Culture

Directed by: David Yates, (4.5/5).

[Spoiler alert: to anyone who has been living under a rock for the past decade and is yet to read a Potter book, be warned; the following review contains plot details.]
 
It’s fourteen years since the first Harry Potter book was published, launching a phenomenon that shaped many a person’s childhood, including my own. The latest film installment does this franchise justice. The cinematography is spectacular, the scale is epic, the acting is better than ever (although Emma Watson’s propensity for ‘eyebrow acting’ has not completely disappeared), the special effects are incredible and it overall it was a brilliant interpretation. And Ron and Hermione finally get their pash on!
 
However, I did have a few gripes. It probably needs to be pointed out that I am a particularly obsessive Harry Potter fan. I have read the books about ten times each and I know disgusting amounts of trivia about the world of Hogwarts, not to mention about the creators of Mugglenet; yeah, I’m one of those Harry Potter fans.
 
I loved Deathly Hallows Part II until the moment when Voldemort declared Harry was dead. Despite the numerous changes, the majority of the film stayed very true to the spirit of the book; the sense of urgency, the enormity of the task ahead of the trio, the fear and ever present danger. Fuck Greyback is scary. I only just managed to restrain tears when Fred died. Not to mention when Hermione hugged Harry right before he went to face Voldy. Oh boy. However, once Neville started making that awkward speech about Harry being in his heart, things went a little downhill.
 
My favourite aspect of the last few chapters in the book were the those magnificant ‘boo-yah’ moments. For example: ‘Booyah! I have the elder wand!’, or ‘Booyah! I sacrificed myself for these people and consequently they are now protected with the power of love!’ These plot twists made the final scenes, but were replaced in the film with an anti-climatic, wordless Harry vs. Voldy duel. I felt let down.
 
Nevertheless, it is easily the best film in the series and everyone should still go and see it, if for no other reason, to see what Daniel Radcliffe will look like at 36.