Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince: A Glass Half Full
Director: David Yates
Cast: Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter,
Jim Broadbent, Robbie Coltrane, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, Tom Felton and Evanna Lynch
Rating: 2.5/5
The latest instalment of the Harry Potter franchise is dark. Not just in subject matter but aesthetically also. So much so that at times it made it difficult to watch, as I could not clearly focus on the action on screen. I have not read any of the books and wouldn't say I am a fan of this series, though I have seen them all and don't dislike the movies, but I wouldn’t camp out for tickets.
The latest offering left me confused, from the outset as it seemed very much geared towards the well established fan base, and left little invitation for newcomers to enrol in their school of thought.
The stand-out performance for me was Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. Although he seems to be type-casting here having displayed similar character traits in the much-loved Dogma, he put in a good turn as the bad guy here.
For the most part, the beginning felt as though I was watching Dark City, as Harry was transported into the cityscape by Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and once Professor Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) is convinced to come to Hogwarts its pretty familiar territory from there on in.
Notable performances from Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny) litter the movie but it is really Alan Rickman’s, Snape that kept my waning interest.
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From glittered vision
I agree that character development over the last 12 years (Radcliff was 8 in the first movie and is now 20) has been fantastic, and I hear good things about the upcoming movies in terms of ageing techniques, though I just didnt feel engaged in the story and fel that it was more for the fans and not for the everyday movie lover.
I know it has wide appeal and I am probably one of the few people on the face of the Earth that has not read the books but for me , this is just not a series I can get into.
I am glad you are an enthusiastic fan and I am sure many readers will agree with your 3.5 star rating!
Happy Watching - CR.