Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Yes folks, this marvelous, record-breaking franchise has come thundering to a close; we have watched three little kids grow up on screen. Over the past ten years the students at Hogwarts (not just Harry, Hermione and Ron) have grown past adolescence and into young adulthood. We have admired some of the finest actors available in the UK who have agreed to appear in these movies in a wonderful spirit of unanimity (the list is endless). We have appreciated the discriminating eye of author J.K. Rowling who provided watchful oversight on each and every movie in this series.

This is a big, handsome film that hits all its marks:

• Astounding production values - Money clearly is no object.
  
• Wonderful actors - Not just our three protagonists, but every single actor on screen.
  
• Great pacing - Sometimes exciting, sometimes poignant, sometimes romantic, sometimes funny.
  

My favorite scenes in this one?

• Maggie Smith striding out to defy a challenger with her wand.
• Helen Bonham-Carter playing Hermione playing Bellatrix Lastrange in an early scene.
• The lengthy series of flashbacks that reminded us of the complex issues that surround this marvelous creation and clarify some that (to me) were a bit fuzzy in my mind.
• The weary determination of the janitor, confronted by mountains of rubble after the final, cataclysmic battle at Hogwarts. He picks up one brick, sighs, and starts sweeping...

Daniel Radcliff (Harry) is an experienced, capable actor, a young man who has appeared in the West End and on Broadway several times and in a variety of movie roles. I know he will continue acting. Rupert Grint (Ron) is another hard-working professional actor, with several other movies already pending. Emma Watson (Hermione) is juggling college with modeling and acting but I hope she finishes her higher education. She's a brainy and beautiful young woman.

Am I a fan? You bet!

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Here is a link to a preview:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi128621593/
* * * * * * * * * * * *