Critics spellbound by final Harry Potter film
The final instalment of Harry Potter's adventures has left critics spellbound ahead of the movie's premiere tonight.
'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2' will be given a dazzling launch in London's Trafalgar Square, bringing together countless stars of the eight-part series.
And those who have been given an early view of the movie have raved about the spectacular action scenes as young wizard Harry and evil Voldemort do battle.
The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye said the final confrontation exceeded expectations.
"Really, the entire series of Potter books and motion pictures has been leading us to this final showdown between Harry and Voldemort. It could easily have been a letdown. But the fight here between good and evil is more than satisfying. It's thrilling."
And the writer, who gave the film four out of five stars, lamented the fact that so many staff in the British film industry who created the magical world over the past decade will now be out of work.
"All of them - actors, producers, technicians, specialists - are among the best working in British movies. And now they're out of a job. But what a way to go."
Philip Womack, writing for the Daily Telegraph, said the film made up for the weaknesses of the book.
"Perhaps the greatest triumph of this final film is its ability to overcome the deficiencies of JK Rowling's writing. In the last Harry Potter volume, she failed singularly to muster the epic feel needed; as a result, on the page, the concluding battle at Hogwarts was a damp squib.
"But (director David) Yates here transmutes it into a genuinely terrifying spectacle, as bloodied students fight desperately against a horde of screaming black-robed Death Eaters."
The Sun's Grant Rollings was unimpressed by the performances of the three leads, but was full of praise for the film overall, particularly the "dizzying and thrilling" battle scenes.
"While the performances of its stars may not break new ground, 'Deathly Hallows Part 2' remains something to be cherished. A terrific movie and a great British success story," he said.
"Unlike many other franchises, the quality of the Harry Potter films never dropped.
"The producers could have broken box office records with a basic cardboard set thanks to the dedicated fanbase. Yet they have blown a fortune to make a special experience for them."
