Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Sorry for the long absence. I'll kick off my return with a review of the biggest fantasy novel of the year, at least in terms of hype if not word count.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows begins just prior to Harry's seventeenth birthday. This is a significant date because in the wizarding world, a seventeen year-old is an adult, which means the protection afforded Harry in the Dursley's home will no longer be effectual. The action begins almost immediately, with well-loved characters dying early on, serving notice to the reader that everyone is in danger.

Harry, Ron and Hermione soon set off in search of the horcruxes of which Harry learned in book six. Along the way they must avoid the Death Eaters who have taken almost total control of the Ministry of Magic. Their search uncovers the story of the Deathly Hallows: a trio of magic items that can make one the master of death. Events lead to the inevitable showdown with Voldemort.

Rowling masterfully interweaves elements of mystery regarding Dumbledore's past, and also finally gives us a peek into Snape's personal history. We finally know for certain whose side he's on and why he is the way he is.

On the negative side of the ledger, the introduction of the concept of the Deathly Hallows so late in the series is, for many readers, too much deus ex machina. Others might argue that the conclusion is too C.S. Lewis for their taste. Personally, I found the story entertaining and satisfying, save the epilogue, which is just... bad.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a worthy conclusion to a wonderful series. Read the book and skip the epilogue.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Movie Review

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been touted by many as the best Potter film to-date. The movie has excellent visual effects, good pacing, and some excellent casting. On the downside, it lacks some significant elements.

Measured by word count, Order of the Phoenix is by far the longest Harry Potter book. Naturally some elements must be left out. It must be asked, however, why the longest book in the series was made into the shortest movie? In some cases, elements were omitted that were not needed (exploration and back-story of Grimauld Place, for example). In other cases, references were there, but only someone very familiar with the Potter books would truly notice or understand them.

The most glaring absence, to me, was the lack of student life at Hogwarts. Human nature, especially that of young people, is to go on with ordinary life to the greatest degree possible even in the face of danger. The story flew by with out ever capturing the feel of being in school at Hogwarts. O.W.L.'s were mentioned once at the outset, and virtually ignored until near the end during the grossly underdone exit of Fred and George, when we see the students actually testing. Voldemort notwithstanding, teenagers would be agonizing over such important tests.

Quidditch is completely ignored, despite it being such an important part of student life at Hogwarts. This particular season was significant for Ron's character development, as well as drawing Ginny more into the spotlight, not to mention escalating the conflict with Umbridge and providing impetus for the departure of Fred and George.

One the positive side, the series of minstry decrees is handled with clever and entertaining montages, the sorcerer duels are visually stunning, and the broom flight from Privet Drive to Grimauld Place is also well-done. All the important parts of the main story arcs are intact with important quotes and scenes preserved.

Casting is the movie's greatest strength. Among the new characters, Helena Bonham Carter makes a perfect Bellatrix, Evanna Lynch is excellent as Luna, and Imelda Staunton impeccably captures Umbridge. Though she gets almost no screen time, Natalia Tena makes a great Tonks as well. Michael Gambon continues to be the only real casting clunker, bringing an unwelcome pugnacious quality to the role of the supremely confident, serene Dumbledore.

Overall, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is an entertaining movie, but be sure to read the book, or you'll miss a great deal.