Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint
Reviewer: Brett Gallman
Reviewer's Rating: **** (Four Stars)
A decade and seven previous films have all led to this, the stunning conclusion to the Harry Potter saga. Our final trip to Hogwarts finds the school transformed into some sort of Gothic, wizardly military academy under the gaze of new headmaster Severus Snape (Alan Rickman). Meanwhile, Harry and company return to defend the school against Voldemort’s gathered forces. Deathly Hallows Part 2 is a grand adventure, one that recalls the whimsy of the early films while also remaining mature, dark, and even a bit violent. The return to Hogwarts is especially a boon in recapturing the old magic, as old, familiar faces return for the final stand, which is a technical marvel; while it may not feel as epic as previous film battles (such as the ones featured in Lord of the Rings), there are some marvelous, sweeping shots that capture the epic scope.
All of that is certainly exciting, but the film manages to be a rousing crowd pleaser by letting characters big and small have their moment (Neville Longbottom fans, this is the film for you). Thankfully, the film never forgets that this is our last time with this bunch that we’ve followed for so long, so they’re at the center of a packed narrative that still has plenty of twists, turns, and secrets to reveal. Especially noteworthy is Rickman, who turns in one of the saga’s finest performances as Severus Snape in a turn that’s affecting on multiple emotional levels.
That emotion is a key component to this final entry; whatever nitpicks are to be had (and I suspect many book fans will be remiss at material left out of the brisk 2 hour adaptation) are easily glossed over by the poignancy of this final journey--it breathes when it has to, despite the fact that it’s a massive climax firing on all cylinders right out of the gate. It’s not only the culmination of a massive achievement in storytelling, but also a spectacular event itself, one that stands alongside other great, climactic films.
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