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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – A Review by Film Nerd

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Director: David Yates

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Helen McCrory, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, David Thewlis, Julie Waters, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Natalia Tena, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Ciaràn Hinds, Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent

Synopsis: The final chapter in the popular series of eight films that began ten years ago, based on the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling.   This is the final battle for Hogwarts, and the time when Harry must face his final confrontation with the evil Lord Voldemort.

Given that this franchise has been with us since 2001, it is almost with a sense of disbelief that with this film, it draws to a close.   The film proves a thrilling conclusion, providing fantastic action sequences and special effects, some great character moments and, for those that have not read the books, a few unexpected surprises along the way.   If there is one complaint I can level against the film, it is that it is too short.   The 130 minutes pass very quickly, and not a minute of it seems wasted.

The films have certainly come away since the original Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.   The quality of the special effects are amazing, truly taking advantage of advances in technology in the intervening period.   More significant, however, is the improvement in the performance of the three leads.   Watson’s performances have been of high calibre for many films now, leaving the boys behind, however Grint and Radcliffe have both had substantial acting experiences themselves outside of the Potter franchise, and the benefit of these project shows.   Radcliffe gives a very commanding performance, leading no doubt that this young man is capable of the extreme responsibility on his shoulders.

Fans of the novels may be somewhat disappointed.   Always the price of an adaptation like this is that some of the finer details get left out.   Those fans, myself included, would argue extra time could have been added to this running time to highlight some of these elements more clearly.   This in the end is a minor criticism, given that the film does succeed in giving screen time to almost every single significant character from previous films, both living and dead.   The fact that most of these characters have been played by some of the most brilliant actors in the UK today is an added treat.   They each manage to shine despite many getting scant time on-screen.

In the end, this is the classic battle of good against evil, that addresses thematic concerns as the nature of evil, dealing with loss, and not being too quick to judge others.   Some may question some of the choices made in adapting the novel, but apart from this the film delivers everything one could demand for the final instalment of a beloved story.

4 stars out of 5.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on IMDB

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on Rotten Tomatoes

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The King’s Speech – A Review by Film Nerd

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Director: Tom Hooper

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Gambon, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall

Synopsis: The Oscar winning film that tells the story of King George VI (Firth), who battled life long with a debilitating stutter.   When his older brother (Pearce) abdicates, it is up to him to step in and guide the country on the eve of the second World War.   To assist him in addressing his subjects via wireless, he enlists the help of unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Rush).

A review by Film Nerd.

Revenge of the Film Nerds is a bit late on reporting on this film, despite the fact it is still playing in some cinemas even following its release on DVD and Blu-ray.   There is simply no excuse for this oversight, as it is a film well deserving of all the accolades heaped upon it, and is one of those rarer instances these days where the Academy chooses a deserving winner correctly.

The story of King George VI is a simple yet inspirational one.   His early abortive attempts at public speaking can only draw sympathy, even for those that have not personally experience the debilitating effects a stutter can have.   It is not a long stretch to amplify that in one;s mind when some-one is born into a role requiring public address.   Firth is on fine form, never missing a beat when missing a beat, as it were.   It takes a fine actor to take a character, real or not, with a clear defect, and to not make that a caricature.   Firth imbues his “Bertie” with the right amount of frustration and anguish to show a real man with a real challenge.   Then steps in Rush, on equally fine form.   His Lionel Logue is certainly eccentric, his methods somewhat absurd, and yet the impact of his actions is imbued with a real sense of authenticity.

Of course, the film is building to overcoming the odds, especially as the world once again descends into war, requiring the public to hear a strong address from country’s figurehead.   Once again, when this moment finally comes, the speech is not flawless, but it is strong and honest.   Despite all these events though, I would argue that beyond this, it is a story about friendship.   The Prince on his road to becoming King has been raised to not share his emotions, especially not with a civilian like Logue.   For Logue himself, he has more than a high profile assignment…   In figuring out what makes his client tick, a friendship is born that will define them both.

It is not a film of much action, nor of big, grand-standing moments.   It is a film however of heart, and of inspiration.   Well done to all involved in bringing this interesting piece of history to life in such a mid-blowing way.

5 stars out of 5

The King’s Speech on IMDB

The King’s Speech on Rotten Tomatoes

Trailer