Starring: Danielle Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Ruppert Grint

When reviewing a movie, a number of things have to be taken into account—the performances of the actors, the quality of script, the cinematography and of course the director’s touch that brings the whole story together. In the case of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 however, things are a bit different, as different as muggles compared to wizards, half-blood or otherwise.

This review is unique not only because the movie is a continuation of the massively successful adaptation of the first half of its corresponding book (Deathly Hallows: Part 1, which is enjoying the largest viewing figures to date both at the cinema and on the Acentic iTV platform), but because we are witnessing, something through teary eyes, the end of the much-loved and incredibly successful Harry Potter series. And what an ending.

While some found that Part 1 lacked pace and energy, Part 2 more than picks up the pace. Throughout the movie, we join Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore’s Army as they fend off Lord Voldemort’s attempts to take hold of Hogwarts and the action is non-stop. The movie excels at huge set-pieces and battle scenes, and the effects are often gasp-inducing. However, Part 2 also strikes the perfect balance between large-scale theatrics, and delicate emotion; there are many stand-out scenes of tenderness, with Snape and Harry, between all three of the kids, etc.

What stands out most in Part 2 is Ralph Fienne’s performance as Voldemort. He brings an interested humanity to the part as he negotiates the scenario which I shall describe as the “Voldemort tragedy.” As he gets tantalisingly close to realising his dream of killing Harry Potter and taking full control of Hogwarts, in parallel so Harry continues to destroy the Horcruxes containing Voldemort’s very soul. Never before has someone been so close to death as their lifetime quest is so closely realised.

Fienne’s performance aside, fans of the series will revel in being reunited with characters from all previous movies – I challenge anyone not to shed a tear as a series of well handled flashbacks remind us of just how far our heroes have came in their time at Hogwarts. Fans of the books will also be relieved to witness flashbacks covering more historical events at Hogwarts which really bring home how special ‘the boy who lived’ is, and the great sacrifices one key character has made to ensure his continued safety.

As a second half to the Deathly Hallows, this movie works beautifully. As the finale to the series it is a complete success and in turn guarantees the Harry Potter series a legion of fans both for this and future generations. 100 points to Gryffindor!