Harry Potter and the deep emotional connection

Rating: Null/10 (14 July 2011)

The time is 3:00am and I have just returned from a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. With the final Harry Potter film and the release of Toy Story 3 this year, I have suddenly become aware how brief childhood is, and how rapidly the last 10 years have played out. Being born in the early 90s had it's benefits, one of which being that I grew up on Harry Potter. My parents would read the books to me as a child, and had it not been for Rowling I probably would not be reading novels today. Harry Potter first came to our screens in 2001 and we saw for the first time, Daniel, Rupert and Emma in their roles. As the books grew darker, the films grew darker, as the characters grew older and developed so did Radcliffe and friends, as did so many people my age. We all followed Potter on his adventures as we had adventures of our own. However, needles to say the Potter saga is over both on paper and screen and this has left a hole in my heart. I have to say, I have never been more excited for a film in which I already know what is going to happen. However, I have also never been so nervous about a film I am about to see. Would it deliver? Would it live up the books and our expectations? I found myself praying that this would not go the same way as "The Goblet of Fire" (a particularly sore spot of mine). The clock stuck midnight in a small but packed cinema and as they announced that they would skip all the trailers the entire audience roared with excitement and sheer happiness. The film started as it should, where we left off in Deathly Hallows Part 1. Did the film deliver? Yes it did. The pace of the film was relentless, but gentle enough when it needed to be. Potter literally had the audience in the palm of it's hand, making us laugh during scenes of death and destruction and weep during scenes of happiness. In the films previous to "Hallows: Part 2" I have found myself frowning and cringing at some questionable acting from the cast. I don't like to poke at talented people but I honestly felt Radcliffe in The Goblet of Fire and the Half Blood Prince did not achieve his potential, and for me was not Harry Potter. However it all changed... Daniel Radcliffe gave the absolute performance of his career and was utterly enchanting to watch. A real pleasure to have on our screens. Not only Radcliffe, but the entire cast gave it their absolute all and it showed. A few personal favourites were Alan Rickman as Snape, Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom, Helen McCrory as Mother Malfoy and the brilliant Fiennes as Lord Voldemort. There was not a single flaw in the performance given by anyone and it really makes me proud to be a fan of Harry Potter. As for the 3D? It certainly added to the film but did not distract you from what was actually going on. It was subtle, and beautiful and not at all in-your-face. *cough* Avatar *cough* I've been to see many films at the cinema but have never had such a wonderful, meaningful, emotional and exciting experience other than watching the final Potter film. I kind of don't want to take off my Gryffindor uniform! Potter part 2 left me feeling mesmerised, satisfied and ecstatic but also extremely sad. It also rewarded long-term Potter fans with many references and moments of nostalgia. This film certainly has it's place in history, and I think all would agree it deserves it.