Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Review
The Sixth Film Based on J.K. Rowling’s Books
Jul 19, 2009
Not much happens in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Draco Malfoy is up to no good, and Harry must obtain some information from a new professor — but other than that, this film is more about character development and exposition than plot. However, the sixth book largely served as an elaborate set-up for the series’ grand finale, and this film does the same.
Reducing Rowling
Some moviegoers may be disappointed by the lack of action, but followers of the books will likely be disappointed by alterations to author J.K. Rowling’s original plot, particularly the omission of a climatic final scene, the brief appearances of some characters and the quick treatment of a pivotal character’s death. In order to reduce hundreds of pages into a movie of reasonable length, however, the filmmakers have to cut somewhere.
Harry’s Humor
Even though its plot moves rather slowly, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince still manages to keep the audience entertained. It’s by far the funniest film in the series, and the humor is subtle and unexpected. Rupert Grint, who has always been a source of comic relief as Ron, is funnier than ever, and Daniel Radcliffe also displays an impressive sense of comic timing, especially when Harry is tripping on a Liquid Luck potion.
The Heart of Hogwarts
Radcliffe, Grint and Emma Watson, who completes the main trio as Hermione, have all matured tremendously over the course of the series, and this film gives them a chance to showcase their talent. As the characters negotiate the hilarious and heartbreaking aspects of teenage romance, the actors show the audience that they can do more than just cast imaginary spells.
In fact, one of the greatest strengths of the Harry Potter films has always been the cast, and this film is no exception. Jim Broadbent is an excellent addition to the Hogwarts staff as the blustery, befuddled Horace Slughorn, and several returning actors match the strength of his performance. Alan Rickman drips with disdain as Severus Snape and Helena Bonham Carter is delightfully unhinged as the wicked Bellatrix Lestrange.
Evanna Lynch is perfectly spacey as oddball Luna Lovegood, but not all of the young actors in this film can match her talent or that of the main trio. Bonnie Wright is rather wooden as Harry’s love interest, Ginny Weasley, and Jessie Cave is more of a caricature than a character as the love-struck Lavender Brown.
Half-Blood is More Than Half Good
There’s no doubt that this film has flaws, but, in the end, it’s an entertaining chapter in the Harry Potter series. The audience won’t see much action at Hogwarts during Harry’s sixth year, but they will see a charming, well-made film that is sure to leave fans eager to see what happens next.
