1-17

A tense and dark film covering the main events of the sixth Harry Potter book. It's not my favourite book, nor my favourite of the films, but it prepares the way for the final confrontations that form the climax to the series.

Quite a bit of violence, including wholesale devastation of London in the opening sequences, and some disturbing scenes - intended for teens rather than children, and rated 12 for this reason. Some lighter moments including the beginnings of romances between some of the students, but a dramatic and poignant ending which is a huge shock for anyone who does not know what's coming.

There's much more in the book, but I think the film is done well, given the limitations of the media. Too fast in places for my tastes, and too much rapid action - but worth seeing as part of the series.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/11/harry-potter-and-half-blood-prince.h... ( )

*sniffle*

Read it 7 times. ( )

Enjoyable film as it all gets even darker and Malfoy in particular gets some character development. But I really wish directors would realise darker themes don't mean the film itself has to be so dark in lighting. I kept wanting to shout "turn the lights up" - why spend so much on a film and then make it so dark, the viewer is struggling to see anything? It's a common modern problem and I wish they'd all get over it!! ( )

In the sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, and in both wizard and muggle worlds Lord Voldemort and his henchmen are increasingly active. With vacancies to fill at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore persuades Horace Slughorn, back from retirement to become the potions teacher, while Professor Snape receives long awaited news. Harry Potter, together with Dumbledore, must face treacherous tasks to defeat his evil nemesis. Written by IMDb Editors ( )

The headmaster of the school for wizards uses a celebrity student to get information about an evil wizard from a teacher.

It's constantly just missing what it could have been. It could have been outstandingly great if it had focussed on Snape and Malfoy instead of Harry. Frustrating. Its climax is the strongest part of the books, but thanks to the way this movie's edited, I was bored through the whole thing. If it had been a half hour longer and taken the time necessary to draw in the audience, it might have felt two hours long. Instead, it's like watching one giant montage scene and feels four hours long. And what's with the attack on the Weasley house? It has no connection or relevence to anything else in the movie. Is it just there to demonstrate how Death Eater attacks don't result in anyone getting hurt?

Concept: B
Story: B
Characters: B
Dialog: B
Pacing: D
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: A
Acting: B
Music: B

Enjoyment: C plus

GPA: 2.7/4 ( )

Good. Sad. Snape bad. Dumbledore dies. Not spoiling rest. Bye bye ( )

On loan to Daniela Hoffman 10/08