Films: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (2011)

Dir. David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes....

It's the end of an era. I can say that because Harry Potter, whether through books or movies, has been a huge part of my life. It might sound silly, but there is so much good to be learned from those stories. Harry is a true hero. He's a real guy with struggles and a whole lot of issues, who ultimately realises that there is no greater love than to be willing to die for your friends, and even those you've never met.

So, slushy nostalgic and philosophical thoughts aside, lets review this as a film.

I think it's fair to say that the films have been getting better and better which each installment, and this one is quite simply brilliant. The actors, now young adults, have become so comfortable in their roles that the relationships, whether between friends or enemies, are entirely believable.

In brief (for those of you living in some kind of anti-potter bubble), Harry Potter and his two best friends Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts in an attempt to find and destroy the remaining horcruxes (portions of Voldemorts soul) and ultimately kill Lord Voldemort. Not your average end of term shenanigans for British school kids. Holding the fort in his absence, Neville Longbottom and the rest of Dumbledore's Army have been taking a beating, and welcome Harry back with open arms. All hell breaks loose, however, as a huge and epic battle breaks out within Hogwarts, the outcome of which guarantees that either Voldemort or Harry will die.

It's pretty gripping stuff, from the rip-roaring break-in at Gringotts bank, to the stirring speech given by Neville (My hero! I told you he would have his moment! *swoon*). Yates uses silences really effectively in the film, as he does the special effects which create the stunning final battle. You can't help but be swept up by the struggle between good and evil. As huge spiders and giants storm the castle, and Hogwarts' suits of armour come to life, it seems the whole magical world is involved in the fight.

There is not a single line that is delivered half-heartedly, as though the cast realised that this would be their last chance to ever play these wonderfully deep and well-loved characters. I shed more than a few tears, particularly towards the end in a scene where Harry comes to terms with the number of deaths that have happened in his name. He hates being 'The Boy who Lived,' but he knows what he must do. Radcliffe's performance is excellent and a far cry from little 11 year-old Harry who was rescued from a cupboard under the stairs and thrust into the spotlight.

So, in short, thanks Harry. Thanks JK Rowling. It has been a wonderful wild ride.

My Rating: ***** 5/5 stars
Recommendation: Don't watch this movie until you have watched all the others. Better still, don't watch it until you have read all of the books. Brilliant.