Movie Review: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2

Like every great series, whether it be on the page, on television, or on the big screen, it all must come to an end. You spend years invested in the lives of amazing characters and stories as you sit at the edge of your seat waiting impatiently to find out how it all comes together. I've spent the last 10+ years reading the J.K. Rowling books and watching all of the movie adaptations. There have been seven books and eight movies. Here is my review of the last installment in the Harry Potter franchise. WARNING: There may be spoilers...

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLLOWS PART 2
Director: David Yates
Writer: Steve Kloves
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith



As we left off at the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Harry Potter is mourning the death of his house-elf, Dobby. Voldemort has stolen the elderwand from the tomb of Albus Dumbledore. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are off on the hunt to the find and destroy the horcruxes. The horcruxes are objects that when destroyed make Voldemort mortal. Once Voldemort is mortal, he can be killed.



Harry, Ron, and Hermione have determined that the next horcrux must be kept in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault in Gringott's bank. After breaking in and barely escaping, they have destroyed the horcrux. Harry sees visions of Voldemort becoming weaker and realizes that one of the other Horcruxes is hidden within Hogwarts School and another one is Nagini, Voldemort's snake. The three arrive back at Hogwarts to find Professor Snape in charge and on the hunt for Harry. Voldemort has produced a massive army to ascend over Hogwarts and kill Harry. Professor McGonagal, Lupin, Neville Longbottom, and the rest of our heroes must defend Hogwarts and save Harry's life. I hate to give anything more away for people that have only seen the movies and not read the books.



The conclusion to this tale brings an epic battle that leaves you on the edge of your seat. There are plenty of moments where you cheer, holler, and even shed a tear. There is something satisfying and delightful about seeing all of your favorite characters and actors from the past movies together for one last time duke it out. I love watching Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, and Alan Rickman in these movies. I really hope it brings younger audiences to check out their other work as well. Julie Walters has a wonderful moment with Helena Bonham Carter. If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about. There's something to be said about a series of seven books and eight movies that gets children excited about reading or brings families together as they watch the movies together. It's amazing how diverse the audience is and the age range that has gotten to know the life of Harry Potter and his friends. These are more than just fantasy tales for kids.

Some endings like The Godfather Part III or The Return of the Jedi don't live up to the previous movies in these series. Others like The Return of the King, nail it. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 belongs in the latter category. David Yates has made a sold, gratifying movie that is one the best conclusions to a film series.

RATING: ***** (5 out of 5 stars)