Much to Praise in This Outstanding Adaptation

Rating: 10/10 (12 July 2007)

The Potter films have been getting better as they are released. Some of the subtleties that were notably absent from the first two entries are now very much in evidence, and unlike other series, the main actors have developed and grown into more assured professionals; a fact that is remarkable, considering that the young protagonists must hold their own against some classically trained actors. In particular, Daniel Radcliffe is so confident that he owns the screen with visual expressions that allows us to understand the growing pains of the character, his turmoil, and his ever increasing crisis.
Very much in evidence is Potter's frustrations as an intense smear campaign is underway to do everything that is possible to allow Voldermort to raise his armies again. As Dolores Umbridge makes a sensational and devastating appearance at Hogwarts, she manages to censure and stiffle the training of anyone who might lead to instability and support of a possible rebellion. Dolores is an instant villain, a blend of two styles, the solicitous hypocrite who is not afraid to be duplicitous and brags about having two sides. She's a frail old lady with a nasty streak.
The film shows the underground revolution that is brewing at Hogwarts out of desperation by Harry and his close friends. What takes plenty of description in the novel is succinctly presented in the film, as we see the evolution of evil, the dangers of censorship, and the ever brewing nastiness that will come back as Voldemort reappears.
The entire film is exciting and dark, quiet but threatening, and it explodes in all its glory during the last 1/2 hour as good now must confront evil, and Harry faces the demise of another close associate. The film is enhanced by a quiet and insistent score heightening the underground tensions that are part of the Potter world. There are the adolescent yearnings between Potter, Hermoine, and Ron, delightfully played by Watson and Grint. There are some amazing new entries, such as Evanna Lynch playing Lovegood and Natalie Tena, playing Nymphadora. I also appreciated the extra time given to Oldman, Smith, and Gambon, who can now show their characters' details a bit more.
Be ready to do some explaining to the younger ones about what is now happening in the Potter universe, where there is more emphasis on the preparations for the final battles, with some foreshadowing about what might be the final result. Words like prophecies and destiny are now carefully stressed in main parts of the plot. Is Potter going to survive? or Will he lose everything like his nemesis states?
It is a haunting and beautiful film, one that does no disservice to the prose of Rowlings, who has been inspired by other classic pieces, but now has created her own universe, which has now grown beautiful and real in the series of adaptations, the last of which is probably one of the finest and most powerful.
Expect amazing camera-work and special effect wizardry in the last section of the film. It is an instant classic.