A Thoroughly Entertaining Film Now and for the Ages

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2011)

This final entry in the Harry Potter series ties up all of the loose ends in a grand style that is both rousing and triumphant. I haven't had this much fun at the movies since I was a kid, credit that to the magnificent characters and stories created by J.K. Rowling. Also script writer Steve Kloves is able to mesh the most important plot points into a tight storyline that is suspenseful, thrilling and very moving.
This final installment is by far the darkest in the series and director David Yates has created dozens of powerful images throughout this film. He sets the stage with a wonderful shot of Severus Snape leering from a parapet high above Hogwarts, an eerie prelude to the high adventure and drama lying ahead.
The acting once again is top rate as the cast is chock full of some of the finest British character actors. Several newcomers deliver particularly strong performances Ciaran Hinds as Abeforth Dumbledore and Kelly Macdonald as Helena Ravenclaw command the screen in captivating fashion.
There are several laughs along the way to ease the tension, Ron Weasley provides a chuckle or two but, this film belongs to Harry. Daniel Radcliffe has emerged from this series of films with some serious acting chops and his powerful performance here is certainly Oscar worthy. Alan Rickman is haunting and very memorable as Severus Snape. Ralph Fiennes bubbles with delicious wickedness and an evil hissing whisper that will curl your toes.
Some critics have argued the film is too short, I disagree. I found The Deathly Hallows part 2 to be highly enjoyable and compact storytelling that whisks the viewer into a magical world and cleverly and carefully sums it all up. This is movie-making at its finest, a team of highly talented professionals creating a thoroughly entertaining movie for now and for the ages.