it worthwhile as it doesn't take advantage of all the possibilities of flying objects. The battle is almost silent, a bit in slow motion over a solemn score. You certainly don't quite get the big BANG that would've make this epic.  There's a lack of urgency and danger that is present in the book as the film is based more on exposition and revelations, making sure the key events happen.  


That said, those emotional folks, you might cry, but I think I used up the tears when Dobby died. So there you have it, I liked the beginning and they did a great job aging the actors for 19 years later, the Gringotts break in was good, but I think I'd rather re-read the book.


3/5