Half-Blood Prince delivers on promise of darker theme, richer story
By Phillip Nakov
movieset.com
Synopsis: Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, who he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. Mystery, romance, intrigue, danger. All in one movie!
Written by: Steve Cloves (based on the book by J.K. Rolwling)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman
Directed by: David Yates
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Opening on: July 15, 2009
EXPECTATIONS
What I’d Seen – I’d seen a series of great photos, mesmerizing clips and behind the scenes footage that gave me the impression this installment of the Harry Potter (HP) series was going to be considerably darker and more grown up – boy was I right. I expected more action (check), more romantic intrigue (check) and evil trickery (check!).
What I’d Heard – Early on I started hearing rumblings that this one was going to be a good one, even great one! I was excited and relieved knowing full well that franchises over time start to loose steam and energy. I was so happy to hear that there was the possibility of another great HP installment. The fun part about the rumors? This time they were true!
What I Wanted - I wanted to be transported to another world and revisit the now all too familiar world of Hogwarts and spend some more time with the characters we have all grown to love and watched grow up before our eyes. I also wanted to revisit the magical feeling of watching the action lifted from the pages of these brilliant books and coming to life on the silver screen. What a rare and sumptuous treat for the ears and eyes.
EXPERIENCE
What Turned Me On - From the first moments that the lights went down in the theater I knew we were being magically transported to another world. The all too familiar WB logo was treated to a special Potteresque make over as it hung in a field of grey clouds against a dark and gloomy sky. We are immediately treated to some dark magic as the city of London is attacked by dark forces causing havoc and destruction in the city. The fluidity with which the story unfolds is this installment of the HP series’ brilliance. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is not only about a chapter in the lives of Harry and his friends and foes at another year at Hogwarts, it is about telling a story that involves humor, heartbreak, romance and redemption bringing the past and present together as never before. And, with the return of Lord Voldemort, the choice between good and evil has never had more serious ramifications.
What Turned Me Off - Very little quite frankly. Ok, I can’t really think of anything except how anyone could be as evil as …. Oops, sorry, I almost said it… You will have to see what I am talking about! The movie is tightly edited, features some terrific action sequences, is very exciting and moves along at a great pace. At just over two hours and thirty minutes, the time flew by and I was left wanting more at the end.
AFTERMATH
I Left Thinking – Now that’s entertainment at its finest. Truly one of the very best in the series and perhaps the crown jewel at the end of the day. Poignant, moving and critical in the history of Hogwarts and Harry Potter’s life.
I Left Saying – How many days till the next installment? I must go home and re-read the next book in the series to get ready for the next two installments!
Expiry Date - I don’t believe this, or any of the other Harry Potter movies, will have an expiry date. Much like the beloved classics of my youth, the generation that grew up with Harry and his friends will continue to watch and re-watch these movies for years to come and will share the books and the movies with their children and grandchildren in future generations.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is an expertly made movie with exceptional technical attributes, a perfectly crafted story that of course features a cast that was perfectly assembled and continues to surprise and inspire.
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