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It is also why Ralph Fiennes works so well as Lord Voldemort. In a part written without, let's say, a lot of gray areas, Fiennes mixes calm, breathy confidence into the madness.

The other reason to keep watching the Potter films is the growth of the young players along with their characters. Given that this is film, Rupert Grint may be limited by his less than leading man looks, but as Ron Weasley, he has certainly shown the talent to do whatever he likes.

Even more so for Emma Watson, who like her character Hermione Granger always was the most competent and reliable of the young players. She should go on to ever greater things.

As for our Harry, Daniel Radcliffe, he may have peaked. On the other hand, his stolid, solid approach clearly worked in a portrait of the wizard as a young man. Like his character, Radcliffe had fate thrust upon him and did his duty.

This concluding — perhaps — episode does give young Harry a chance to meet the departed Dumbledore in an unnervingly ethereal Kings Cross Station. Harry gets to ask the meta-question, "Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?"

Silly boy, it's been happening inside J.K. Rowling's head. While the movies may lack the depth of her books, they have brought them to life with gripping immediacy. So kudos as well to screenwriter Steve Kloves, and David Yates and the other directors.

You may hear a lot of huffing and puffing elsewhere, but "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" is a real blockbuster for this or any summer.

Joe Tyrrell may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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