Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 2

Review by Sean Lynch

I can't believe it's all over!

The final adventure in the Harry Potter Universe has arrived and  it's going to be sad to see it go.

There hasn't been a single franchise in the history of cinema that has managed to run this long without significant cast changes or the occasional dip in quality (I'm looking at you James Bond and Star Trek).

So the fact that Harry Potter has taken it's characters and fans on a continuity filled journey full of excitement and emotion is not simply a testament to the writing of J.K. Rowling - but also to the studios and directors involved in the series.

Let's face it, Hollywood isn't always this kind to source material - no matter how perfectly written.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 picks up from the very moment Part 1 ended (well, duh) as we count down the moments until the epic finale - the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalating into an all-out war.

The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown of Horcruxes, ghosts and with Lord Voldemort.

Some will live, some will die, some will shine and some will wither away. It has pretty much everything you want in the climax of such an epic story, although Yates misses a few opportunities to milk genuine emotion from some major cast losses in favour of pacing.

Admittedly, it takes a few minutes to get your bearings as the film commences (if you can, try and watch Part 1 pretty soon before so you are as up to date as you can) but once the pan warms up - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is an unstoppable force of entertainment.

It's also, oddly, the most accessible to casual Harry Potter fans - for no reason other than for once we finally get a genuine conclusion to events.

Fans also have the opportunity to experience the film in 3D, something that - up until now - only 15 minutes or so have ever been offered up. The good news is the 3D conversion is pretty enjoyable. There are some excellent textural pieces of footage that really bring you into the world.

Although, like most 3D films, your brain switches off from it throughout the film - so for parents looking to save a buck, you and the kids can probably survive without forking over the extra cash.

It's sad to see them go, because it's very unlikely in our lifetime we will encounter a saga so perfectly realised on the big screen.

We're going to miss you Hogwarts - if not because of the adventures you took us on... but also allowing us to hear Alan Rickman squeeze as much screen time out of his dialogue as is humanly possible.

4 out of 5

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 2
Australian release: 13th July, 2010
Official Site: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 2
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton
Director: David Yates