Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Ralph Fiennes
Rating: **** So the journey is over. The good news for Potterphiles is that the eighth and last
film adapted from JK Rowling's epic saga delivers its expected quota of spellbinding special effects and magical mayhem.
Incidentally, the farewell extravaganza was split into two films. Part 1 was released late last year. Potter's adieu packs plenty of hyper-kinetic thrills and eye-popping spectacle even as it wraps up all the loose ends of the seven-book series.
On his fourth Potter film in a row, director Yates again conjures up a fantasy realm that keeps us absolutely engrossed.
The adrenalin-pumping action scenes include an escape from a cavernous bank vault on the wings of a dragon. But the labyrinths of the plot are a tad difficult to traverse, especially for those unfamiliar with the previous episodes.
As it happens, denizens of the wizard world have never been in such peril before. Cut to the supernaturally empowered Harry (Radcliffe, immensely likeable) who returns to his alma mater for a do-or-die battle against his lifelong nemesis (Fiennes, demonic as ever).
Evil could actually triumph making this show of sorcery the gloomest of the series.
Frustratingly, an extended coda where the intrepid trio of buddies (Radcliffe-Emma Watson-Rupert Grint) reunite years later strikes one of the film's few false notes.
Otherwise, the ominous atmosphere is built up with dexterity. The production design is splendid. Ditto the background music score by Alexandre Desplat.
British stalwarts Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter and Michael Gambon are as charismatic as ever. Oddly, Emma Thompson and Jim Broadbent are relegated to the background. From the enormous supporting cast, Alan Rickman is outstanding as the de facto headmaster.
At 130 minutes the shortest of all the Potter films …Deathly Hallows :Part 2 is a fitting finale of the truly phenomenal franchise.
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