The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
This is monumental cinema, awash with gorgeous tones, and carrying an ultimate message that will resonate with every viewer, young or old: there is darkness in all of us, but we can overcome it.
Fusing spectacle and emotion into a thrilling final chapter, director David Yates ensures that the series goes out with a bang. Finales don’t come much grander than this.
Of course, if the films haven't won you over by this point, this one is unlikely to make you a convert, but for the millions of fans who've grown up with Potter, it's good enough to make saying goodbye a tougher proposition.
A satisfying climax.
Kudos above all, however, to Yates, who helmed the three previous films, for managing to balance story and spectacle. The final Potter is his toughest narrative test of all, and he passes it.
This is such an entertaining, beguiling, charming and exciting picture.
A triumph for all involved and a great testimony to the skill and expertise alive in the British film industry.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Sense Of Self Importance Part 2 is a handsome, action-packed affair that ties up loose ends, dispatches villains, congratulates heroes and is completely indecipherable to the uninitiated.
A worthy farewell that packs in as much action as its seven predecessors combined and manages not to stint on the emotional beats. Harry Potter leaves us as a quiet, bespectacled, corduroy-wearing hero for the ages.
At its best, and this finale falls just short of Alfonso Cuaron’s Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), its whimsical, chaotically-assembled brand of retro fantasy has been an peppy, uncynical tonic. It’s hard to disagree with Dumbledore’s parting shot: “Of course it’s happening inside your head, Harry; that doesn’t mean it’s not real.”
A fitting culmination to a monumental achievement
Spell-bound.
This is such an entertaining, beguiling, charming and exciting picture. It reminded me of the thrill I felt on seeing the very first one, 10 years ago.
Much better than I expected, given the mediocrity of the series in general and the fizzle of part one in particular.
So long, Harry. It’s been magic.
Ends on a high.
When the film came to its brisk and restrained conclusion, I wouldn't say I was sad to see the back of the franchise, but I bade it a fonder farewell than I would have expected.
When this epic odyssey began, I raised the question as to whether the Harry Potter films would endure as well as The Wizard of Oz. My answer then was: "Quite possibly." I'm now much less sure.
It’s great that the series has come to a proper conclusion. Nevertheless, it’s sort of sad to see it go.
Film Preview
Harry Potter and the end of a pop-culture phenomenon
Harry Potter: Leaving us spellbound
Behind the scenes look at Gringotts and goblins
General release. Check local listings for show times.
RSS feed of Cinema reviews