The Hero's Destiny

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2011)

In the darkened misty Forbidden Forest, Daniel Radcliffe as avatar Harry Potter reunites with the dearly fallen in his journey, in possession of the Resurrection Stone. Surrendering to his destiny, Harry asks, "Does it hurt to die?" His mother Lily Potter (gentle and strong Geraldine Somerville), who sacrificed her life to protect her son from the dark Lord Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes), tells her beloved son, "We never left." Neither did us, after 10 years and 8 movies. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" has remarkable gravitas boldly embracing mortality and destiny. Director David Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves poignantly complete the hero's journey in the eternal conflict of good and evil.
Also coming full circle with J.K. Rowling's earlier books, "Deathly Hallows 2" is a return to the realm of wonder and possibility. At the narrative arc with Harry in spiritual transformation, his late mentor Dumbledore (powerfully calm Michael Gambon) reminds Harry to pity the living, and those without love. The resonance of "Harry Potter" is that the most powerful magic is love. And I have not read the Rowling's novels, only seen the movies. Alan Rickman as the seemingly duplicitous Severus Snape is awesome in the story's provocative twist. Harry had witnessed Snape murder Dumbledore, before assuming his post has Headmaster at Hogwarts. However, much like life: All is not what it seems. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is the timeless tale of love, honor, and redemption.
The "Harry Potter" movies strong suit has always been the supporting cast, and "Deathly Hallows 2" is the culmination. Ralph Fiennes is the visceral commanding dark force, yet nuanced in his malevolence. His performance forges the rage and inner power in Daniel Radcliffe's evolution of Harry. Radcliffe has matured into a strong actor. Harry's journey has always been about rediscovering his true power, and reconciling his darkness and fear. Michael Gambon even in abbreviated presence brilliantly fosters the possibility of the man Harry will become. Alan Rickman as Snape virtually steals the show in an authentic display of courage and compassion all veiled in darkness. Emma Watson has grown into a compelling actor, who wields deceptive strength and presence as her Hermione has evolved into a young woman. With Rupert Grint it is difficult to distinguish, whether he is really doing anything special or that he is so present as Ron Weasley.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is leveled with high spirited action and vibrantly paced, as opposed to the deathly slow pacing of Part 1. There is the spectacular siege of Hogwarts by Voldermort and his minions. Yates creates amazing catharsis as Harry confronts his fate as he takes on the Dark Lord, "Let's finish this the way we started it." Harry, Hermione, and Ron must destroy all the Horcruxes that possess vestiges of Voldermort's soul, the leverage point of his immortality. But Voldermort must kill Harry Potter before he can become the Master of Death. Here destiny and conspiracy blur. The profound battle of good and evil and the possession of Harry's very soul are left in the powerful and convincing performances of Fiennes, Rickman and Gambon. Like Harry's Mother reminds, "Harry, you are so lovedÂ…" We were always for Harry, and will always be.