For many people in the cinema, the final instalment of the Harry Potter franchise is the end of an era. An entire generation of moviegoers have grown up with the story of ‘the boy who lived.’

For others, the film was more about the visualisation of a story we already knew. The epic battle between good and evil and its inevitable conclusion displayed in cinematographic brilliance.

David Yates’ vision for the much-anticipated ending was realised in a dark and gripping film. For those who have not read the books each layer and each plot point was delivered in a way that touched you, released every conceivable emotion and left you yearning for more.

In the final chapter of the Harry Potter series, we pick up exactly where Part 1 of ‘The Deathly Hallows’ left us. Harry and friends having been rescued in the nick of time from Malfoy Manner by Dobby the House Elf, find themselves at Bill Weasley’s cottage with the Sword of Gryffindor, a number of horcruxes remaining to destroy and Dobby, a much loved character slain by Bellatrix Lestrange.

If you need a refresher of the previous film Anthony’s review of ‘The Deathly Hallows – Part 1” can be found here: http://snarkhunters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=513:harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1&catid=44:movies-and-television

Not unlike its predecessor, Part 2 is a very dark and moody film that has been designed and directed to terrify audiences and convey the loss of hope the wizarding world is feeling with the ascension of Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord is now in control of the magical society and there seems little hope left. Dumbledore has died, the Ministry is now clearly in the control of the Death Eaters and our only remaining adult wizards and witches; the Order of the Phoenix appear to be on the run and playing a wholly defensive game.

Enter Harry, Hermione and Ron continuing where they left off in the search for horcruxes. Unlike Part 1, this time our heroes have more direction and focus with what they need to do. In some ways, this was the major downfall of an otherwise great film. Yates clearly had a vision of the final movie being all about the battle – about the confrontation of good vs evil and the fatalism of Harry confronting his destiny, however at times this seemed to be at the expense of major climatic moments.

The film seemed to gloss over important events and highly emotional plot points, in order to get us to the battle and the inevitable confrontation between Harry and Voldemort.

If you have read the books, then you are probably dreading certain events and losses throughout the battle. My biggest complaint with the film is that in Yates desire to provide us with epic effects and a hugely climatic battle, the speed with which he dealt with and moved on from the more emotional moments denied some characters a sense of reverence and respect they clearly earned in the novels. Likewise, rather than let events unfold, there seemed to be a large emphasis on explanation from characters and other sources.

As I left the cinema I couldn’t help but dwell on those moments and came to the realisation that if they are the only failings of the film, then the conclusion to the franchise has still managed to do an amazing job.

Like the previous chapter, the visual effects were nothing short of extraordinary and the sets, scenery and CGI came together to provide us with an amazing experience. The acting as we’ve come to expect was superb and while all eyes were on Daniel Radcliffe, he managed to deliver with honours.

The real theatrical heroes of the film were Emma Watson and Alan Rickman. Emma Watson has grown incredibly as an actress since the first film was made a decade ago and I look forward to watching her career grow from here. On the other hand, veteran Alan Rickman has always been a joy to watch and has played every villain he has been casted as with flair and skill – and this final Harry Potter film was no exception.

The film was an incredible ending to an amazing story and journey and while I would have preferred that more emphasis be placed on the emotional journey within the film, I still wouldn’t hesitate to see it again.