It would be hard pressed to find someone that is unfamiliar with Harry Potter and the Hogwarts experience. Whether in book or movie medium, this series has captured the imagination of wizard wannabes from adolescents to the wise sages. David Yates returns to the director’s chair for this latest installment of the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Mr Yates also directed the fifth movie in the series, The Order of the Phoenix. Steve Kloves signed on to adapt the screenplay from Rowling’s novel. This makes the fifth time Mr Kloves has attached himself as screenwriter to the series.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Plot

Once again the young wizards return to Hogwarts School of Magic for another year of training. Conspiracies are already brewing at the start of the film, as Professor Snape looks like he is working to aid the dark lord Voldemort. Returning to the faculty, but new to the movies series is Professor Horace Slughorn, who has taken over the potions department. Harry Potter soon learns that Dumbledore had reasons for asking this professor back, and that he may indeed hold a key to unlocking Voldemort’s dark plans. It is in Professor Slughorn’s class that Harry Potter comes into possession of an old book that once belonged to the Half Blood Prince. Although the identity of the original owner is kept secret until the end, the book allows Potter access to powerful magic. Not only does Harry Potter have to be aware of the sneaky dealings of his classmate and enemy, Draco Malfoy, but also deal with the budding romances taking place between friends. Both Harry Potter and Ron Weasley have developing love interests that are occupying their thoughts. For Harry Potter, it is a crush on Ginny Weasley, while Ron finds two women interested in him; his charming friend Hermione, and the obsessive Lavender Brown. Romance has to wait though, as the death eaters are moving forward with Lord Voldemort’s evil plans. This time it looks like they are able to strike some deadly blows within the walls of Hogwarts.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Cast

At this point in the series the characters and actors are all pretty familiar, with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) rounding out the starring trio. Michael Gambon (Professor Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) also reprise the roles of staff at Hogwarts. Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy), and Tom Felton (Draco Malfroy) round out the cast of villains. Jim Broadbent joins the magical teaching staff this year as Potions Master Horace Slughorn..

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie Review

Although the special effects are flawless, the key ingredient that brought this film to life is the camera work. Director of Photography Bruno Delbonnel picked up the cinema-graphic wand for this latest Potter movie. Bruno is best known for his rich camera work in films such as Amelie. The beauty of the scenes carries this film, and pushes it into the realm of an epic for the audience. Coupled with the beautiful cinematography is a well told story. The romantic chemistry between the young stars brings fullness and a somewhat comedic element to what would otherwise be a darker film. It is difficult to find a flaw in this film. Casting, acting, special effects, and storyline are all on the mark for this sequel to J.K. Rowling’s popular story. At two hours and thirty three minutes, this movie carries the viewer along at an enjoyable pace. If any flaw can be found, it is that it leaves the audience suspended at the end of the film waiting until next year to continue the story.