Film: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Dir: David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter
The penultimate Potter book is now a film, and, at 2 hours and 35 mins it is quite a ride. It's a slow starter but those who have read the book would expect this as it largely centres around relationships and conversations. Basic plot; Voldemort is now stronger than ever, terrorising both wizards and muggles with the help of his sadistic Death Eater army. His latest recruit is Draco Malfoy, who has been given an incredibly difficult task to carry out. Potter, dealing with hormones and relationship troubles, must also accompany Dumbledore on a trip to discover vital information which may help to defeat the Dark Lord.
The Potter trio are now of course old dab hands at this movie-making business, and their friendship comes across well on screen. Ron and Harry, particularly, have lost their teenage awkwardness and have finally begun to act! Ron, in fact (Grint), steals some of his scenes with his naturally witty sarcasm. And he gets the film's first big kiss - of which there are many! Hormones are raging which the film makers have decided to make a huge element of the storyline. Watson has grown into her role very well and still seems the most natural of the three on screen. Radcliffe's best scene involves a small sip of 'Liquid Luck' and results in comedy gold!
Gambon turns in another brilliant performance as Dumbledore, now slightly frail and world-weary, with some truly heart-wrenching scenes between himself and Harry. Alan Rickman is again faultless in his interpretation of the sly and mysteriously evil Snape. My 'man-of'the-movie' however goes to Tom Felton who plays Draco Malfoy. Stepping into his father's Death Eater shoes is a punishment brought on him by Voldemort, and his task is even more teriible. He cries, trash talks, shouts, runs, and fights, and you still can't help feeling a little sympathy for him.
This film is not as action packed as the others, understandably as I have said. However, CGI effects and the sound are both brilliant. Make up and set design once again are hugely important in creating a magical world terrorised by evil. My only criticism is, having read the book again fairly recently, there is so much that must be cut out. Rowling's brilliantly subtle story threads are occasionally lost in favour of the simpler, manageable story. For this reason, the film gets away with being an adaptation of an incredibly detailed and intricate story, but loses some of its storytelling flair. A fair compromise, however, for a very enjoyable (until the unding *sob sob*!!) film.
My rating: **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: If you have not read or watched any of the books or films before, go back and do your homework first. If not, enjoy!!
