Review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) by Jessie D — 22 Sep 2014

David Yates returns as director, while Steve Kloves returns as screenwriter, following a brief break after the fourth film (Goldenberg took over scripting duties for the fifth film).

As with the fifth film, Yates is still a terrific choice. Following the Ministry's confirmation that Voldemort has returned, Harry is seen as a symbol of hope for the wizarding world. Meanwhile, Voldemort is planning on having Dumbledore killed, handpicking Draco Malfoy. Draco's mother has Snape watch over Draco, hoping that he will aid Draco in the task.

Throughout the film, Dumbledore shows Harry memories of Voldemort's earlier years, in the hopes that it will help Harry defeat Voldemort, while also bringing back potions teacher Horace Slughorn for another reason.

This film takes on a lighter feel, though it still appears dark in several areas. Radcliffe and Gambon share more scenes in this film than they have in earlier films, since Dumbledore also starts to act more like a mentor toward Harry.

Tom Felton, as Draco, has more to do in this film instead of being the usual bully figure toward Harry. Throughout the film Draco is conflicted with his task, which you can clearly see in most scenes.

Jim Broadbent is cast wonderfully as Horace Slughorne, working alongside Radcliffe brilliantly. Broadbent depiction of Slughorne is also topnotch.

Bruno Delbonnel's cinematography takes on a slight sepia tone feel, which adds wonderfully to the film. Nicholas Hooper's score also supports the film perfectly, as well as the finale. This would be the last Potter film for Hooper to score.

While the film ends on a slightly ambiguous feel, you are already wondering how everything is going to end in the final film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Great job.