Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, reprising their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. The film’s enormous cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright. The Warner Brothers film was directed by David Yates, who also directed the previous three movies in the series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. The film opens nationwide at midnight on Friday, July 15, 2011.
1. What’s it about?
This is the final film in the fantastic Harry Potter saga. It’s the last chapter that ties all the secrets and intrigue together. Without wishing to reveal anything to the muggles who haven’t seen the film, Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their journey to find and destroy the last of Voldemort’s horcruxes. The Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about the trio’s mission. Hogwarts is in danger, and it’s up to the students and teachers to defend the school from the forces of evil. In the end, the final great battle between the forces of Good and Evil depends largely (but not entirely) on the determination and courage of the teenage boy and wizard we all know and love so well, Harry James Potter.
2. Will my kids like it?
The kids will certainly love this movie — assuming, of course, they’ve already seen all the other movies leading up to this final part of the story. The storyline is hugely entertaining and engrossing for children, muggle and wizard both.
3. Will I like it?
You will love this film. For the Harry Potter community that has followed the films from the beginning, it’s a very grand finale to this great story. The actors have clearly invested quite a bit of intellectual and emotional energy into their parts. It was very satisfying to see how much they have grown up in their roles as Harry, Hermione and Ron. The only bad part is when the film ends and the credits come up.
4. Is it scary?
As always in Harry Potter films, there are some parts which will be quite scary to younger kids — say, under 10. The Death Eaters can be a little scary in appearance. The Dementors, of course, are surely pretty scary for kids of this age group. And Voldemort sends chills up the spines of all muggle children.
5. Why is it rated PG-13?
The film is rated PG-13 for “some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.”
6. How are the special effects?
The 3D special effects are nothing short of stupendous. The sheer majesty of the actions sequences, wizard magic and scenes at Hogwarts (spoiler averted) are the best that I’ve ever seen in a film. Yes, I’m going to say it: they are magical.
7. Is there a good time for a bathroom break?
In a word, no. This is a film that really deserves complete, rapt attention. Go before the movie with the kids and buy a smaller soft drink. If you can’t wait, there is a slight lull in the action when Harry talks with a Hogwarts ghost about a horcrux. But it doesn’t last long, so go quickly!
8. Do I need to sit through the credits for a bonus scene at the end?
No. After the credits roll, “It all ends here.”
9. Does the film live up to all the hooplah?
Yes. The screenwriter Steve Kloves (who wrote all the films but The Order of the Phoenix) did a great job of adapting the screenplay from the book by J.K. Rowling. The fast paced action and thoughtful portrayal of the cast brings an intensity and excitement to the story that is a fitting end to the Harry Potter saga.
10. Do Ron and Hermione kiss?
Well, I’ve been ordered by the Ministry of Magic to be silent on this question. You’ll just have to see the film. [Editor: Or you can find the answer to this question by simply reading any of the recent interviews with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson available on the internet.]
And now enjoy this video, called “The Story of Snape,” courtesy of Warner Bros.:
