The Last Goodbye

Firstly, I would just like to say that this is the hardest review I have ever written and probably will ever write. It took me a good few days to organise all my thoughts into a coherent opinion, and then I started worrying about writing a review which would still please people, before just giving up and getting down what I wanted to say, possible backlash aside. And I thought I had everything I wanted to say, and then I went to see it again, and a few of my views changed, so I've had to rehash some stuff. So anyway, that is my apology as to why it took me a whole week to get this out, but of course it was going to take some time. And also, it's massively long. You may want to get some refreshments and get comfy before starting this.

Do I have to put a spoiler warning? Surely you've all seen it by now, and if you haven't then you should have read the books anyway so kind of know what's going to happen. If neither of these things applies to you, then what are you doing here?

So, the conclusion to the world's most lucrative film franchise arrives, and it has already broken records around the world. Most of you may as well skip this paragraph, but in case you didn't know (and if you don't then please get off my blog, you uneducated sods), the final film sees our illustrious heroes continuing their search for Voldemort's Horcruxes in their quest to rid the world of his insanity. Expect tears aplenty as some of Hogwarts' favourite characters don't necessarily make it though the epic final battle.

I'll go through this chronologically first. The opening of the film may very well be my favourite of all of them, showing a school nothing like the Hogwarts from previous films, being watched over by Snape, Death Eaters, Dementors and the faithful teachers staying to protect the students who are seen marching diligently and silently in disciplined order. It's very effective, done overlayed with Alexandre Desplat's terrific score, which actually makes you kind of emotional before the film has even properly started.

It then cuts to directly where the last one left off, with Harry, Ron and Hermione recovering at Shell Cottage from their escapades at Malfoy Manor, and continuing their search for the Horcruxes. They quickly plan an ambitious break-in to Gringotts, the wizarding bank, with the help of Griphook the goblin. I have to say that the first part of the film with the break-in does feel a tad slow, not in the sense that no action occurs, because there isn't really one bit in the entire film where there isn't something going on, but in that it seems a little... lackluster. It's as though they know the epic battle is coming and so don't put their full effort into it in a rush to get to the climax of the whole series. However, that scene was pretty much exactly how I pictured it in the book, so I wasn't disappointed per se, it just didn't have that little spark for me. And, it has to be said that Helena Bonham-Carter, playing Hermione playing Bellatrix (confusing much?) was fanstastic, but more on that later, because I have a whole lot to say seperately on the acting.

(sexy!)

We then finally get back to Hogwarts after being away for a whole film-and-a-bit, and the happiness is short-lived, diving straight back into the drama. There is an amazing scene between Alan Rickman's Snape and Maggie Smith's McGonagall, where the two fight it out in an effort to control Hogwarts and defending Harry. I think the subsequent scene of the teachers and Order of the Phoenix putting the defensive spells on the school is one of my favourite, it builds such a sense of anticipation, and it's actually quite emotional knowing what's about to happen to the school, i.e. getting completely destroyed.

I have to dedicate a big chunk of this post to the acting in the film, which is genuinely the best I've ever seen it. I think it is actually the best part of the film, as terrific as all the effects are, as it really brings the human side of the story out, and after ten years (of films, even longer for books!) and eight films, we have all become to invested in the characters that I am relieved to say they have been portrayed brilliantly on screen. I said while I was actually watching the film that Alan Rickman deserves at least an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Snape, who brings audiences of all ages and genders to tears when his backstory is exposed. Rickman has a great deal to do with the fact that Snape has been voted best Potter character several times. There honestly isn't anyone better to play him, and I cried for roughly an hour after his demise. Seriously.

It also has to be said that after severely underusing them in the past few films (actually, pretty much from the second film onwards) some of the other characters get to really shine. Smith clearly has a whale of a time bringing forth the badass side of McGonagall we all knew was there, and she is honestly so cute doing it, something I never thought I'd say about a woman of her age. In this film, she is in my top five characters, she is genuinely superb. Helena Bonham Carter also has to be credited for her performance (performances? I don't know if you would classify it as two), again with her deliciously insane Bellatrix and also as Hermione as Bellatrix after some Polyjuice Potion. She really got all of Emma Watson's mannerisms down, to the point where you nearly forget that is actually isn't Emma Watson herself doing it.

And the main three... well, you can see how they have all actually developed into decent actors. It may have taken some time (Emma Watson, I'm looking at you), but they really are all brilliant here. All three of them get the chance to show true emotion at some points, and it really rubs off on the audience. As ever, Rupert Grint is not really given enough screen time in my eyes (though I may be biased); it seems like the only times he is ever central is after the whole Ron/Hermione moment, whereafter they are seemingly glued to each other's sides. Still, he of course gets all the best one-liners ("That's my girlfriend, you numpty!") and provides the very-needed comic element which does relieve some of the heightened tension. It's nice to see after all this time that all three of them can truly hold their own when it comes to acting, and there was no sign of Emma Watson's infamous eyebrow anywhere I could see. Dan Radcliffe should be especially proud of what he has achieved in this film, where he is very much the dominant role, being the absolute centre of attention as opposed to other films where he maybe wasn't emphasised as much as he should be in the titular role.

And Neville. Ahhh, Neville. He finally gets his moment to shine, and Matt Lewis gets to showcase his acting on a scale he hasn't before. I have often discussed with my friend Lucy (http://twitter.com/#!/lucybarratt_) how we would love to see the whole series rewritten with Neville as the hero because we do not feel he gets the recognition he truly deserves, and his heroic status is for some reason much more epic than Harry's. He really is the hero of the hour, and also has some of the funniest moments (note: goading Death Eaters who cannot cross the bridge for fear of being dissolved, and then finding that those protective enchantments have broken. Hilarious).

I read in another review (I think it was the Total Film one: http://www.totalfilm.com/reviews/cinema/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2) that it's a credit to the series how so many huge actors turn up for the final film when they only have a line or two, sometimes only a word, in which to portray their characters who we have so fallen in love with. And I absolutely agree. They could have quite easily not bothered and the plot would not have been drastically changed by any means, but the film wouldn't have been the same without them all there, so it really is a testament to the film franchise that they all took the time out of their schedules to come and be on screen for only a few seconds, and on behalf of Potter fans everywhere I thank them for making the film feel as authentic as possible.

It is impossible to talk about the film without talking about the effects. They are simply stunning in this film, and during the battle scenes you find that you don't even think about them, that they seem completely natural, as if it's normal to have 20-foot tall giants and animated stone guards walking around. When a film truly transports you into the world in which it is set, where you don't even think "Wow, these effects are amazing" and instead don't even think about them whilst watching because they seem so realistic, that is when it has truly succeeded. On the other hand, don't bother with watching it in 3D if you haven't already. After three minutes you forget it's even in 3D and not in a good way. After seeing it in both 3D and 2D, the former just seems to redundant. It doesn't add anything to the experience, except it makes wiping away tears a little bit harder.

Now onto the really negative bits. It actually pains me that there are enough of them that I have to mention them and I can't just skip over them. Firstly, the amount of detail they left out is actually unacceptable. Being the shortest film in the whole series (how?), I don't understand why they have left out bits which are quite important, for example Dumbledore's whole backstory with Grindelwald and the Deathly Hallows, and Lupin and Tonks' son (only very briefly mentioned which will confuse people who haven't actually read the books - not that I sympathise). I'm sure fans wouldn't have minded, since this is the very last one, if the film was longer - even another half an hour of footage wouldn't make it the longest film in the series. That irritated me. Also, not enough was made out of certain deaths. As much as it killed me just to see him lying on the floor, I wanted to see poor Fred die, which actually surely would have made me commit suicide in the cinema from sheer depression. We glimpse the number of bodies in the Great Hall in another moment of extreme emotion, but it feels like more could have been done to mark momentous deaths.

On the plus side, things which first time round severely umimpressed me actually were much better on second viewing. The epilogue, for example, made me cry with laughter the first time round, and not in a good way. I thought it was ridiculous and really wanted it to end with the scene before, which ended on a really lovely shot of the three main heroes together among the destroyed remains of Hogwarts. Watching again, however, I could fully appreciate how sweet it was, and it was nice to have a bit of closure and see them grown up, even if I still think they look disgusting (Ginny especially). Also, the much-anticipated Ron/Hermione kiss. Since the major catalyst for it happening in the books was cut from the films (S.P.E.W.) I had no idea how they could do it well. And first time round I thought they didn't. I was actually fuming that they did not do that justice, but again, after repeated viewings, it does actually seem quite sweet, even if I don't understand it (they get drenched and therefore must amorously embrace? Ok...). It wasn't as bad as I thought it was, that is the best I can say. Still slightly disappointed, but what can you do?

As ever, I am writing this review whilst listening to the soundtrack, and it is one of my favourites in the whole series. I cannot imagine the pressure Alexandre Desplat (Deathly Hallows Pt 1, The King's Speech, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) must have felt when scoring such an epic film, when the music is so integral to the film, but he did it very well. I know a lot of fans wanted John Williams (Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban) back, but I don't think he was entirely necessary, and Desplat really did very well. 'Courtyard Apocalypse' is a track which plays during a scene which displays the devestation of the battle and shows the emotion of the fighting going on; it is the music of a spectacular piece of cinematography which shows the impact of the action very well. I applaud his score, I think it's very good and captures all the emotion of scenes brilliantly. If you can listen to a score  by itself and still feel the emotion of the film, it is truly a good one.

I think the true success of this film is that even through the action-packed battle scenes, the human element is still there, and the little moments are what make it truly magnificent. Sure, director David Yates and the whole production team clearly have a great time blowing everything to smithereens and causing absolute carnage in the action department, but it's the more subtle moments that come out top. The wounded being tended to by the teachers and Lavender Brown being mauled by werewolf Greyback remind us of the war aspect, that people still get injured and die but that the survivors stick together and protect the vulnerable. Harry accepting his fate and going to meet death, walking to Voldemort with his lost loved ones by his side is truly a tear-jerking moment and a reminder of the loss he has faced in his life, taking the focus momentarily off the suicide mission he is on. And Snape's whole story is, again, deserving of awards. I like that the film doesn't tone it down for the children, and you really do see the gore (e.g. Voldemort having just killed dozens of goblins and then walking through their blood); it makes it that much more convincing and emotional. A film that can make you feel that many emotions and have them so very genuine is a film which has succeeded.

Verdict: Maybe not the best critically (that accolade is still held by Prisoner of Azkaban), the film does what it needed to do and sends Harry off in style. It is a fantastic production which lets the audience bid farewell to the franchise and, in a lot of my generation's cases, their childhood. I apologise for the overuse of the words "emotion"/"emotional" and, as always, for my excessive use of (brackets), but this time I really feel it was needed.

**** (it kills me that my morals keep me from adding the one more star I want to award it.)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NYt1qirBWg ("TOGETHER!")

My favourite track from the score: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJYQf9Yl3Ao&feature=BFa&list=ULyz2DtYcDuvg&index=2 (it gives you a taste of what the rest of it is like.)

Also, I couldn't post without adding this. Thanks again Lucy for introducing this to me.

And, another thing which gives me nightmares to think about: http://www.lovefilm.com/features/detail.html?section_name=newsletter&editorial_id=30288&cid=lfnl361tf1t&brand=lovefilm

Mutant Fan And Proud!

It’s been eleven years since the first X-Men film, and therefore eleven years since the last decent one was seen on the big screen. Thankfully, First Class gives a breath of fresh air to a franchise that has seriously deteriorated since the start.

First Class is a prequel set in 1962 telling us the story of the origins of the X-Men, back when Charles Xavier (still with hair and the ability to walk!) was a charming post-graduate from Oxford and Erik Lehnsherr was a Bond-esque assassin intent on getting revenge on the man who killed his mother and experimented on him as a child in a concentration camp. They meet and discover what at first appears to be a kindred spirit in one another, becoming fast friends and uncovering a common enemy in the psychopathic and sadistic Sebastian Shaw, the man Erik had been seeking all his adult life. Gathering a group of young mutants, they set out with the government to stop Shaw and his Hellfire Club from starting World War Three during the Cuban Missile Crisis and killing pretty much every human alive in the process.

Firstly, it has to be said that the acting in this film is unmatched in any of the previous films. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan were Charles and Erik until James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender came along and made them look awful by comparison. McAvoy is incredible as the young Charles who makes the most of his telepathy to seduce women, going through life being quite smug about his ability. He is far cry from the asexual, consistently serious and borderline dull Charles we know from the first three films; in this he is much more fun to start off with, and then we begin to see McAvoy portray his serious side whilst remaining charming and interesting at the same time. McAvoy’s performance makes me laugh, admire, and even cry at one point (really, I did. You’ll understand when you see it, I won’t ruin anything), and I honestly didn’t believe that I could respect him as an actor more than I already did, but I certainly do after seeing this.

Fassbender also is excellent, playing the tortured soul, both physically and mentally, hellbent on seeking revenge on Shaw. He brings a vulnerability to Erik not seen in previous films, as he is still adjusting and developing his power and we see the real torment of his childhood only hinted at in the original film. Like McAvoy, Fassbender portrays Erik in an entirely different way to what we have already seen, not the calm but sinister Magneto in the original series but an angry man just determined to get revenge on those who hurt him as a child. He also, however, brings traces of the later series to his performance as the film progresses; towards the end, we can see some of the mindset that Magneto has in the first films, rather than just the personal vendetta that occupies his character for most of the film.

The other successful performance in this is the one by Kevin Bacon, because you absolutely hate his character, Shaw, from the very start. From experimenting on a young child prisoner to influencing the government to start a war with Russia, he is incredibly sinister from the outset, with no reasoning other that to ensure that only the more worthy mutants exist on earth. However, he completely steals every scene he is in by exuding such calm power over other characters.

Not a lot can be said for anyone else really. Other characters aren’t really that developed, which I suppose is a flaw in the film, though with strong rumours aplenty circulating about another two prequel-sequels after this then I am not too worried about this. I stated in a previous post that I was unsure about the female casting in the film, and this opinion didn’t really change a lot. However, despite what some critics are saying, I thought that January Jones was quite good as the cool Emma Frost/White Queen, the perfect sidekick I thought for Bacon’s Shaw. I actually look forward to seeing more of her in the next films. Jennifer Lawrence and Rose Byrne still failed to impress though. Lawrence’s Raven/Mystique just seemed moody and jealous of Charles’ relationships with others, and any romantic interest in Nicholas Hoult’s Hank McCoy/Beast completely disintegrates relatively quickly. Her one line that appears to be becoming a catchphrase (which I do not approve of) "Mutant and Proud" (see the blog title!) even gets annoying after a while because of the fact it's overused so much. The way she ended the film also annoyed me, but again I won’t ruin it by saying why – all I will say is that the audience won’t relate to her as a character and her motives aren’t really explained, which is frustrating at the end. Byrne, playing the only human main character, Moira McTaggart, seemed to spend most of the time being in awe of the mutants she is working with, and her romantic interest in Charles seems very unnecessary in the film. I know fans of the franchise would be disappointed that she is not Scottish as she is portrayed in the comic books and will miss that international aspect, but that really isn’t important when she isn’t really necessary in the film except for establishing a link between the mutants and the government. With so many other bigger characters in the mutants, she seems to be overshadowed and doesn’t really have a lot to do.

Other performances were acceptable. Nicholas Hoult, playing Beast, was very sweet, up until he completely insulted Raven, and then the audience kind of lose a bit of respect for him. However, his acting throughout is very good, and up until he makes that faux pas, we do feel quite sorry for him, being the one who is picked on all the time for his mutation. The other mutants, like I said, weren’t really explored very much and so there was quite limited screen time for them to prove themselves as worthy characters to the audience. However, most of what I saw I did like. Lucas Till’s Alex Summers/Havok and Caleb Landry-Jones’ Sean Cassidy/Banshee look like they could have a bromance going on in the next films, and their screen time together in certain scenes during the climactic battle are quite good – they seem to have good chemistry going on there.

The cameos in the film have to be applauded. Though they only last for a couple of seconds each, fans of the series will get a kick out of seeing them. Hugh Jackman’s seven seconds on screen was better acted than I have seen in the first four films of the series, and it genuinely made me laugh. He is also the first person to drop the F-bomb in the series, which was also amusing. Rebecca Romaijn also appears briefly, as Mystique tries to seduce Erik and, after being rejected for being too young, shape-shifts into her older self. No, their appearances didn’t bring anything to the story and their sole purpose was to give fans a kick, but they were definitely still worth having in there. The only thing I missed was Stan Lee’s signature cameo as some random member of the public, which we didn’t get this time and was therefore a little disappointing.

I honestly can’t write this review without mentioning the accents of the characters. It seemed like more than half of them were using a different accent to their normal one, which I didn’t mind for the most part – I doubt I would have even picked up on them if I didn’t already know about them. McAvoy did his posh British accent wonderfully, and Hoult was actually quite impressive in his American role. However, I have to comment on Michael Fassbender. He started off so well, quite convincing as a… European, I guess. I don’t really know what accent he’s meant to have, but Ian McKellan uses a British one despite Erik’s German origins, so we’ll go with that. However, it seemed that two-thirds of the way through he just gave up on trying to maintain it, which I really don’t understand. Surely they didn’t film it in chronological order, so I don’t understand why it appears on some days he could do an accent well, and on others he just casually reverted back to his natural Irish accent. Even in the trailers you can hear it, which I’m sure they would have wanted to avoid. What I also don’t understand is how no-one in the whole production seemed to notice and correct him. I have to say though, that instead of being annoying or distracting, it was actually rather amusing, as it seemed to come out during important, serious scenes. And actually, it was rather distracting, but it was thoroughly entertaining, so he is forgiven. Saying all that, I have to credit him for his multilingual skills – he speaks fluently in German and French several times – which he showed off during the film.

The special effects and action sequences are to be applauded too. There is some pretty impressive stuff, from Erik pulling a submarine from the ocean using his powers and Mystique changing her appearance regularly to Emma Frost transforming into diamond form and Azazel (a member of the Hellfire Club who happens to be red. And an alien, so therefore not really a mutant) teleporting rapidly whilst killing soldiers. The climactic battle is very well done, though with everyone fighting each other – it does get a little confusing, with mutants against humans, humans against mutants and mutants against mutants… - it’s a little too chaotic. One of the very few things that actually really got on my nerves though, was Beast after he changes into Beast form. With all the special effects which are very convincing, I couldn’t understand why Nicholas Hoult looked like he was wearing a child’s rubber Halloween mask and costume. It was thoroughly disappointing, and you would think that with all the money they put into special effects in this film they would be able to improve it a little, but no. I didn’t think I’d have to say this, but in this respect The Last Stand actually beats this, insofar as Kelsey Grammer’s Beast was a lot more realistic.

Basically, to sum up, despite it’s teeny tiny flaws, the film is brilliant, and it’s absolutely refreshing to see an X-Men film that is actually worth watching, repeatedly. The new cast and director (Matthew Vaughn, Stardust, Kick-Ass) are exactly what the franchise needed to pick itself up after the shambles of The Last Stand and the hideous Wolverine prequel. This earns my first five star review.

*****

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrbHykKUfTM