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For fans of the movies, it's been a decade-long odyssey; for readers it's been just over 14 years since Bloomsbury published a little book in the U.K. titled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." It had a whopping initial printing of 500 hardbacks. And now, the Harry Potter journey concludes with Warner Brothers' "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."
The depth of the story, sets, special effects and skill of the actors deliver truly a fitting finale to what might be the greatest cinematic series of all time.
Fans of Harry, Hermione and Ron will not be disappointed with the final film, although book purists are grumbling about liberties or omissions (especially in the final big Hogwarts showdown between Harry and Voldemort).
As our young heroes continue to pursue and destroy the Horcruxes that act as repositories for fragments of the Dark Lord's twisted soul, startling discoveries are made. Harry, after capturing tears from Professor Snape, pours them into Dumbledore's pensive and peers into the thoughts and memories of the man he's always seen as his tormentor. The entire story pivots on this "game changing" moment and it's handled beautifully.
Related:
Harry Potter fans hit the theater in droves for midnight showing
Theaters across the state were sold out for midnight showings of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2." A few lucky fans got the chance to see it at private, early screenings.As "the boy who lived" emerges, enlightened, from Dumbledore's chamber, everything takes on a different tone and urgency. Without giving away too much, fans of the book will anxiously await several key moments including the scene where Harry, again, is tutored and comforted by his old headmaster. It's touching and even beautiful.
Another heart-tugging experience is Harry's encounter with Sirius, Remus and his father, but especially his mother, all gathered to help him through his biggest trial.
The depth of the story, the sets and special effects and certainly the skill of the actors deliver truly a fitting finale to what might be the greatest cinematic series of all time. Already the question is being asked, "What can fill the void that will be left with the release of this final installment of J.K Rowling's classic tale?" The answer is, nothing right now.
It's not often you can say that a particular film or series of films marks the end of an era, but that's the case here. I hate to see that era end.
Four stars for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," and its rated PG-13.
