Writer: Steve Kloves (Screenplay) J.K. Rowling (Novel)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith
Plot: As Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as “the property of the Half-Blood Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Lowering The Levels Here
Story: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince starts by the dark master Lord Voldemort’s (Fiennes) and his wizards attacking London. Harry (Radcliffe) has spent his summer enjoy himself away from the abusive family, when a visit from Dumbledore (Gambon) opens up the next adventure. Ron (Grint) and Hermione (Watson) are having second thoughts about returning to Hogwarts for their sixth year. We see Severus Snape (Rickman) conspiring with Bellatrix Lestrange (Carter) and the Malfoy family along with us hearing about a plan for Draco (Felton) to complete the dark lords work.
Upon returning to Hogwarts the students learn how it might not be safe there anymore and the defences have been increased to try and protect the students from the evil outside the walls. We learn more about Voldemort’s time as a student as Hogwarts where he went by the name Thomas Riddle and the interaction he had with Dumbledore. We continue to see Draco planning something as he seems to have cut out the bullying side of his character, while our three leads all deal with relationship issues.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is bar far the most boring of all of the films so far, it deals with way too much relationship issue when the bigger picture seems to be swept under the rug especially after what we saw in the last one. It is sad because the final moments of this film are also some of the most important of the whole series, but as I have said for the last couple it is all build to one big battle that we will not see until next time I hope. I really feel if this one had been a better all-round story it could have been the most emotional impactful so far but because of the lame relationship stuff we just lose interest here. (6/10)
Actor Review
Daniel Radcliffe: Harry Potter known as the chosen one now, he wants to continue his studies so he will be ready to fulfill his destiny and be the one to stop Voldemort. Daniel gives an ok performance but in the end it isn’t the level you have come to expect. (7/10)
Emma Watson: Hermione she was a strong power leading witch but now all she wants to know is why Ron is taking notice of her. Emma does a solid job but less screen time then it kind of ruins the quality of the friendship. (6/10)
Rupert Grint: Ron stuck in a teenage relationship and new star of the Quidditch team. Rupert is also getting less screen time that pulls it all down for him. (6/10)
Support Cast: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has a huge supporting cast but this time not enough of them make an impact on everything that is going.
Director Review: David Yates – Pulls the standard of franchise down because we are expecting such a larger level of directing. (5/10)
Adventure: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince pulls away from the adventure side to give us all the teen romance rubbish. (2/10)
Family: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is does continue to be one for the family but this could be missed in the most part. (5/10)
Fantasy: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince keeps the fantasy level up high. (8/10)
Mystery: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince offers plenty of mystery and continues to leave some of the open for a later film. (9/10)
Settings: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince all come off great throughout the film. (10/10)
Special Effects: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince cuts down on the effects but in the end when it is used looks too much CGI used. (4/10)
Suggestion: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the first one of the series I could say miss too, but the final moments make it import to what happens for the next one. (Watch if you have seen the rest)
Best Part: Final moments.
Worst Part: Teen romance crap
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: 5 – 8 of the series
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: Nominated for 1 Oscar
Box Office: $934 Million
Budget: $250 Million
Runtime: 2 Hours 33 Minutes
Tagline: Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry
Trivia: The only ‘Harry Potter’ movie to be Oscar nominated for the Best Cinematography Academy Award.
Overall: Worst in the Series
Rating