Satisfying Finale to the Series

Rating: 9/10 (18 July 2011)

10 years after it began, the Harry Potter franchise has achieved something unheard of in film. Never before have we seen a film series that has not only kept up the overall quality through this many installments, but it actually got better as it went. There was never a bad Harry Potter film, and we can expect that there never will be. Whether "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" is really the pinnacle of film making for the series is debatable, but what isn't debatable is that it resolves this elaborately crafted story in fitting fashion, one that will surely please anyone who made it this far.
It is hard to rate this final installment by itself. Since it is really the second half of a movie that was split up because of time constraints, it's really more appropriate to combine both parts of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" into one when judging it on quality. I enjoyed Part 1 a lot, feeling that although it lacked some of the excitement and wonder of the best of the series, the increasingly dark atmosphere and fantastic performances made it a worthwhile film. While Part 1 did feature far more character development, it paid off in setting up all the action and heroics that are seen in Part 2. Together, they make a marvelous picture, even if they do need each other to achieve proper balance.
Part 2 does feature the same solid direction and scoring we've come to expect from the Harry Potter films, and since 7 films of character building has led to this, the film makers don't have to worry about us caring about the outcome. The length is just right, not feeling rushed or letting things cool down too much. Most of the secondary characters get their moment in the sun, properly closing arcs in dramatic (if sometimes predictable) fashion. What really sets this film apart is the truly excellent backstory segment seen 2/3 through. Beautifully filmed and edited, it ties the entire saga together to give even more depth and meaning to everything that has come before. Alan Rickman shows once again what a brilliant casting choice he was back in 2001, as he in my opinion has been the backbone of the series, commanding our attention in every scene he has ever been in.
In the previous 7 films, we as an audience never really got to see the epic scope that the story promised. We caught a glimpse at the end of "Order of the Phoenix", but Part 2 definitely brings the heat. A convincing courtyard battle sets the stage in grand fashion. There is finally some proper consequences to all the threatening the villains do, which is much appreciated. It makes the series as a whole far more compelling when there are sacrifices on both sides and not every character is made to be simply black or white on the morality scale. Indeed, some of the most interesting material in this film has to do with a character who isn't even alive to see it.
Is "Deathly Hallows Part 2" the best Harry Potter film ever? It is easily one of the most exciting, engaging films of the series, and the scope is unmatched. The effort put forth to send the series off in admirable fashion is clear. It's hard to imagine anyone having a negative reaction to it, something that no previous installment can claim. I would still put my money on "The Prisoner of Azkaban" as the overall strongest Harry Potter film for a few reasons, but this definitely not far behind. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" is a terrific ending to the series. Overall score: 8.5/10