'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2'

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2'  (PG-13)  (3 1/2 stars)

Writer: Steve Kloves  based on novel by JK Rowling
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton,
Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham Carter, Warwick Davis,  Jason Isaacs, Maggie Smith,
David Thewlis, Kelly MacDonald, John Hurt, Julie Walters

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is a very satisfying wrap up to one of the most successful film franchises ever. It is an all action, thrill packed answer to Part 1's moody, dark atmosphere and character development. Along with Part 1 it becomes my second favorite movies in the series next to "Prisoner of Azkaban". The movies get better as they get darker, let's say it is really about some unique kids growing up to be responsible adults. Take out the wizardry and magic and it is a simple coming of age story and a great one.

I have liked all but one of the Potter films and "Order of the Phoenix" got a 2 1/2 star review from me. That is not a bad batting average and it makes the Harry Potter films one of the best film franchises next to the "Mad Max" movies, the "Rocky" movies and the first three "Star Wars" movies. The first two Potter movies were cute, had more humor than the later movies but I wish they had a better director than Chris Columbus because,while very good,  the movie's magic didn't match the magic of the books. I am sorry but the director of the over rated, horrendous "Home Alone" should not be directing Potter movies. The series became great with Azkaban which is the best movie of all of them but I couldn't have hoped for a better last two movies.

Part 1 was wonderfully dark with some beautiful scenes between the three main characters including a great kiss and dance sequence. The Potter movies succeed mostly on the rich writing by Steve Kloves who has done a great job of adapting the books. Kloves is one of my favorite writers and one of Hollywood's best and he adapts these iconic characters wonderfully. The directing gets better and David Yates does a great job in Part 1 setting a dark mood and getting us ready for the final battle. Part 2 is all action after a half hour of dull exposition and when it gets going it never stops. I love the sprawling and very well executed destruction of Hogwarts which is 100 times better than that horrible "Transformers 3" battle sequence. I also love the final battle where Voldemort and Harry use their wands to strike electric bolts at each other, I guess they are electric bolts.

Actually that final battle reminds me of the final battle in "Return of the Jedi" and to me Voldemort reminds me of the Emperor. Also "Deathly Hallows Part 1" setting up Part 2 is like the "Empire Strikes Back" setting up "Return of the Jedi". Though my favorite parts of the Potter movies are not the action and battles. I have loved seeing these three characters grow up before our eyes as I do watching the actors becoming mature and grow as actors. Harry is a good kid and we want him to over come evil. The movies are powerful because we care about the characters and we want Harry to fugure things out and vanquish evil. The dark Potter movies are better because there is something real at stake. I love the sly humor of the light Potter movies but I like the dark subject matter punctuated by humor more.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" could have used more humor but that is not the point of the movie. Part 2 is an action showcase that ends in a thrilling and fierce battle of good vs. evil. The Potter movies and books have been a wonderful shift in creating smart and intelligent material for kids instead of material that is dumbed down for kids. The wonder of a creative mind is a powerful tool for a child to have and the Potter movies enhance that tool. I like how Steve Kloves and most of the directors of these movies have captured what JK Rowling intended. I love the magic and darkness of the Potter movies, love the characters and Part 2 ends on a high note.

P.S. I was very impressed by an epilogue at the end of Part 2 mostly for how well they did with the make up and aging the young actors, it wasn't over done and cheesy. I only have one question and that is doesn't the epilogue hint at continuing the series in a new direction? Also I love how all the Potter movies have given all the legendary British actors rich work to do all these last ten years. Lastly, Hermione is my favorite character in all these movies and I think she is a great role model for young women, just saying.