Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

The most anticipated film finale of a generation. But does it live up to the hype?

Starting where Deathly Hallows (Part 1) left off, with Voldemort acquiring the Elder Wand and Harry weeping over the remains of Dobby, it is more of the same but with a lot more of payoff. The issues with the previous film are actually the strengths of this one, being that nothing needed setting up. It means we are straight in with the polyjuice potion and a bank robbery.

This film runs along the same timeline as the book, therefore the main portion takes place over 36 hours which gives the film a frenetic feel. This means that before you even notice the action has taken the three leads back to Hogwarts for the final battle.

For a film that tries to be about the two main characters, Harry and Voldemort, it is the amazing cameo moments from the smaller characters that make it as good as it is. Dame Maggie Smith as McGonagall for instance takes charge of the defence of the castle turning it into a defensive post; her performance is warrior-like with a little bit of humour that helps break the tension but doesn’t take you out of the situation.

Being a franchise that is spans seven years and eight films gives an opportunity for some of the smaller characters to have well rounded character arcs. Julie Walters as Mrs Weasley starts the franchise as a ‘mumsy’ character but by the middle of Deathly Hallows Part 2 she has transformed into almost an Amazonian warrior after her daughter is attacked. Matthew Lewis, as Neville Longbottom, has always seemed like the comedy relief however in this film he has turned into the bravest character of the piece; he has lived with the effects of crossing the Death Eaters but still is the first to stand up to them.

As some of the most loyal supporters, fantasy fans will be impressed by the film’s interpretation of the source material. This film is certainly a worthy ending to one of the largest franchises around.