Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Review

"You know sometimes I forget how much you've grown Harry. I still see the small boy in the cupboard under the stairs."

How these characters have grown. Emotionally, this is probably the best Harry Potter so far. Being the sixth film, these young actors are now very comfortable in their respective roles and they are a pleasure to watch. I'll admit, I was not a fan of Order of the Phoenix, probably the worst in the series for me. So when I heard David Yates was coming back for the next three films, I got a little worried. But he really turned the series around and brought us this beautifully shot film about teenage relationships, conspiring, and of course the wizard world.

In the film, there are multiple plots happening that are weaved together so I'll just go over the basics. Dumbledore convinces Harry to befriend an old professor named Horace Slughorn while at school because he possesses what may be the final clue in killing Lord Voldemort. Meanwhile, there are relationships developing among all the main characters. Ron with Lavender Brown, Hermione jealous and wanting to be with Ron, and Harry with Ginny Weasley. Well, those are just two of the many plots happening but Yates and company are able to pull it off with a nice 2 and a half hour run time that didn't feel long at all.

What I particularly like about this installment is the attention to some other characters that have been in the background for the series and are finally given a chance to shine. Notably Draco Malfoy, Snape, and Dumbledore are all given much more screen time and they perform great for asking a lot for the first time. Also the cinematography is just amazing! Overall, this movies stays true to the source material, putting most in that was relevant to the plots and will surely go down as the best in the series. Oscar's watch out cause this film might get a best picture nod! Full Price!!