Reviews from the L.A. trades and London papers come tumbling in tonight, and critics are overwhelming happy with the grand finale of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2.
Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter:
It ends well. After eight films in 10 years and a cumulative global box-office take of more than $6.3 billion, the most successful franchise in the history of movies comes to an obligatory — and quite satisfying — conclusion in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Fully justifying the decision, once thought purely mercenary, of splitting J.K. Rowling’s final book into two parts, this is an exciting and, to put it mildly, massively eventful finale that will grip and greatly please anyone who has been at all a fan of the series up to now…
Initially working in what seemed too straightforward and briskly efficient a manner, Yates has finally come into his own in this last installment, orchestrating a massive chessboard of events with impressive finesse and a stronger sense of dramatic composition than he has previously displayed.
But perhaps the key player all along has been screenwriter Steve Kloves, who made what must have been a vexing decision to put a promising directorial career on hold for more than a decade to write all but one of the Potter episodes (though confessing exhaustion and the need of a break, he later expressed regret over not adapting The Order of the Phoenix). Tricky in that so many characters, including quite a few from the past, needed to be shuffled into the dramatic deck without sacrificing forward momentum, this final chapter suggests an even greater-than-usual attention to narrative balance and refinement. Simply put, it’s clear the filmmakers felt the responsibility to do this job right, and that they have.
Philip Womack, The Telegraph:
Perhaps the greatest triumph of this final film is its ability to overcome the deficiencies of J K Rowling’s writing. In the last Harry Potter volume, she failed singularly to muster the epic feel needed; as a result, on the page, the concluding battle at Hogwarts was a damp squib.
But Yates here transmutes it into a genuinely terrifying spectacle, as bloodied students fight desperately against a horde of screaming black-robed Death Eaters…
This is monumental cinema, awash with gorgeous tones, and carrying an ultimate message that will resonate with every viewer, young or old: there is darkness in all of us, but we can overcome it.
This is not an end. How could it be?
In the last scene, we know that even if there will be no more books, these characters will live with us for ever.
Justin Chang, Variety:
Such enormous anticipation has saddled “Part 2” with pressures no movie should have to bear, and it should rightly be viewed and assessed as the second half of one long film (the full double feature is being presented in select theaters). Still, as director David Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves have constructed their two-part finale to pay off in full here, it’s only fair to expect this eighth chapter to stand on its own, which it does up to a point. Indeed, with its accelerated rhythm, relentless flow of incident and wizard-war endgame, “Part 2” will strike many viewers as a much more exciting, involving picture than the slower, more atmospheric “Part 1.”
…As preparations are made for an epic clash between good and evil, Yates achieves a thrilling sense of convergence, of innumerable dramatic, thematic, romantic, emotional and musical threads from the past seven films being woven together at last: Old and new friends are well met, comeuppances are dealt out, and little-seen veterans are granted a valedictory moment in the spotlight.
…Through it all, Yates and Kloves take unusual and mostly shrewd liberties with Rowling’s sacred text, mainly during the long, devastating siege at Hogwarts — an extended setpiece that was always going to play better onscreen than on the page. Yates and his team of design artists and f/x wizards take strategic advantage of the castle grounds (masterfully designed by Stuart Craig) to deliver fantastically inventive sights and setpieces that, if never quite rivaling the great war films for martial splendor, nonetheless exist on a scale unlike anything the series has attempted. In the most inspired departure from the book, Voldemort feels weakened each time a Horcrux is destroyed, allowing the digitally disfigured Fiennes to introduce, rather astonishingly, a shade of vulnerability in his portrait of implacable evil.
Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail:
Really, the entire series of Potter books and motion pictures has been leading us to this final showdown between Harry and Voldemort. It could easily have been a letdown. But the fight here between good and evil is more than satisfying. It’s thrilling.
The film versions of JK Rowling’s stories have enthralled me, and I watched them with child-like wonder.
And speaking as someone who has spent half his professional life observing and studying actors, it’s been one helluva ride watching the three leading actors grow up. To be sure, Daniel, Emma and Rupert were rather wooden in their first outing. But they’ve emerged as thespians I want to keep watching…
The Potter films have been a godsend for the British acting profession. Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham Carter, Kelly Macdonald, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, have all had memorable moments over the years, and they get some more here.
I counted 1,132 names in the credits; I know I missed a hundred more. All of them – actors, producers, technicians, specialists – are among the best working in British movies. And now they’re out of a job. But what a way to go.
Man I still can’t believe it got snubbed out of the BP race of the 2012 Academy Awards
Lumenick gave it a 4 star review and said the acting by the whole cast is great. He said Rickman deserves an Oscar.
Lumenick gave it a 4 star review and said the acting by the whole cast is great. He said Rickman deserves an Oscar.
More quotes:
“There’s a High Noon sensibility when Harry and Voldemort come face to face in a forest and I was reminded of many other celebrated movie encounters, all the way from John Wayne’s Ethan Edwards finally catching up with Henry Brandon’s Scar in The Searchers to Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader’s battles in Star Wars.”
“When Harry, Ron and Hermione insinuate themselves into Gringotts Bank to steal the sword of Gryffindor, the effect is bizarre, surreal and macabre: drawing on the influence of Lewis Carroll and Terry Gilliam.”
“Spectacle is important, but it’s reassuring to see Yates and stalwart screenwriter Steve Kloves haven’t neglected the smaller moments. ”
“As Harry and his friends converge on Hogwarts an admirably sober, melancholy mood cloaks the proceedings (…)Harry’s welcoming committee at school resembles a stalwart bunch of loyal soldiers gathered for a none-too-promising last stand.”
“every emotion is heightened by an acute sense of what is at stake. The film’s greatest success may lie in its balance of breathless action and heartrending emotion. ”
“Daniel Radcliffe, not the most naturally gifted of actors, rises to the challenge to bring a calm sureness, a sense of maturity and real, raw emotion to the role – not least when the full extent of his destiny is finally revealed to him.”
“Over the past four years, however, Yates has improved as a filmmaker, and “Deathly Hallows Part 1” and especially “Part 2,” represent his best work to date, blending effectively subject and style, plot and characterization, atmosphere and special effects.”
More quotes:
“There’s a High Noon sensibility when Harry and Voldemort come face to face in a forest and I was reminded of many other celebrated movie encounters, all the way from John Wayne’s Ethan Edwards finally catching up with Henry Brandon’s Scar in The Searchers to Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader’s battles in Star Wars.”
“When Harry, Ron and Hermione insinuate themselves into Gringotts Bank to steal the sword of Gryffindor, the effect is bizarre, surreal and macabre: drawing on the influence of Lewis Carroll and Terry Gilliam.”
“Spectacle is important, but it’s reassuring to see Yates and stalwart screenwriter Steve Kloves haven’t neglected the smaller moments. ”
“As Harry and his friends converge on Hogwarts an admirably sober, melancholy mood cloaks the proceedings (…)Harry’s welcoming committee at school resembles a stalwart bunch of loyal soldiers gathered for a none-too-promising last stand.”
“every emotion is heightened by an acute sense of what is at stake. The film’s greatest success may lie in its balance of breathless action and heartrending emotion. ”
“Daniel Radcliffe, not the most naturally gifted of actors, rises to the challenge to bring a calm sureness, a sense of maturity and real, raw emotion to the role – not least when the full extent of his destiny is finally revealed to him.”
“Over the past four years, however, Yates has improved as a filmmaker, and “Deathly Hallows Part 1” and especially “Part 2,” represent his best work to date, blending effectively subject and style, plot and characterization, atmosphere and special effects.”
Joey, it’s far too early to think this is a possibility but so far it’s looking very good for Rickman. If he gets a couple of percussor nods I’ll be happy.
Some review excerpts:
“Best of all, the shifty Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) reveals his true colors at last, in a stirring, revelatory montage that calls forth more emoting from this supremely supercilious figure in five minutes than he’s shown in seven films. ”
“Alan Rickman has slowly over enunciated his way through eight memorable and impenetrable performances as Severus Snape, but this is the one he’ll be remembered for.”
“Through flashback montage, Yates illustrates the life of Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) and flips his supposed betrayal of Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) in The Half-Blood Prince on its head. It’s a key sequence in the film and, perhaps, its best. Rickman is outstanding here.”
“The most impressive of all is Alan Rickman, who journeys from the stoic Snape we thought we knew to the man who gave his life to protect the son of the woman he loved. There are moments where his performance will truly break your heart.”
“The truth of Alan Rickman’s sneering Professor Snape is finally uncovered in perhaps the most moving scene of the entire series”
Joey, it’s far too early to think this is a possibility but so far it’s looking very good for Rickman. If he gets a couple of percussor nods I’ll be happy.
Some review excerpts:
“Best of all, the shifty Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) reveals his true colors at last, in a stirring, revelatory montage that calls forth more emoting from this supremely supercilious figure in five minutes than he’s shown in seven films. ”
“Alan Rickman has slowly over enunciated his way through eight memorable and impenetrable performances as Severus Snape, but this is the one he’ll be remembered for.”
“Through flashback montage, Yates illustrates the life of Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) and flips his supposed betrayal of Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) in The Half-Blood Prince on its head. It’s a key sequence in the film and, perhaps, its best. Rickman is outstanding here.”
“The most impressive of all is Alan Rickman, who journeys from the stoic Snape we thought we knew to the man who gave his life to protect the son of the woman he loved. There are moments where his performance will truly break your heart.”
“The truth of Alan Rickman’s sneering Professor Snape is finally uncovered in perhaps the most moving scene of the entire series”
Couldn’t avoid checking what AD’ers would say about this one, but first raves are coming and bearing in mind this is a possible LOCK for BAFTA, PGA and SAG Ensemble, and may even win all these three, you’re just 2 precursors short of being a Best Picture frontrunner. I guess Alan Rickman, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint would be the most likely candidates for a surprise acting nom (for the body of work in the 8 movies, basically, and in Supporting, of course)… this is gonna depend on how WB deals with the campaigning, underlining how this is one of the most echonomically and artistically succesful franchises ever. And of course, of the competition. I’m not gonna say it’s going to be nom’d, but I wouldn’t rule out a HP sweep win just yet. It’s in the realm of possibilities, for sure.
Now back to retirement…
Couldn’t avoid checking what AD’ers would say about this one, but first raves are coming and bearing in mind this is a possible LOCK for BAFTA, PGA and SAG Ensemble, and may even win all these three, you’re just 2 precursors short of being a Best Picture frontrunner. I guess Alan Rickman, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint would be the most likely candidates for a surprise acting nom (for the body of work in the 8 movies, basically, and in Supporting, of course)… this is gonna depend on how WB deals with the campaigning, underlining how this is one of the most echonomically and artistically succesful franchises ever. And of course, of the competition. I’m not gonna say it’s going to be nom’d, but I wouldn’t rule out a HP sweep win just yet. It’s in the realm of possibilities, for sure.
Now back to retirement…
Sorry .. wrong article! I’ve re-posted!
🙂
Sorry .. wrong article! I’ve re-posted!
🙂
Damn, I forgot to mention Robbie Colktrane for his “endlessly lovable, definitive performance” as Hagrid – as described by Peter Bradshaw in the Guardian.
In fact, read the books again and try not to imagine any of these wonderful actors inhabiting the roles they fil with such magnificence on screen.
(Apologies for the HP love-in! And now posted on the right article.)
Damn, I forgot to mention Robbie Colktrane for his “endlessly lovable, definitive performance” as Hagrid – as described by Peter Bradshaw in the Guardian.
In fact, read the books again and try not to imagine any of these wonderful actors inhabiting the roles they fil with such magnificence on screen.
(Apologies for the HP love-in! And now posted on the right article.)
Simply can’t wait to see this next week here in Australia. Would love a BP nomination as a recognition for the franchise (BTW what a god-awful description that is. Call it a series or something else – it makes it sound like a bloody Starbucks chain).
And yes a nom please for Alan Rickman one of my favourite actors and just wonderful as Severus Snape!
Simply can’t wait to see this next week here in Australia. Would love a BP nomination as a recognition for the franchise (BTW what a god-awful description that is. Call it a series or something else – it makes it sound like a bloody Starbucks chain).
And yes a nom please for Alan Rickman one of my favourite actors and just wonderful as Severus Snape!
I checked RT and so far with few reviews it had 100%… But of course, some will give rotten reviews so I’m not expecting it to stay with this rating but I’m really happy that top critics were raving for it…
And I second the motion of Alan Rickman for Best Supporting Actor, COUNT ME IN Joey…
A BP nomination is still on play IMHO, not to mention the tech categories… Hope thus reviews continue for the upcoming days….
I checked RT and so far with few reviews it had 100%… But of course, some will give rotten reviews so I’m not expecting it to stay with this rating but I’m really happy that top critics were raving for it…
And I second the motion of Alan Rickman for Best Supporting Actor, COUNT ME IN Joey…
A BP nomination is still on play IMHO, not to mention the tech categories… Hope thus reviews continue for the upcoming days….
This will probably win technical awards, but it’s still too early-IMO-for it to deemed a Best Picture contender. I’ll wait until next week.
OT: Machine Gun Preacher set for September 23rd. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=machinegunpreacher.htm
This will probably win technical awards, but it’s still too early-IMO-for it to deemed a Best Picture contender. I’ll wait until next week.
OT: Machine Gun Preacher set for September 23rd. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=machinegunpreacher.htm
After 400,000,000 books sold, so far, it’s a very good bet that more than 5% of the Academy voters are Potter fans. Also, HP has been a major part of the British film industry for years, thousands employed, so it will have many entries into the Brit block. Finally, the tech branches could be organized behind a tech-excellent film, given that the threshold is only 5%.
Warner is very good at Oscar campaigning. They pushed Inception further up along than anybody else could, IMO.
After 400,000,000 books sold, so far, it’s a very good bet that more than 5% of the Academy voters are Potter fans. Also, HP has been a major part of the British film industry for years, thousands employed, so it will have many entries into the Brit block. Finally, the tech branches could be organized behind a tech-excellent film, given that the threshold is only 5%.
Warner is very good at Oscar campaigning. They pushed Inception further up along than anybody else could, IMO.
I want to personalyl start a campaign for Alan Rickman for Best Supporting Actor.
I want to personalyl start a campaign for Alan Rickman for Best Supporting Actor.
(clapping)
(clapping)
^Does anyone else think the British block could really push this one into the Best Picture race? Warner Bros. said they were pulling out all the stops to campaign this one, and with people like Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Imelda Staunton, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon, etc. all having been a part of this series, I think they might actually pull it off. They can use ‘this is the FINAL one’ as a reason to get folks behind it, and it’s a respectable series that has managed a few tech noms in the past, one that has largely had critical acclaim, and has made over $6 billion worldwide. I think it’s still a possibility.
^Does anyone else think the British block could really push this one into the Best Picture race? Warner Bros. said they were pulling out all the stops to campaign this one, and with people like Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Imelda Staunton, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon, etc. all having been a part of this series, I think they might actually pull it off. They can use ‘this is the FINAL one’ as a reason to get folks behind it, and it’s a respectable series that has managed a few tech noms in the past, one that has largely had critical acclaim, and has made over $6 billion worldwide. I think it’s still a possibility.
Don’t expect Best Picture traction from this movie. It’s just unrealistic. At best, it could get a Best British Film nomination at the BAFTA’s, but especially considering the Academy’s new rules, a Best Picture nomination is basically out of the question.
I do, however, think that they’ll go all-out in the tech categories. Cinematography, Art Direction, Makeup, and Visual Effects seem like really solid bets at this point, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a nod for Original Score as well.
Don’t expect Best Picture traction from this movie. It’s just unrealistic. At best, it could get a Best British Film nomination at the BAFTA’s, but especially considering the Academy’s new rules, a Best Picture nomination is basically out of the question.
I do, however, think that they’ll go all-out in the tech categories. Cinematography, Art Direction, Makeup, and Visual Effects seem like really solid bets at this point, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a nod for Original Score as well.
^
Agreed!
I was just talking to a friend about how the three leads could’ve turned into media-whore celebrities during adolescence, but they managed to keep it all about the work!
^
Agreed!
I was just talking to a friend about how the three leads could’ve turned into media-whore celebrities during adolescence, but they managed to keep it all about the work!
Great news! Our daughter, now 18 and headed to college, has literally grown up with these wonderful films and performers. Cheers to the three child stars who have grown up to be delightful young people.
Great news! Our daughter, now 18 and headed to college, has literally grown up with these wonderful films and performers. Cheers to the three child stars who have grown up to be delightful young people.
I’m with Tye-Grr. I will love this film above most – if not all – other releases this year, I’m sure of it.
I’m with Tye-Grr. I will love this film above most – if not all – other releases this year, I’m sure of it.
the 5% rule could work in HP’s favor.
this could score noms and wins like Warner’s Inception….. even add score, costume and make-up.
the 5% rule could work in HP’s favor.
this could score noms and wins like Warner’s Inception….. even add score, costume and make-up.
I’m glad to see the franchise go out with a bang!
Thanks for that link, Billy. January 2012 must be a wide release date, otherwise, they miss the window of an Awards-qualifying run. I’d venture to guess it will be here in NY in December.
I’m glad to see the franchise go out with a bang!
Thanks for that link, Billy. January 2012 must be a wide release date, otherwise, they miss the window of an Awards-qualifying run. I’d venture to guess it will be here in NY in December.
I already know I’m basically disappointment proof unless they DRAMATICALLY fuck this one up, but then again I am extremely biased to this series. ^_^
What an incredible achievement these films have been.
I already know I’m basically disappointment proof unless they DRAMATICALLY fuck this one up, but then again I am extremely biased to this series. ^_^
What an incredible achievement these films have been.
The trailer for Meryl Streep’s The Iron Lady has landed:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2011/jul/07/iron-lady-margaret-thatcher-trailer
The trailer for Meryl Streep’s The Iron Lady has landed:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2011/jul/07/iron-lady-margaret-thatcher-trailer
Am I the only one who thinks this will be HUGE at the BAFTAs ?
Am I the only one who thinks this will be HUGE at the BAFTAs ?
Justin Chang’s review does not a sense of abruptness, which was one of my concerns as a fan and one of my complaints with the book but that is TOTALLY a nitpick. I’m thrilled the reviews are good.
And really, Stuart Craig needs to win for this. The series deserves at LEAST one win, and the fact that he hasn’t won over the last ten years for any of the HP films is embarrassing.
DP Serra, makeup, and visual effects are all getting strong notices. Hopefully this translated to Oscar nods. Perhaps a shot at the big 5-10 if WB campaigns right.
[Also of note, JK Rowling served as a producer on the last two installments, so she could potentially be a BP nominee if the film makes it in. Interesting.]
Justin Chang’s review does not a sense of abruptness, which was one of my concerns as a fan and one of my complaints with the book but that is TOTALLY a nitpick. I’m thrilled the reviews are good.
And really, Stuart Craig needs to win for this. The series deserves at LEAST one win, and the fact that he hasn’t won over the last ten years for any of the HP films is embarrassing.
DP Serra, makeup, and visual effects are all getting strong notices. Hopefully this translated to Oscar nods. Perhaps a shot at the big 5-10 if WB campaigns right.
[Also of note, JK Rowling served as a producer on the last two installments, so she could potentially be a BP nominee if the film makes it in. Interesting.]
Let’s hope that HP7-2 is as good as it sounds… I would be easy for it to reach the Top 10, but now it would seem rather unthinkable to reach the Top 5, 6, 7 or whatever number Best Picture will have.
It’s up to the critics to give the Awards Stamp of Approval now, if it is indeed going to get into Best Picture in this last, glorious effort.
Let’s hope that HP7-2 is as good as it sounds… I would be easy for it to reach the Top 10, but now it would seem rather unthinkable to reach the Top 5, 6, 7 or whatever number Best Picture will have.
It’s up to the critics to give the Awards Stamp of Approval now, if it is indeed going to get into Best Picture in this last, glorious effort.
The Academy has not always been kind to Potter, so I’m not sure if they’ll recognize the series in some capacity. But I really do think that Stuart Craig is overdue for an Oscar in Art Direction for his work in the Potter films, so it would be nice if he will finally win next year. The reviews also praised the visual effects, so it could be a major contender in that category as well.
People are going to think I’m crazy, but I do think that this film has a chance of getting nominated for a PGA. The first film in the series was nominated back in 2002 when there were only five nominees. I think the series finale could manage a nomination especially now that ten films are nominated per year for the PGA Award instead of five.
The Academy has not always been kind to Potter, so I’m not sure if they’ll recognize the series in some capacity. But I really do think that Stuart Craig is overdue for an Oscar in Art Direction for his work in the Potter films, so it would be nice if he will finally win next year. The reviews also praised the visual effects, so it could be a major contender in that category as well.
People are going to think I’m crazy, but I do think that this film has a chance of getting nominated for a PGA. The first film in the series was nominated back in 2002 when there were only five nominees. I think the series finale could manage a nomination especially now that ten films are nominated per year for the PGA Award instead of five.
Looks like the franchise is going out with a bang. Maybe Oscar will finally recognize the film in some way!
Looks like the franchise is going out with a bang. Maybe Oscar will finally recognize the film in some way!
Great news!!!
Great news!!!