A Great Finale For A One Of A Kind Film Series

Rating: Null/10 (15 July 2011)

Unlike so many 'Potterheads' out there, I can't call myself a die-hard fan of the series. Yes, I have enjoyed the films greatly, but I have never read a single book, nor have I devoted time to following every piece of Potter news. So, this review comes from someone who has enjoyed the films as a fan of movies. And this final chapter is truly an enjoyable spectacle that brings the series to a wonderful close.
It's been a very long time following our trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermoine, but finally the time has come. Picking up right from the previous film, the three are on a quest to find all the remaining Horcrux, those objects that must be destroyed in order for Voldemort to be killed himself. Standing alone, this feels like half a film, so it certainly won't appeal to anyone who hasn't followed the series or at least seen Part 1. But considering the titan that this series has become in terms of films, it's safe to say that a good majority of film goers will be out to see this one and will quite enjoy it.
Probably the best thing going for this film is that it is almost non- stop excitement. While it starts out a bit slow, it quickly picks up, delivering all the action and excitement that Part 1 brushed over to develop the heavy story. It's certainly the most action driven of any of the films and goes into some truly dark territory, at times looking like a war film. I was reminded of war films during several scenes in which Harry finds himself amidst a makeshift hospital or is crawling along the ground in what is essentially a battlefield. This is the darkest chapter of the series, and rightfully so. What started as a wonderfully magic driven film series delves into it's darkest of elements and reveals the raw nature of the adult world in the Harry Potter series. That primary elements being dealt with here is death, and it is constantly foreboding. For as long as I have watched these films, I have wanted the series to bring about that dreadful seriousness coupled with fantastic action, and this film delivers all of that.
It helps that performances all around are fantastic, and the lead trio have certainly come a long ways. Throughout the series, they have managed to grow along with their characters, and they rightfully deliver the necessary chops that their characters need to. What were once children are now adults and they play their roles up well. Gone from this chapter is any of the angst from any previous film. Each character is faced with a simple fact: they may very well die. And some do. So, what remains is their battle for their lives and to defeat this great evil. It's a breath of fresh air, to finally be rid of so much of that teenage angst. Now, we finally get to have our epic climax, a great battle between good and evil. Ralph Fiennes is also of particular note, as he relishes the role of his evil Voldemort, providing a certain level of campiness that seems appropriate to the character. Alan Rickman is wonderful as usual, but finally breaks free from that brooding mold that had been crafted for so long. We get to see his wonderful acting skills put on display in full.
Now, that isn't to say this is a perfect film. No doubt, many a fan will give this a perfect 10, but as a less connected viewer, I felt some elements were slightly too convenient, as if there were certain things that were rushed in the film. Considering this is the shortest film in the series, it seems like maybe a lot of conveniences could have been more developed if only to provide a bit of common sense. Just as well, there were certain elements that felt a bit underwhelming, including the final confrontation, which seemed to evaporate rather quickly when compared to what came before. The emotional elements are there, for sure, but the film never truly feels like it completely capitalizes on everything that has led up to the final moments. Then again, it's hard to imagine that it ever really could fully live up to what we would imagine the climax to be.
Overall, however, this may very well be the best Harry Potter film. Well, this and Part 1. I still haven't decided. But it's a fun final ride. Filled with action, great acting and directing, and some very intense moments, if you've enjoyed any of the films before it, this is one finale you won't want to miss.