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Following Part 1, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are still looking for the final few horcruxes that will bring about the demise of Lord Voldemort.
Their search takes them to Bellatrix Lastrange's vault in Gringott's followed by a visit to Hogwarts where they are trapped by Voldemort and the Death Eaters for the final battle.
There has often been a debate in the media industry when a film adaptation of a popular novel is released. Harry Potter has perhaps been scrutinised more than any other film and arguably more plot differences have been noticed because of the sheer popularity of the franchise. In this respect though, Harry Potter differs from many other franchises in that it was being made as a film long before the final book had been penned.
Of course this doesn't excuse it for being vastly different to the book but, as with any adaptation, it becomes the interpretation of the writer (Steve Cloves) and the director (David Yates) that transformers J.K. Rowling's novel into something acceptable for the big screen. As someone that got half way through the final book before giving up (I was utterly bored of flitting between locations looking for horcruxes), I was severely impressed with the way that the film did manage to hold my concentration.
An entire generation of people have grown up around Harry Potter. My first toe-dipping was when I bought a first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on launch date - July 8th 2000. From there I purchased the first three books and I was sufficiently hooked to snap up the final three books at various midnight launches. I have never been overly keen on the films - mostly because of the book-to-film conversion issues - but having struggled to progress on the final book I watched both of the final parts of the film counterparts very early into their release - and boy, wasn't I rewarded.
The final film is also the first one to incorporate the third dimension. A much-scoffed flying scene with Voldemort and Harry (which didn't appear in the book) is a beautiful example of 3D film. The battle scenes feature quantities of people not seen since the Lord of the Rings franchise and the intricacy in the fighting is awesome.
The films have often trundled through in the past - I wasn't a big fan of Chamber of Secrets and it often looked like it recycled footage - but like the actors, the films have matured into something more than just a niche wizarding cult. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have rightly taken much of the credit for the franchise's success and they are a credit to English acting, having dragged themselves - almost part-time - through school whilst growing up in a very adult environment on set.
Grint and Watson are given more of a back seat in the final film, giving way to the conflict between the two main protagonists and the various other characters from the past that have been shoehorned into the action. The number of characters gives the film a very nostalgic feel - and rightly so - as the romantic side in any fan would feel let down without a final farewell to some of the series' heroes and villains.
The movie's fanfare is now moving into the echelons of cinematic history alongside some of the recognisable greats such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park and the dark theme of the film is encapsulated in the supporting scores from the final battle and Gringott's escape.
Perhaps not a five-star film on its own, but as a tribute to a whole generation of actors and film-makers it is truly first class.
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