July 18, 2011 | 11:27 am

HARRY POTTER: The Deathly Hallows 2 Does Not Disappoint

Posted by Misha Henckel

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If you haven’t yet seen the last of the Harry Potter franchise, you should. It’s a superb adaptation of the book, and the viewer will find that the saga comes to a most satisfying conclusion. My 14 year old daughter, an obsessive Potter fan, turned to me as the credits rolled and said that she was sad.

“Why? The movie was great!”

“Yes, but it’s over now. There are no more Harry Potter films to come.” 

Well we will simply have to resort to watching the eight films, over and over, and over. 

While I loved every single one of them, The Deathly Hallows 2 has the best performances yet from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. As it should, they began this journey as children who had never acted, and now they have undoubtedly come into their own as thespians. Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), and Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) again deliver brilliant performances. I think that Alan Rickman is a genius and he has not gotten enough recognition for his work in this franchise. Fiennes too, had the impossible job of playing the pinnacle of all evil, and he did a remarkable job for which he has received insufficient credit.

Truth is the entire cast delivered, as did the writers, director and producers.

This is a story that ends with the triumph of good over evil.  Little Harry Potter, who has the seemingly insurmountable task of bringing down Lord Voldemort, makes the ultimate sacrifice and is victorious. But Harry is not the only one who shows great courage and bravery, dedication and commitment. Defeating evil cannot be accomplished by only one person. Many, many people must stand up and fight for what they know in their souls is right, even when it is so much easier to give in. In the final Harry Potter film, we see many characters show up in their truth:

Harry faces death, and in surrendering to his fate, finds his true power.

Hermione, the true genius for the entire series, finally allows herself to fall in love.

Ron finds his brilliance and takes the lead at critical moments.

Neville Longbottom emerges a true hero.

Draco Malfoy finds that he is not as evil as he has long pretended.

And Severus Snape is revealed as the most loyal, truest and bravest of them all.

For me, Snape is undoubtedly the most intriguing character. He is the silent strength, Dumbledore’s true ally and confidante and ultimately, the backbone on which the entire plot hangs. Snape’s willingness to sacrifice himself for true love proves him to be perhaps the greatest hero of a series filled with heroes.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the poignant conclusion to a journey filled with challenges, suffering, loss, and the battle against greed, power and darkness. What our heroes find in the end is that humility, honesty and the simple joys are what makes life truly fulfilling.