Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) is another brilliant installment in this successful franchise. Huge events occur in this film and David Yates, the director, navigates them beautifully. Read here, and see if you agree! Spoilers may follow.
Harry finds himself biding his time until Hogwarts resumes for his 6th year. He finds the book of the Half-Blood Prince and continues to learn about Voldemort's dark past.
The first part I want to mention is cosmetic. No music is heard as the grey Warner Bros. logo appears. After that, an excellent tracking shot begins the film as Death Eaters are beginning a reign of terror. Ollivanders Wand Shop is destroyed along with a bridge where muggles are terrorized. This is part of the Oscar-nominated cinematography, and it's the only Harry Potter film to receive this distinction.
Another important aspect is that we get our first real look at the Ginny-Harry relationship. Some obvious chemistry takes place including a kiss, and this leads to Ginny being more involved. Also, we confirm that Hermione likes Ron especially when he starts "snogging" Lavender. Snogging means kissing, and the writers really love that word for some reason.
A hilarious moment takes place when Harry and Ron are on the train for Christmas break. Lavender, Ron's girlfriend, scribbles a heart on the glass and Daniel Radcliffe's acting there is perfect. He starts looking away and messing with the seat which is what I'd probably do in the same situation.
The Weasley store is fun and full of wonder! I've been to the recreation store in Universal Orlando. It is really fun, and I bought myself a chocolate frog. Other moments I want to remember is the liquid luck, Ron and Harry fighting over a book (Half-Blood Prince book), and Harry's chosen one joke. Of course, Hermione promptly slaps him as a response. More exceptional junctures include the professor's reactions to Lavender and Hermione, Ron on love potion, the quidditch match and more.
A fearsome and astonishing scene takes place at the Weasleys house. They are attacked by Death Eaters, and it's paced perfectly. There is much silent tension as they race through the cornfield. It's emotional to see the Weasley house go up in flames.
Another scene involves the fight between Harry and Malfoy. Again, this scene is shot to perfection including cinematography, editing, acting and especially the lighting. An epic and terrifying scene includes Dumbledore and Harry in the cave. They are looking for a horcrux there and nightmarish moments ensue including humanoid creatures from the deep.
We can't finish this review without mentioning the demise of Dumbledore. We learn about Snape and his connection to the dark lord. Of course, we know Snape's true intentions, but remember that people reading the book or seeing the movie for the first time did not.
An irritated Severus tells Dumbledore "Has it occurred to you that I do not want to do this anymore?" We now know that he meant being a spy for the good guys and pretending to be a death eater. In the end, Snape is the one who slays Dumbledore, so Malfoy can avoid that fate. Professor McGonagall and the rest somberly look on the corpse of him, but they know they must prevail. It's a very emotional scene.
Overall, it's another excellent entry to this steller series. My movie rating is an A.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets review.
Click here for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone review.
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