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In the much anticipated conclusion to the magical series, the action kicks right in. Picking up just moments after the last film leaves off, we watch Harry and his friends gearing up for the ultimate battle of good vs. evil. With Voldemort in possession of the Elderwand - not only the most powerful wand in existence, but also one-third of the fabled Deathly Hallows that together can make any wizard the master of death - it's up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione to locate and destroy the last remaining Horcruxes and vanquish the Dark Lord forever. With the last film having perfectly set the stage for the final showdown between Harry and Voldemort, it allows the story to focus purely on the thrilling climax as one long third act which doesn't slow down for even a second. One scene, where our brave trio narrowly evades death by taking flight on a fire-breathing dragon and busting through the roof of Gringott's, is especially exhilarating. It's also great fun seeing Emma Watson as Hemione - who we've come to know and love for her extremely rational and logical judgement - throw caution to the wind by hatching their crazy escape plan in the first place. Similarly, Daniel Radcliffe - an adorable little boy when the series first started, and now a confident young man - imbues Harry with all the courage and determination he can muster. Seeing Harry tormented as he watches his friends sacrifice themselves for him, and coming to grips with the realization of what he must do to finally stop Voldemort left me both terrified and awestruck. But no character arc was more saisfying than that of Severus Snape (played by one uber-talented Alan Rickman, who gives me goose bumps whenever he appears on screen) in an enlightening flashback that answers all questions about where Snape's heart and loyalties lie once and for all. The stakes are higher here than ever before, and so is the death toll - watching key players get killed off makes the action all too real - resulting in the most emotional and gut-wrenching installment to date. There was one scene that left me feeling a bit underwhelmed (and I think fans of the books will agree that the fight between Bellatrix and Molly Weasley was much too brief in the film and felt rushed), but that is a minor complaint. Overall, the gifted filmmakers do a tremendous job of keeping faithful to the novels and appeasing book fans and film fans alike. As we bid a bittersweet farewell to Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the wizardring world, we are sad but also filled with hope that their story lives on in the minds and hearts of all proud Potterphiles. Goodbye, Harry, and thanks for the memories.
5 out of 5 stars
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