Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) / Fantasy-Adventure

MPAA Rated: PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality
Running time: 153 min.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Jim Broadbent, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Wright, Helena Bonham Carter, Jessie Cave, Evanna Lynch, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith
Director: David Yates
Screenplay: Steve Kloves (based on the novel by J.K. Rowling)

Continuing the more mature tone of the later books in the J.K. Rowing series, though this sixth film goes back to its usual PG rating, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince adds a heaping helping of romance into the mix, and re-establishes the staples of the first four films by showcasing quidditch matches and scenes of classroom whimsy.  As a result, the film is looser and less intense than Yates' previous films, but it will most likely please Rowling fans, who are still likely to complain about a great many things that may have been left out from the text, a bit more now that the balance of character touches and plot are a bit more representative of the style of the book. 

Harry Potter returns along with his usual friends, Ron and Hermione, as well as Ron's sister and burgeoning love interest for Harry, Ginny.

 

 Qwipster's rating:

©2009 Vince Leo