The two-hour-ten-minute movie moves like a steam train on full throttle, and the Battle of Hogwarts is almost as grand as you would have imagined it to be. The film alternates between action and emotion with the right kind of shutter-speed and tries to stay faithful to the book to a larger extent than previously seen. The special effects are top class, and more realistic.
Though the final film opens with Harry at Dobby's grave, I doubt one can feel as much for Dobby the free elf, given that the whole subtext of wizards versus other magical creatures has been given short shrift in the films. As has Harry's own love affair with Ginny Weasley, coupled with the superhero's guilt.
And yet, the final film shines. Snape's flashback is beautifully done.
Watching the trio of Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson (too pretty to be Hermione, but that's not a complaint) and Rupert Grint mature into such fine actors. They have become Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley; that is their triumph. These are roles of a lifetime, and the kids deserve a round of applause.
As do the entire ensemble cast. Maggie Smith playing the strict but loving Professor Minerva McGonagall, Alan Rickman as the misunderstood Severus Snape, Helena Bonham Carter (an absolute hoot playing Hermione play Bellatrix on Polyjuice Potion) as the manic Bellatrix Lestrange, and Ralph Fiennes, who plays Lord Voldemort with rare aplomb. Even Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood and Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom really flower in this one.
Deathly Hallows Part 2 is undoubtedly the best of the Harry Potter movies.
For now, go and watch this lavish movie for its performances, for its special effects, and for its storytelling.
