2009 - Warner Brothers
Directed by David Yates
SYNOPSIS (short and spoiler-free since this is a new release)
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and friends are back for their 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the darkness masses, love is in the air, and teenage hormones are raging. Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) all find love, but not without some heartbreak. Harry, with help from headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon,) learns more secrets about the evil wizard Voldemont's past.
MY THOUGHTS (may contain mild spoilers)
I initially approached the Harry Potter series with disdain, even before the first film was released. This was all just a bunch of garbage that was fodder for all the stupid kids of today. (wow I sound like an old man... get off my lawn) Sometime after the 4th film in the series was released in 2005, I happened to watch the first film and completely fell in love. By the end of that week I owned all 4 on DVD.
I eagerly went to see both the 5th and later (today) the 6th at Graumann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood (one of the best places anywhere to see a movie.)
I still have never read any of the books though, but someday I'll get around to them.
Half Blood Prince is the second consecutive film in the series directed by David Yates, and he'll helm the final one (split in two parts) to be released winter of 2010 and summer 2011. His direction is much improved over 'Order of the Phoenix.'
The script is also stronger this time around. Steve Kloves did not script 'Phoenix' but adapted all the others. Using the same writer gives the series a real unity. There were many allusions to previous Potter films (the wand shop, the spider, etc) that really tied them together. These scenes may have been in the book, but visually they're well done. The film also has a great sense of humor that has been declining in the series, as it's become darker.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have come along way since the first film. Besides the obvious aging the trio have grown up as actors. Daniel Radcliffe is a remarkable confident actor. He isn't playing Harry Potter. He IS Harry Potter.
Rupert Grint FINALLY gets more to do in the series. Ron gets a love potion meant for Harry and goes head-over-heels for a girl he's never even met. This is by far the funniest Ron scene in the series. He is primarily used as comic relief in the others, but here he's given much more to do. The Quiddich match and his budding love life are some examples.
I've thought in prior films Emma Watson was the weak link of the three as an actor. But she's grown remarkably even since the last film and provides solid support.
There's more Dumbledore and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) this time around.
Michael Gambon (like many of the who's-who of older British actors in the Potter films) is one of those actors who's always great in everything. With more screen time, Gambon is exponentially better and it makes the climax of the film even more meaningful.
Draco's role in previous films was mostly minor, in a standard schoolboy antagonist-type role. His character is also growing up and his showing more depth. Felton really shines with the increased role and shows promise that he could become a great dramatic actor after the series concludes.
Alan Rickman, as Snape, provides another great performance. His ability to be menacing, then turn on a dime and be funny never fails to get laughs. Snape is also much more of a prominent character in this film... and that's a good thing.
Voldemont does not appear in the film apart from childhood flashbacks. This would seem to be somewhat of a let down, but it is not and I'm sure it'll help build suspense for the final showdown.
Overall I would say the film is just about, if not equal to Prisoner of Azkaban, which is the my favorite of the series so far. This may even move into my most favorite slot after I've stewed it over in my brain for a few days.
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