Review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) by Sandra V — 04 May 2014

Initially this film will disappoint if compared to the book. The fascinating scraps of memories that Dumbledore collects to chart the family history of the Dark Lord are mostly absent and was the stand-out aspect of the book. Harry's relationship with Ginny is also fumbled and Ginny comes across as a little seductress who uses all the clichés in the book to win Harry over, instead of the patient girl of the book who hoped Harry would finally notice her.

But there is also much to be enjoyed. Daniel Radcliffe displays a new-found feel for little character quirks that does much to turn Harry into a fully-rounded character, from his knowing nod to Hermione after the Quidditch win about duping Ron to his inebriated handling of Professor Slughorn after drinking the Felix Felicis. Emma Watson is also wonderfully naturalistic in Hermione's heartbreak over Ron, and Rupert Grint is once more allowed to play to his strengths when Ron accidentally swallows a love potion. A special mention must also go to Tom Felton who finally gets a chance to shine as the conflicted Draco.

There is much more character work in this one and less action, but the set-piece in the cave at the end is suitably tense and exhilarating and Dumbledore's fall tears at the heart.