Rating: 4 of 5  

It’s a luxury to make a movie like this because all of the emotional resonance and significance has been created in the prior seven films. The characters are already strong because they’ve been developed and the actors have grown into both the characters and their craft so in a way they’re at the top of their game.

The plot is established in the book and already has an intricate mythology and compelling twist.

The screenwriter has adapted these books 6 times and is well versed in the material and the characters.

The director has worked with these characters and these actors in three previous films.

Which is all to say that everyone knows what they’re doing and they do it very well. It doesn’t necessarily mean it was easy for them but it changes the equilibrium of how most movies are made.

The great thing about this movie is that in the midst of all the action there are still moments for that emotion to dwell, spats of humor and a stillness that lends even more weight to the battles.

Writing:
Characters:
Performances:
Directing:
Production:
Overall: