It is very difficult to avoid using clichéd adjectives when talking about Harry Potter films. Words like “magical”, “spell-binding”, and “enchanting” get thrown around like spells in a wand-fight. This being said, all of them are fitting for this last movie, which is a spectacular ending to the most successful franchise of all time.
At the end of the previous film, we see the death of Dobby the house-elf, and the trio on their way to destroying the soul of Lord Voldemort. Chasing the Horcruxes has been a dangerous and exhausting journey, and one with still a lot of ground to cover at the beginning of the film, but Harry, Ron and Hermione will be returning to familiar settings for the final showdown: Hogwarts. The battle between the Death Eaters and The Order seems hugely one-sided, but the protection of the school for wizards offers some glimmer of hope for the struggling heroes. Harry faces harsh truths about himself, and those closest to him, whilst making his way to a deathly confrontation with his nemesis.
Characters we have lived with for ten years will face their biggest challenges, some will not survive the film, and others will be changed forever. As a follow on, part two does not need much building up, the story carries straight on, and the tempo is unrelenting. Battle scenes, emotional revelations and explosive stunts make this the most action-packed movie yet. The acting is better than ever, with only a few cringe-worthy moments where we are reminded that many of these child actors were chosen primarily for their resemblance to characters, not their prowess. Although the major hitters like Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman remain on top form.
The film is a brilliant example of cinematic excellence, how films can still have the power to affect us on a deep level. Few stories of this calibre will emerge in our lifetime, and the film industry has done this extraordinary collection of books proud. There are truly touching moments, brilliant special effects, wonderfully emotive music, and an atmosphere of complete fantasy that is extremely difficult to pull off.
If you enjoyed the Harry Potter books you may find the absence of certain side plots irritating, and the addition of certain scenes annoying. But, it is important to remember how many pages they needed to cover in a short space of time, it is a terrifying feat. Although, I would argue this film could have been another thirty minutes longer! Some who have not read the books will inevitably get very confused, the plot can seem like an ever-growing animal that keeps running away from you, but this should only encourage you to read the original material.
Few movies will emerge this year with enough cinematic perfection as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. I urge everyone to see this movie at the cinema, as it deserves your full attention on the big screen. And, if you are like-minded to the people who attended the showing I did last night, you will be clapping as the credits roll.
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