Captivating audiences worldwide for the last ten years, the Harry Potter saga sadly draws to a close with the second part of The Deathly Hallows. A fantastic box office reign has led the Harry Potter films to be amongst the most successful franchises in Hollywood history; 7 books split over 8 films proving J.K. Rowling really does possess a magnificent writing talent. So how does the final chapter fare compared to the previous films?
David Yates’ fourth outing behind the camera begins as Part One ends, with Voldemort in possession of the Elder wand, the most powerful wand a wizard can have. With this wand Voldemort is near invincible and a showdown with Harry Potter is inevitable. As is the destruction of Hogwarts, with Voldemort’s legion of followers and Death Eaters surrounding the once serene school, ready to strike at the teachers and pupils at his command.
Meanwhile, Harry, Ron and Hermione continue their mission to destroy the Horcruxes, the sources of Voldemort’s power. With Harry continuing to experience visions from the Dark Lord’s mind, we delve deeper into the relationship between the boy wizard and the evil lord and there are revelations aplenty. Their quest for the Horcruxes eventually leads them back to Hogwarts and a reunion with close friends and teachers, resulting in a full scale battle between good and evil; a suitably epic spectacle for adults and children alike.
With the powers of good and evil clashing in a battle of mass proportions some previously fringe characters come to the forefront and shine just as bright as our regular heroes Harry, Ron and Hermione. Following a fantastic battle, we come to an epic conclusion that we have been waiting for for some time now, Harry Potter or Lord Voldemort, who will prevail in a fight to the death? Go see it to find out!!
Never has a finale to a film series received such widespread worldwide coverage than J.K. Rowling's final outing for everybody's favourite boy wizard, and what better way to end on a high. David Yates has essentially created an unforgettable ending to a film franchise that will live long in the memory and will be passed down through many generations.
From the beginning spectacular shot of the Death Eaters poised over a waiting Hogwarts to the superb inevitable fight to the death between Harry and Voldermort, this film has classic written all over it. Although the shortest of the Potter films this by no means makes it the least fulfilling, very much the opposite in fact. With all loose ends being tied up and some frankly award-winning visuals and performances it is no wonder people are flocking to view what is clearly a front runner for one of the films of the year 2011.
Radcliffe, Watson and Grint all show they have grown in stature since the series began and the likes of Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes continue their dominant reign as the main evil-doers with such ease. Couple that with a broad array of British talent, from young newcomers to established Brit favourites, and you have the perfect British film at your disposal. It's safe to say that Harry Potter will forever be known as one of the best and most successful film series in history and there is no sweeter way to finish than with easily the best instalment of them all.
Film rating : 5 out of 5 stars
The lowdown: Having grown up with the Harry Potter films through the years this was always set up to be the main event and by all means this has succeeded. Wonderful acting, breathtaking visuals and a ground-breaking conclusion to a fascinating story all make this the film to beat in 2011. Only downside - the 3D is slightly unnecessary but does not deter from a true movie masterpiece.
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