Why am I glad that the Harry Potter movies are now over with? Frankly, I was tired of being disappointed over and over again. Now, these films are well produced and perfectly cast, but they are constantly hampered by the humorless, stuffy screenplays by Steve Kloves. By drawing out his previous adaptations (he scripted all but Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) of J.K. Rowling’s fantasy novels, Kloves has written himself into a corner in this eighth (or is it 7.5?) and final installment, having to quickly wrap things up as young wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) finally faces the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). plays like a hastily constructed collection of greatest hits from the book. Sure, the ideal way to view this film would be on a double bill with Deathly Hallows: Part 1, but this concluding chapter still feels rushed, making many potentially emotional scenes ineffectual. However, Harry and Snape (Alan Rickman) do have one powerful scene together, and there is an excit ing escape sequence involving a dragon, but that’s about it. Generally, characters abruptly show up, have their big moment, then fade into the background. In fact, both Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) literally just stand around in the background of many shots. I, for one, can’t wait for the remakes. Hopefully, someone like a Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) will take the reins and retain the charm, humor and wonder of Rowling’s beloved books.
