OK for kids 12+
Spectacularly epic, poignant end to a magical series.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the epic finale of the Harry Potter movie saga is the deadliest, most intense, and most touching installment of the lot. Because the majority of the movie is an all-out battle between Voldemort and his army against Harry and his allies at Hogwarts, there's an extremely high body count -- including the deaths of several beloved supporting characters. Most happen off camera, but several bodies are shown. In a few scenes, everyone is bloodied and injured or dead, and it's brutal to watch (a shot of dead goblins is particularly gruesome, and one character's death at the fangs of an evil snake gets pretty gory). Despite the raging battle, Ron and Hermione at last find a moment to snog and spend most of the movie holding on to each other; Harry and Ginny also share a quick kiss. And in the end, it's not the violence that viewers will take away, but the idea that every hero, no matter how brave, needs loyal friends to defeat evil and that love lives on even in the face of death. Note: For the first time, a Harry Potter movie is being shown in 3-D in some theaters, making some of the action sequences even more intense.
- Families can talk about whether this final Harry Potter installment is age-appropriate for young kids, even if they've already read the books or are familiar with the characters. How does the tone and subject matter of the series change over time?
- Which characters reveal different parts of themselves in this movie? Why did they make the choices they made? How do those decisions affect Harry?
- How does the development of Ron and Hermione's relationship contrast to most other teen love stories? Is a slow-burning romance as believable or exciting to watch as love at first sight?
- Did the final movie live up to your expectations? Are there any other book sagas you'd be as excited to see turned into movies, or do you think it's unlikely another franchise would hold as much magical appeal?
The good stuff
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Messages: As with all of the Potter movies, there are many positive messages, including the idea that every hero needs help to defeat evil; that everyone has a choice to do what's right, even if it's not easy; that some battles are greater than one person; that friends stand by each other until the end; and so much more. Different characters' choices illustrate selflessness, unexpected conscience, finding the courage to express love, and that people aren't always what they seem. And the Forbidden Forest sequence demonstrates how those we love always live on in our hearts, even after they're dead.
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Role models: Harry, Hermione, Ron, and all the member...Harry, Hermione, Ron, their Hogwarts friends, the Order of the Phoenix, and most of Hogwarts' professors are all positive role models -- they work together to fight Voldemort and his army. As the titular hero, Harry is willing to sacrifice his life to save the wizarding world, but so is everyone who fights on his side, including some characters who surprise us with their bravery. Dumbledore's spirit returns to remind us once more that it's the choices we make that make all the difference.
What to watch for
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Violence: This is by far the deadliest of the eight Potter films, with the highest body count and many upsetting deaths. Because the movie depicts the Battle of Hogwarts, the death toll is in the hundreds, including some favorite supporting characters. Their bodies are shown (eyes open, unmoving). The Gringotts break-in not only destroys the bank but also sparks bloody retribution from Voldemort (dead goblins are shown sprawled out). The Killing Curse is used, an evil snake kills an important character in a pretty gory scene with multiple bites and body slams, and a bully is enveloped in fire. Some bodies seem to disintegrate or burst. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their friends face Death Eaters, Dementors, giants, huge spiders -- the whole of You Know Who's army. In one ethereal scene, the remains of a body are depicted as a gruesome newborn-like creature. Harry willingly faces death at one point in the movie.
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Sex: After seven movies, Ron and Hermione finally kiss -- as well as hold hands, embrace, and protect/comfort each other in a romantic manner. A married couple holds hands before a battle. Harry and Ginny share a brief kiss, and one character proclaims his intent to tell a girl he fancies her, since they might be dead in a few hours.
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Language: Molly Weasley's famous line: "Not my daughter, you bitch!" is included verbatim, and a few characters (mostly Ron) say British slang like "bloody hell," "prat," and "numpty."
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Consumerism: There's no product placement in the movie, but obviously Harry Potter-related merchandise is a huge money maker for Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Wow by KKrabill
It was epic. Simply and utterly epic. There were amazing performances all around, especially from Alan Rickman, (Severus Snape) who got his shining moment in this film. There were also some absolutely stunning special effects, which got better with each slain horcrux.
Some things were altered from the book, but overall, as much as it pains me to say, I think the movie ended things much more clearly than the book did.
In closing, I advise everyone to go see it! This is a movie to satisfy all parties: the die-hard fans, the new fans, and even the casual movie-goer. I was excited for this movie's release, and I was not disappointed.
5
Worthy end to an amazing saga by macgamer
In contrast to part 1, which was dark, depressing, lacking any sense of hope or even humor, part 2 was where we see our heroes fight back and finally put an end to the darkness that has haunted them for so long. Too many people we care about die throughout this series, but we do get to see our heroes shine.
5
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 by danieljacoby1
It was a really good movie to start the end! it is the best out off all the movies in the sequel but it was a little sad, the actors did very good and this movie is mostly for young teens.
5
AMAZINGLY EPIC!!!!TRULY MAGICAL!!!! by KDT
SPECTACULAR IN EVERYWAY WHETHER ITS THE STORY, THE CHARACTERS, THE 2D, THE 3D AND THE MOVIE ITSELF!!!!PURLEY WICKED!!!!THIS MOVIE WILL TAKE U ON A JOURNEY FROM BEGINNING TO END AND WILL LEAVE U WANTING MORE AND MORE!!!!THIS MAY SEEM LIKE THE END OF HARRY POTTER BUT IT NEVER TRULY IS THE END FOR THIS AMAZING MOVIE AND BOOK SERIES!!!HP 4EVA!!!!
5
That's it?!?!? by mfloodeen
First off, I rated this a 'must go' because, well, it's Harry Potter! I love Harry Potter, so not going simply isn't an option. That said, I think I would have enjoyed this movie more if I hadn't read the book- several times, in fact. If this was a stand-alone movie, not based on a book, I would have been perfectly happy with it. It was visually stunning, with lots of action. The acting was great. There were no slow parts in this movie. However, it is based on a book, so for those of you who are die-hard fans of the books, be forewarned: this movie deviates more from the book than any of the other movies. They do not do a good job of explaining the horcruxes, or the hallows. The final scene between Harry & Voldemort is quite different, & pretty anti-climatic. If you're planning on taking kids with you, be aware that there are a couple of graphic scenes, which may be more disturbing than previous films- it might be wise to watch it yourself first. Overall, still pretty enjoyable.
5
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Part 2 by crosbys
This movie was great the characters were so well portrayed (like always). Harry a well loved character and his posse, the ones protecting him fight to the end against Voldermort. This movie tells the struggles of everyday life when Voldermorts posse attack. The one thing that really bothered me about this movie was how they left so much put they never even mentioned that Neville could have been the chosen one which you would never know if you haven't read the book. This thrilling tale was fabulous.
5
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (94/100) by phillyeaglesfan769
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the epic concluson to the Harry Potter saga. This movie was breathtaking! If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series then you will not be disappointed with this incredible masterpiece! Very well done!
4
Perfect for the high school crowd by roadrunnerkn
I read all the books because my nieces talked me into it. So of course I had to see the movies with them too. I know that makes me one of the stereotypical soccer moms (which, ironically, I am NOT), but I LIKED the whole series of movies, including this one. Some parts didn't match the book but it was close enough for me to enjoy the story and of course we loved the special effects.
5
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Movie Review by Asianfreak
100 out of 100 It is sad that the magical series is coming to an end, but they saved the most exciting, intense, extremley epic Harry Potter for last.