Saving the best for the last...

Rating: Null/10 (20 July 2011)

In all honesty, I have never been a fan of J. K. Rowling or her screen adaptation through Warner Bros. However, I have to admit that the last 10 years have been phenomenal for Rowling in not just establishing a fan base, or a cult following, or even a massive bank account, but in creating a whole new world; The world of Harry Potter and his adventures. What started as a lighthearted venture into the world of myth and magic ten years ago, culminates into a dark and powerful showdown between the forces of good and evil. Both parts are well interlinked, but the plot seems stretched at times. This is obviously due to the cinematic rendition of Rowling's books. The highlights are easily notable from both parts:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
 Minister Rufus predicts that the Ministry of Magic strengthens with Lord Volemort's rise in power.  Along with Severus Snape, Voldemort plans Harry Potter's assassination.  Harry, Hermione and Ron discover an evil locket with powerful negative energy.  They also discover the origins of the Sword of Gryffindor, which can destroy such lockets.  They then discover the origins of the Deathly Hallows, comprising of the legendary and omnipotent Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone and the Cloak of Invisibility.  Harry, with the help of his friends, recovers the Sword of Gryffindor and with its power, destroys the locket.  The ending scene has Voldemort breaking into Dumbledore's tomb to steal the Elder Wand.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
 Griphook the goblin helps Harry, Hermione and Ron break into Bellatrix's vault in exchange for the Sword of Gryffindor.  The trio return to Hogwarts where Severus Snape, now the Headmaster, threatens anyone who helps Harry and his friends.  Ron and Hermione declare their love for each other after destroying a Horcrux cup they stole from Bellatrix's vault.  Hogwarts is under attack by all Voldemort's all powerful forces.  Voldemort kills a key character and invokes the full potential of the Elder Wand.  Harry learns that Snape and his mother were good friends before she was killed, and that part of Voldemort's dark soul grows in his.  Harry prepares to die at the hands of Voldmort, resulting in a catastrophic battle between the two archenemies.
Prior to the 5th installment, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", David Yates was virtually an unknown in cinema. With a history in TV productions, David Yates has etched his name in history for not just directing the last four installments, but for epically ending a multi-billion Dollar franchise with such magnitude, that only any idiot would think of re-booting the phenomenon known as "Harry Potter". Besides, he has severely raised the bar in any and all competing movies in this genre, giving "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy and its makers a run for their money. One week after this release and international critics are echoing words like, "spectacular" and "spell-binding". As a movie buff, I can say this is cinema in its best form ever. Having not read any of Rowling's books, I have no idea about the book to cinema adaptation factor. However, the movie experience is too good to be true. There are a lot of things happening at any given time. Sometimes, keeping track of what's happening can be an engaging task, but in a good way. Although acting is flawless from the three protagonists (why shouldn't it, given they have been preparing for this for the last 10 years), it is Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman who stands out as the antagonists. Simply brilliant! Then there is a tidal wave of A-list talent from the crème de la crème of British cinema. Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson and it goes on and on, like the final quatrain in an epic opera. Although the longest running cinema franchise will be tied between Star Wars and the James Bond movies, the problem here is every now and again, we are introduced to different producers, directors and of course, protagonists. For that matter, over 6 actors have taken on the 007 call sign. For the Harry Potter saga, the entire Potter universe, if I may say so, is built round the lives of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Earmarking these roles in cinematic history, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, will always be remembered for their roles in the Harry Potter franchise, no matter who or what they maybe 20 years from now. Where Yates succeeds is in giving this franchise a well deserved send-off by saving the best for the last. In doing so, he has vindicated the use of some eye-popping visual effects, renders the plot with the darkest atmosphere in the series, throws in a plethora of top actors and propels the pacing at a breathless rate. What he could have done without is the post-conversion to 3D. I really don't think 3D adds to this film's already immense scope. To me, this is taking advantage of crazed fans by squeezing the last penny out of pockets. And why not, being the last episode, the intention appears to stem from the greed of milking the cash cow dry.
Put 2011's two summer heavyweights in a ring and there won't be a question about going the distance. "Deathly Hallows Part 2" has "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" up against the ropes even before the first round begins!