"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is an incredibly solid film, painstakingly crafted with dazzling production design, sharp editing and great performances. It’s funny, fresh and moving in spots.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Directors: David Yates
Producers: Various
Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay) J.K. Rowling (novel)
Features: Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.Running Time: 153 Min. In U.S. theaters: July 15, 2009.
Characters:
Daniel Radcliffe ... Harry Potter
Rupert Grint ... Ron Weasley
Emma Watson ... Hermione Granger
Michael Gambon ... Professor Albus Dumbledore
Bonnie Wright ... Ginny Weasley
Jim Broadbent ... Professor Horace Slughorn
Helena Bonham Carter ... Bellatrix Lestrange
Alan Rickman ... Professor Severus Snape
Tom Felton ... Draco Malfoy
Evanna Lynch ... Luna Lovegood
David Thewlis ... Remus Lupin
Natalia Tena ... Nymphadora Tonks
Genre: Science-Fiction
Review:
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After tragically losing his godfather, Sirius Black, and nearly losing his mind to the vengeful clutches of Voldemort, Harry Potter is trying to keep himself occupied during his summer break away from Hogwarts. But, just as before, he finds himself drawn deeper into the dark world of wizardry as Voldemort’s army of Death Eaters tightens their grip on the world of wizardry. But, this time Harry isn’t meant to do battle with the Death Eaters, or with Voldemort. Rather, Harry must figure out the crucial missing piece of Vodemort’s past -- the explanation of how he’s managed to cheat death.
To be honest, there’s not a whole lot else going on during "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." The book, and the film, serves mostly as a stepping stone towards the epic final chapter, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The film (and again the book) certainly has their moments, but this chapter is more about our heroic trio’s journey into adulthood, which doesn’t entirely make for grand, action-packed summer fare.
Despite the lack of action, "Harry Potter 6" still packs an intense punch. And make no mistake, the film’s PG rating is pushed to the limit. In fact, this entry is actually quite a bit bloodier than the previous chapter.
Much of the films cinematic punch is due to series’ extraordinary cast. The once child-stars are now full-bodied adult actors capable of much deeper, wider range. Daniel Radcliffe has really come into his own as Potter. He’s no longer afraid to make the character his own, and by doing so he’s made Potter feel all the more real. Rupert Grint steals the show, allowing the usual comic relief. His character finally gets a decent subplot as well (his subplots were typically cut from the films). Emma Watson, who’s usually the weakest link of the bunch, improves quite a bit here; also given a subplot where her emotional range is challenged.
Bonnie Wright, who plays Ron’s minimally-seen sister Ginny in previous chapters, steps ahead as a lead and does a fine job, despite a few wooden dialogue pieces. Finally, Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, is given far more screentime and makes great use of it. Felton brings Malfoy’s angst and turmoil to life in ways the book simply didn’t, or couldn’t.
Of course, the adult cast is delightful as well. This particular story mostly highlights Headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) and newcomer, Professor Slughorn (Jim Broadbent). Rickman is great as usual, chewing scenery as if it was gum, but Broadbent gives the picture’s best, most memorable, performance. Gambon’s Dumbledore also delivers the goods during a few emotionally challenging scenes.
Director David Yates seems to be enjoying himself with this, his second "Potter" outing (he’ll also be directing the final two chapters). Like the last film, he gives the picture his own unique touch, relying on handheld camerawork for intimate scenes and stunning establishing shots that help build tension and atmosphere. He dabbles quite a bit with comedy this time around, playfully exploring the maturity, and absurdity, of the characters as they fall in love with one another, each with hilarious, or heartbreaking, results.
The script, from "Potter 1-4"-alum Steve Kloves, is a bit wonky in spots, lacking the action-packed spark of the fifth film, or the serialized narrative of the fourth chapter. Kloves is smart to hack away at Rowling’s heavily-padded book in order to find the core story. In the end, he cleverly sticks with a more character-driven narrative than a manufactured, action-driven one. Admittedly though, this story feels more truncated (and heavily spliced) than previous entries -- at times to an annoying degree.
Fans will likely find much to be disappointed with, particularly when it comes to subplots and explanations that have been lifted. The falling resolution, following the tragic finale, for example, is explored in a very different way than the book. While it works to complete the emotional strings of the theatrical narrative, it’s simply not as satisfying as the book ending.
This sort of alteration and truncation might also confuse moviegoers who’ve never read the source novel. The meaning behind the "Half-Blood Prince," for example, is never explained. Snape’s backstory isn’t explored, either. Missing pieces like this may lead newcomers scratching their heads.
It certainly makes sense to create a picture that’s far more dramatic, after all, this is the lead-in to the final chapter, but "Harry Potter 6" does feel a bit anti-climactic, lacking an energetic final battle. It wouldn’t have been hard to fashion at least one quick, but rousing battle between our heroes and our villains. As it stands, there is no battle. Our villains simply scatter about. Voldemort goes unseen and the film ends a little offbeat.
This, in some ways, makes the film feel a little cheaper than the previous entries. It doesn’t help that certain CG elements feel cartoonish and cheap, particularly compared to the dazzling effects of the last film. Hopefully this trend won’t continue with the first part of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is an incredibly solid film, painstakingly crafted with dazzling production design, sharp editing and great performances. It’s funny, fresh and moving in spots. As far as the characters are concerned, this is the best film, rich with character development, new themes and maturity. But, as far as an engaging popcorn picture goes, this one’s not quite as rousing as some of the previous films.
Film Report Card:
Entertainment Value: B+
Film Value: A-
Final Grade:
A-
Recommendation: A must-see!
In theaters: July 15, 2009.
***
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----R. L. Shaffer