Over the past ten years we have grown up with Harry Potter, we have fought basilisks, we have won the Triwizard Tournament and we have battled against Death Eaters, and now, Harry Potter has fought his last battle.

It was open to debate how this film would reach the bar set by the others however it not only reached it, it raised it. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was by far a fitting climax for the past ten years of Harry Potter cinema. It not only tied up lose ends in the story line but it is also offered the opportunity to previously understated characters to be recognised, with a particularly memorable outburst from Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) and a heart-touching monologue from the one and only Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis).

Lest we forget the famous three, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) who all, once again, delivered a mesmerising performance. Over the years we have seen these three grow into two impressive wizards and one very impressive witch and in their final performance, they stepped up their game once more. It was Ron in particular who left members of the audience shell-shocked with his actions in the film. When we were first introduced to his character he was portrayed as Harry’s clumsy side-kick, well, it may have taken ten years but the transformation from side-kick to hero is complete! Not only has Ron abandoned his clumsy ways but he seems to have developed quite a knack for spontaneous spells and has also become remarkably quick-witted, constantly coming up with bright ideas and even managing a bit of Parseltongue. 

The big shock of the film was delivered by Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) who has gone from villain to schoolteacher and the last we heard, had gone back to villain! However the non book readers amongst the audience will experience an emotional end. Snape and Harry shared a particularly poignant moment that was unquestionably tear-jerking (I know, I cried!) Snape's actions provide us with the information that fills gaps in the storyline and also prompts a revisit to the night Harry’s parents died offering a surprise explanation for the link between Harry and the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). 

The film as a whole was flawless; the graphic techniques employed were beyond description making one of the best battle scenes I have seen in cinema. Hogwarts experiences a revamp, only to be torn down in the violent acts of battle, we are introduced to new creatures, new magic, hidden secrets of Hogwarts and long-awaited explanations; it’s no surprise this film has already been dubbed as a classic. The only questionable thing about the film is its certificate rating (12A) which led to a lot of younger children viewing; from the bottom of my heart, my deepest sympathies go out to the parents who had to deal with terrified children upon leaving the cinema!

So the classic comes to an end, and although we unfortunately had to say goodbye to some of our favourite characters, what an end it was! The Harry Potter films will remain as classics, and will, undoubtedly, be missed by children and adults alike.