A Final Bow: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two

July 15th marked a day that would live in infamy. Children and adults came together dressed as wizards, witches, and elves to commemorate a special moment in film history. It had nothing to do with remembering Robin Hardy's The Wicker Man. Fans came together for the last installment to the Harry Potter franchise. After seven novels and eight films, Potter Heads were forced to say goodbye to the boy wizard permanently. Did the franchise end on a good note?

What's the story?

The film picks up immediately where part one left off. After narrowly escaping capture at Malfoy Manor, our heroes find security in the home of Bill and Fleur Weasley. Three horcruxes have been destroyed, yet Harry believes another is hidden in the wizarding bank Gringotts. Griphook, a former Gringotts employee, agrees to help sneak them in for ownership of a significant item. Eventually, their hunt brings them back into the familiar halls of Hogwarts. Voldermort, aware of Harry's current intentions, summons every Death Eater to initiate an attack on the castle. As the forces of darkness advance, Harry and his allies come together to make one final stand against the Dark Lord.

The Result?

As a follower of the novels and films, it was an enjoyable experience. Those with no background in Potter mythology, would find it extremely difficult to follow the plot. However, David Yates brought a giant sense of nostalgia and closure to the final installment. A characteristic that no Potter Head should take for granted. The film didn't capture the same experience as the novel, yet the overarching themes were well translated.

The strongest of the performances came from Alan Rickman. Until the final chapter, never have we understood Severus Snape's hatred for the young protagonist. Once the credits roll, revelations will have audiences pity and respect him.

Tyler's Verdict: 3 1/2 Stars. A respectable ending to a respectable franchise.



The King's Speech: Power of the Voice

*TYLER'S PICK*

No human being has a greater gift than their voice. As a writer, I enjoy the beauty of words, stories, and narrative structure. However, anyone who can stand up in front of others has the power to change lives. Tom Hooper's depiction of a British monarch is more than just a history lesson. It's about communication; a universal desire that we all carry.

What's the Story?

The year is 1925. The Duke of York, Prince Albert, suffers from an intolerable stammer. He is treated by the best doctors in the country, yet no method seems to create an everlasting effect. Albert's wife, Elizabeth, decides to take the matter into her own hands. Elizabeth's search brings her to Lionel Logue, a man much more fitting as a Shakespearean actor than a speech therapist. Albert is hesitant upon seeing another therapist. During their first session, Lionel manipulates him into recording himself reciting lines from Shakespeare. He places headphones over Albert's ears with deafening music, preventing him from hearing anything he is saying. A frustrated Albert storms out of Lionel's office, unconvinced anything has changed. As the years pass, he eventually plays back the recording. He is left stunned as he finds himself speaking with no stammer. Throughout their sessions, Lionel helps Albert to understand that the stammer doesn't stem from a physical disorder, but more so from his insecurities. Following the death of his father, Albert ascends to the throne once his older brother David chooses to abdicate. Lionel instills upon Albert courage and confidence that he is worthy of the crown. The film reaches its climax as Albert prepares a speech declaring Britain's intent to go to war with Germany.

The Result?

Colin Firth gave his best performance to date in this biographical film. He portrayed a man appearing to suffer from violent temper tantrums, but was really a frightened soul with little confidence. Firth's stammer was believable and far from forced. Geoffrey Rush also brought us a character, which yearned for a life on the stage, held back by a desire to continuously help others. The characters are interesting, complex, and portrayed in a subtle manner.

The film produced a beautiful message about the importance of communication. No matter if one is optimistic, pessimistic, outgoing, or introverted; we all want to be heard in some way. Hooper was successful in delivering the message, yet the film was not without any flaws. The pace was incredibly slow. The scenes facilitate well rounded characters, but they don't always further the progression of the narrative. As a filmmaker, it's an inevitable factor. The creation of a well-rounded character is imperative, when a film lacks dynamic plot. 

Tyler's Verdict: Four Stars. The performances are stunning, but the message will stay with you for years.