Time for the main event, Mr. Potter.

Rating: 7/10 (13 July 2011)

"Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part II" continues directly where Part I leaves off. Part I, standing alone, may easily be the best film in the Potter franchise, because of its faithfulness to the novel and for bringing in superb characterization between the three main characters.
Alas, Part II suffers slightly from lack of back-story from other characters and somewhat rushed action sequences (which really do look intense, to give it credit). But since this is a direct continuation of the story and not a sequel, I guess it can be excused.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad film. Far from it. It has a good screenplay, witty dialogue, a dark atmosphere throughout, tense direction by David Yates, and good performances from the actors. There's nothing wrong with that at all.
Having said that, there's not much to be said about the movie that is different from the first part, apart from Maggie Smith, Ciaran Hinds and Gary Oldman popping up to complete the cast, some sweeping cinematography and some (not all, some were obviously made for blatant 3D) good visual effects make it quite the exhilarating watch.
There's some things which I didn't like. Recurring characters showing up and suddenly dying (off-screen, no less!) The action sequences were plentiful, but each of them were quite short, in my opinion. The final duel between Harry and Voldemort could have been more epic, too.
However, there are some very good scenes that stand out and overshadows its flaws. Alan Rickman's Snape is fleshed out in a very proper manner and the audience sympathizes with him. Then, Albus Dumbledore returns briefly for an engaging and meaningful final talk with Harry (while the production design for that scene alone has shades of Kubrick). Finally, the film (and the series before it) ends with an epilogue that will surely leave the fans teary-eyed once the credits start to roll.
Is it spectacular? Yes. Kind of. You get what you paid for. Those who walk in the cinema hall without reading the books or watching the previous seven films will be dumbfounded to what is going on in the film. Those who have, and those who endure the series, will find it hard to say goodbye to their beloved characters that they have come to know and love for the past decade.
In short, it's not as great as I expected, but it's not too cheesy and not too overblown, it's actually pretty darn good. And the ending is sentimentally joyful and a fitting farewell to Harry and his friends.
Taking "Deathly Hallows" as one entire film, it is a big, grand, epic, dark and emotionally satisfying conclusion to one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
Kudos to J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and others. It's been a wild and nostalgic ride, but like all great stories, it all ends here. Farewell to the Boy Who Lived, and may he enchant us again when we revisit him either by book or by Blu-Ray.
Part II rating: 71/100
Part I rating: 75/100
Overall rating for Deathly Hallows: 73/100