The Penultimate Potter

I've been to see the latest HP flick twice now. Once in a super-overcrowded theatre space with uncomfortable seats and highly annoying audience members, like the small child who keeps asking her father questions, and the father that keeps answering his small child's questions, and the completely daft woman who keeps exclaiming the obvious like "Oh, so he has it!" in a less than hushed voice. And once with the B-Team, in gold-class seats at the West Bubblefuck cinema (who in a long string of cinema-based stuff ups, tried really hard to stuff up our tickets, but we didn't let them).

And I thouroughly enjoyed both viewings.

There are those that say that splitting the last story into two parts is a money grabbing attempt by the studio to strangle some more cash from the addicted masses. There have been some that say that this film is far too long and drawn out, with too many longing looks and slow motion pans of scenery.

To these criticisms, I say "Pah!"

The last book, The Deathly Hallows is fast paced and rich story, but it is incredibly long. And a great deal of that action is actually bound up in frustrating inaction, in planning, decoding mysteries and trying to figure out ways to bring down the great magical tyrant of Lord Voldemort. And our heroes, Harry, Hermione and Ron are on a quest, and the baddies aren't the only demons they have to battle - they also have to deal with their own self-doubts, mistrust of each other and keeping up the motivation to continue. And I think this is why some deranged fools think the film is drawn out - we're not just dealing with the wham-bam-thankyou mam action flick. These critics are suffereing the same frustrations that Ron feels with Harry's lack of understanding of his difficult mission. So I am going to say that this misunderstanding by some douches is actually indicative of the successes of the film.

The whole concept of The Guerillas vs The Tyrant is a well trodden path, in film, books and real-life history. And it is this idea that makes Deathly Hallows so good. The concept of prejudice and power is woven through the tale of Voldemort's rise to power, reflecting the idea that "Might is Right" (also appearing smeared across the windscreen of a redneck ute in enormous slime green letters, seen on the main street of Port Mac - a nauseating sight). This kind of mentality has lead to the success of dozens of tyranical autocracies. Fear, violence and the threat of death is a powerful tool. Ask Poland. Ask Kim Jong Il. Ask Joseph Stalin. The parallels between Hitler's Third Reich and the reign of Voldemort and the Death Eater's are clearly drawn in this film. Down to the beautiful-if-morbidly-disturbing art deco design of the anti-muggle propaganda. The message in this is clear - the power of the mighty is not righteous, and should not be idly watched by the fearful and the meek.

But speaking of the beautiful, this is a stunningly crafted film. Yates has found all of the most gorgeous locations in Great Britain, and our heroes apparate between and across them. Frosted forests, and chalky cliffs, sweeping moors and deep lochs. Breathtaking scenery plays another character in this, the 7th film, as Harry and his buddies break free of the confines of Hogwarts to really explore the world, testing its limitations and their own. (Plus the sneaky shots of Picadilly and Shaftsbury Ave gave me that London Nostalgia that I have discussed before.)

Stunning too is the animated sequence in the middle of the film, telling a Potter-verse fairy tale. It is done in the style of shadow puppetry (and I am ALWAYS going to love some good puppetry), with a Middle Eastern flavour. Directed by Ben Hibon, this section is easily a highlight of the film, and is a highly effective method of exposition/intertextuality. Hermione narrates the story, voice over style, as the shadows meld and twist and flesh out the tale. It is sharp-intake-of-breath kind of cinema. Apparently, Hibon is a named starter for a new Peter Pan feature, and I am intrigued as to what he will do with it.

Also beautiful are the effects, and some of the performances. But we are playing with some of the greatest actors Britain has ever produced. Bill Nighy appears for far too brief a time - though his accent is confused, a little. Alan Rickman is as always spectacular, but again, doesn't get much screen time. Rhys Ifans is new to the franchise, and he embodies Xenophilia Lovegood (gotta love nominative determinism!) with empathy, if perhaps a little too much shouting. As ever, Ralph Feinnes is noselessly brilliant, acting his way around a complete olfactory deficiency.

Of the three main youngsters, there is still some clunkiness. I think a drinking game incorporating the jaw-clenches of Daniel Radcliff, the eye-brow-wiggles of Emma Watson and the exaggerated-gulps of Rupert Grint would be a rollicking good time, but we would all be plastered by the end of the first act. I think Grint has developed into the most mature of the performers. Radcliff and Watson are still a bit reliant on shouting and stomping to convey their emotion. And I think by the time they are 17, the hormonal angst is generally all inverted (based on real life experience) especially for thinky types like these. And sure, I might be slightly biased towards Grint because he is an adorable, funny ranga (it is no secret that I have a tinge of a twinge for a ginge) who has filled out nicely. Hmmm. Oops, got distracted a little...

There are still some great gaping plot holes, old ones from previous films and new ones created. Some have been filled with less than convincing plot-gravel - the introduction of Bill Weasley for the first time? Clunky much?? And  there are others that I am interested to see how they are dealt with. Regarding Lupin and Tonks, and their glossed over announcement from the first scenes. And Lilly Potter has been overlooked again.

If you haven't seen the earlier films, never read the books, and generally couldn't give a snot-flavoured bean about Harry Potter, then don't bother with Deathly Hallows. You will be confused and befuddled, and may need to be oblivated if you are to go on with your life. But true believers should love it. And we can't wait for the next one - only til July this year!