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And so it all ends.

The final chapter of the Harry Potter saga starts out slowly, still feeding from the very atmospheric, foreboding mood of the first part of the film. With the Gringotts heist things start moving and the film reaches its first highlight with one of the finest dragons of movie history.
While we are talking special effects, some do look better than others, which may have to do with the 2D version I watched, or simply be about priorities (compared to dragons, giants are rather lame, for example).
Once again the decision to split the last book in two pays off, the film does have plenty of action, the second half is basically one huge showdown with a few breaks to gasp for air. Things do not feel rushed, but it is a sad fact that there are a few fantastic actors on the screen for less than a minute.
The fans of the books won't mind. Anyone unfamiliar with HP lore has no chance to understand what's going on here anyway.
The second part of the Deathly Hallows does not often reach the emotional depths of the first and there are a few logic holes only to be filled by thorough knowledge of the book, but it makes up with breathless action and giving some neglected characters moments to shine (think Longbotton and McGonagall).

Still, the solution to Snape's background story, Harry's final conversation with Dumbledore and the ultimate goodbye to a few characters during the battle for Hogwarts are very touching.

A worthy, bitter sweet ending, full of drama, great visuals, more than decent acting and the infamous epilogue that gives you closure after a showdown rich of casualties. Thankfully, the make-up effects are not over the top and the final moments of the film are gracious, sending you off with a happy smile.

8 out of 10 Ukrainian Ironbellies.