Review of the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie

I have just left the midnight showing of Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince. I left my house at six o'clock and waited in line for the midnight showing. Luckily for me, I was able to sit in the theater itself by around eight o'clock. The theater I went to in Newington, NH. had five different showings, all of which were sold out. So, more showings were added at 3:15. On my way out there were lines out the door. I feel bad for those people who are pulling an all-nighter and couldn't get the midnight showing. In my opinion though, it's worth it.

I'll start off by saying that you should go see the movie yourself. You can't rely on just a review. I for one have done that before and regretted it. So, I will just tell you my opinions of the film.

In this movie, it is Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts and he has with him his two best friends. How can we forget Ron and Hermione? Seeing them in this installment brought back memories of them as children in the first movie. Their acting skills have definitely been honed since then. I will make this description brief so that I don't give away any major details of the movie because I'd hate to ruin it for people. Our three lovable characters all end up loving someone. I think that this film had a strong love theme and I think it's about time. The previous couple of films have been quite dark.

Having a nice tone like that was good for this movie and it makes the ending all the more gripping. Anyways, now for the thrilling part. Upon attending his first Potion's class, Harry gets the most peculiar text book. It has side notes and extra instructions written inside it from a person named the Half Blood Prince. Yes, that person is discovered in the end. Harry's long time enemies, Malfoy and Snape, can now officially be called antagonists. Early in the film Snape enters into an unbreakable vow with Narcissa Malfoy and promises to protect her son and carry out his plans if he fails, which he does. However, I will not mention those plans as it is vital to the ending.

I think there could've been more action in the movie. In the book there was much more action, especially towards the end, and I think it could've helped the film a little bit. I also think that more could've been done with the ending to make it more exciting. I was left feeling not much of anything when I should've felt a little something. Don't get me wrong, it could just be me. I'm not a very emotional person. I also think that Harry's interest in Ginny could've been built up a little more. I felt it was too rushed.

Now for the actors. As I stated above, the actors really have gained experience over the years and have become very talented. The way Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson play their scenes kept me laughing. (The ones that are supposed to be intentionally funny by the way.) Alan Rickman always gets me! I love him as Snape and always will.

All around, I think there were two scenes overall that might frighten younger viewers. One is just slightly disturbing and the other will make you jump. Even I did, along with the entire theater. There's also a few kissing scenes that aren't intense and it should be safe for many viewers.

All in all, I would give this movie a 4/5. It had the right balance of everything. Thrills, sensuality, and moments that haunt and dance in your mind even after leaving the theater.