'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' - Ended as Intended...With a Stunning Climax to a Franchise Like No Other

So the time has come for us to bid farewell to a magical franchise we would be lucky (but most unlikely) to come across again in our lifetimes - the Harry Potter film series has met its end. And what an end to finish on. The trailers for this film promised clashing battles between the ultimate forces of good and evil created by J K Rowling and it certainly delivered in terms of action. 

The second part to the Deathly Hallows starts exactly where the first part left off, setting the serious tone of the film with a dark shot of Voldemort unleashing the powers of his wand ready to embark on his encounter with Harry. A couple of scenes follow filled with silence mostly, short sentences from the cast letting the locations speak for itself giving the audience time to remember how exactly the first part of Deathly Hallows ended. This further sets the tone of seriousness and anticipation as those who have read the book know Harry is about to set off on the biggest confrontation of his life.

This series has worked well and particularly this film because of the expert skill of acting involved not only from the experienced, more weathered older cast but just as much from the main considerably younger star Daniel Radcliffe. There comes alot of pressure with such a role to play that is worshiped and followed by so many, however Daniel seems able to carry this well as his portrayal of a brave, determined yet extremely vulnerable teenager is executed so well in this film and will no doubt gain him endless movie offers after this - J K Rowling was lucky to cast such a talented boy back in 2000.

Of course the supporting cast carry the film also and so J K Rowling was extremely lucky in finding exactly the right people able to portray these characters she created so accurately and convincingly. The two roles that stood out for me personally was Voldemort portrayed by Ralph Fiennes and Professor Snape portrayed by Alan Rickman. Both seasoned actors but these roles were particularly played well fitting my image of the characters when I read the books. Fiennes brings the hissing sense of pure evil to Voldemort so easily its frankly horrifying and Rickman was able to bring a surprising openness of vulnerability in this film contrasting his usual impassive acting style - Oscar nominations deserved for both actors.

This film contained non stop action and so the audience is never left restless and also scenes of emotional contemplation and revelation to provide some relief from the fast pace. There are certain details of the last book left out but also so many scenes remained loyal to the book such as the last scene of Harry and the rest as grown adults with families. I believe it is impossible to include every aspect of J K's words into a two hour film and so I appreciate this film for what it is: a truly moving, unique, larger than life movie experience that I am sad to see leave me after ten years.

Harry Potter, its been a pleasure.