David Yates directs the final chapter of the Harry Potter series where we bid a sad farewell to Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) in an action-packed adventure. The trio’s search for the remaining horcruxes steps up a gear as they battle against the mighty Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) for one last time.
Daniel Radcliffe takes charge and fully encompasses the role of Harry Potter who is brave enough to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. One of the standout scenes is Harry, Ron and Hermione undercover and storming into Gringotts Bank to track down a horcrux in the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter).
Hermione has drunk a magic potion so she appears as Bellatrix. Helena Bonham Carter does a fantastic job of imitating the mannerisms and behaviour of Hermione.
The trio’s exit from the Gringotts Bank is a sight to behold and captures the fun, thrilling and magical side of the Harry Potter adventures. “This is brilliant!” Ron cries during their fantastic escape and he’s right.
The action scenes unfortunately feel rushed as if they are trying to get from one point to another as quickly as possible without pausing for breath to take in the magnitude of what’s happening. Sometimes you feel like you are trying to catch up with the action and consequences of the events.
Matthew Lewis’ Neville Longbottom really triumphs as a hero and has come a long way since we last saw him as the boy who was always getting into mishaps.
There are some great poignant scenes from Alan Rickman as Professor Snape as the truth is revealed about his character.
The ending showing the characters 19 years later is a bit too saccharine and the actors in their full ageing make-up don’t look convincing. It would have been better to have ended the film with the previous scene.
Tweet-size review: An action-packed finale to end the Harry Potter franchise with a bang.
