Baggage. Something we can’t help but bring with us to any kind of experience, but that plays an especially important role in a film sequel, or adaptation of which this is both. In fact such is the influence and impact of the Harry Potter series, it is nearly impossible to judge a film solely on its own merits, but then again is that necessarily the best way to go about it? I don’t know but a lot of reaction to the film has been due to people’s expectations and prior knowledge, and my viewing of the film initially was exactly the same. I wonder how they will do this scene? I hope that it is in it… that’s not how that happened! But then something happened, the film drew me in and made me forget all that. And once the weight of knowing the story and the wider context washed away I found myself engrossed in this tightly woven and moving story of growing pains and friendship through darkness. Yes there is a lot missed out, as in previous films, but unlike some of them here I agree with every decision. The hefty book has been streamlined wonderfully and focused (quite rightly) on Harry and his internal struggle to deal with the events of the past and turn towards the future he knows he must face.
Dan Radcliffe continues to improve in leaps and bounds and excels here has Harry, he has become so deeply imbedded in the character that I can now imagine no-one else in the role. Ron and Hermione have less to do this time round but the trios friendship and bond is spot on here, all remain engaging and the slight awkwardness has gone. Newcomer Evana Lynch is note perfect as Luna and makes a fantastic addition to the existing cast. Elsewhere it is the adults that impress with Gary Oldman giving Sirius a wonderful presence and heart and Imelda Staunton stealing the show as the insidious Delores Umbridge whose bureaucratic control over Hogwarts is perfectly realised.
The story moves at a brisk pace and while the darkness is more prominent than ever, the sequences at the school are as enjoyable and well realised as any in the series so far. The sense of rebellion and teenage angst are wonderfully mixed with the students development and seeing so many regular characters back, even if for a line or two helps the sense of familiarity and continuity. The film involved me more than any of the others have done so far and that is largely down to the fact that the feeling and heart of the books have been so faithfully translated. People may complain about the cuts, but truthfully the care and attention that go into each of these films is stunning and the respect for the books almost unparalleled within the Hollywood system. So many events and situations unfold just as I had imagined and there is a giddy thrill from seeing them on the big screen so well realised. The darkness that is imagined on the page is harsh to watch and all pretense about these films being ‘kiddie’ vanish when you realise that Harry Potter has grown up.
Like the books the chance to see these characters over 7 films helps build such a bond with them in the audience and I for one can’t wait to see the events of the last two books unfold. The films are never going to match the books simply due to the sheer amount of information and richness of Rowling’s universe, but more than any of the others this captures the essence of the book and sculpts it into not only a great adaptation, but a great film in its own right. I said at the start about the effect baggage can have on a film, and maybe my knowledge helped me appreciate the film more than some, in the same way it might hinder others. Regardless this is a film worth appreciating and one of the richest offerings in this summer of sequels.
Emboldened with a sense of urgency and danger and tackling the complexities of grief and isolation this is a masterful adaptation and the best Potter film so far. Some cuts do grate, but the emotional impact is genuine, leaving it to stand in its own right as simply a great film.
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