Movie Review: HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

by Joey Paur

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Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince is the movie that will rule the summer of 2009. The midnight showings alone made $22.2 million, breaking The Dark Knight's midnight show record of $18.5 million.

I was one of those in attendance with the Harry Potter fans at the midnight show. I have never seen these theaters so crazy! The movie was playing in 7 or 8 theaters, every one of them was sold out, and the lines for every one of them started getting long in the afternoon. People were dressed up in their wizard outfits, and excited to see Potter back on the big screen!

I have enjoyed all of the Potter movies, obviously some more than others, and I was really looking forward to this one. Everything I saw promoting the film looked fantastic, and for me, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince lived up to the hype, and its potential. I was one hundred percent satisfied with the film, and I think it is the best one out of the bunch.

These actors have really grown into their characters, and this film brings out their best performances so far. I enjoyed every moment that Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, were up on screen. Jim Broadbent as Professor Horace Slughorn was fantastic, and Alan Rickman steals the spotlight when ever he is on screen, that guy is just awesome as Snape. I also have to point out that Rupert Grint as Ron, stole the show, the guy does a great job delivering the laughs. Everyone else was great as well!

I have heard a few people say that there was too much adolescent nonsense in the film, and that the most important part, such as discovering the mystery behind Tom Riddle, was not focused on enough. I think that director David Yates did a fine job bringing the two parts together. Each one got the focus that it needed. I like how Yates focuses on the character more than he does the special effects and spectacle of it all. Sure the special effects are great! But, it’s not the main focus, the story and characters are. I enjoyed watching the characters trying to get through their relationship issues! It was extremely charming, heart felt, and one of the best qualities of the movie. Amidst all the bad stuff going on, you needed that there to put a smile on your face. On top of that, these characters relationships need to be established, and explored for the grand finale. You have to truly be invested in the fact that they care for each other,  and that aspect of the story is perfectly set up in this film.

I see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince as the Empire Strikes Back of the Harry Potter series. There are relationships found and lost, secrets of the main villain's past are revealed, there’s betrayal, and the movie ends on such a down note, which is why I think I liked it so much.

This movie was awesome, and I think direct David Yates is the perfect director to bring the series to a close. This guy does a fantastic job telling these stories and portraying the characters. I can’t wait to see what he does for the next two Potter films!

I honestly don’t see how you could not like this movie, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan. I know you’re all going to go see it anyway, but if you are on the fence for some reason, then I have to recommend that you see it, because you’ll enjoy it.

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