Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Plot Synopsis: The night is dark and cloudy. Streams of black smoke, invisible to the muggle eye, rip through the sky attacking innocent bystanders by way of decimating a bridge. These cloudy streams continue through the city eventually bursting through the wall which leads to the world of magic. After breaking into the magic shop, the streams reveal their true form, the Death Eaters.

Meanwhile, while Harry is preparing for the first day of school, Dumbledore recruits Harry for a visit with an old professor, Horace Slughorn. Dumbledore wishes to use Harry to reveal the mystery behind one of Slughorn's altered memories which could reveal the secrets of Lord Voldemort.

Scene Change to the house of Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy's mother. We find Bellatrix Lestrange, Sevarus Snape and Narcissa making a deal. Bellatrix overseas the magical ritual of the "unbreakable vow," where Snape promises Narcissa to protect Draco while the task that was assigned to Draco by Voldemort is carried out. In addition Snape also promises, while still locked with Narcissa in the "vow," to carry out Draco's mission should the boy's attempt fail.

School is now in session and Hogwarts is under tight security to protect from any Death Eaters entering the school grounds. Harry, who is forced by Professor McGonagall to fill their free period with the potions class, picks up his copy of the potions text book which was apparently owned by someone who called himself "The Half-Blood Prince," which contains hand written annotations made by the "Prince" as well.

Later, Dumbledore and Harry learn the mystery of Slughorn's dream. Voldemort used a curse on himself called "the Horcrux" where he was able to split his soul in seven different ways, manifesting themselves in different objects. (Recall, if you will, to the second film and the diary of Tom Riddle) This begins the quest for the Horcrux.

Draco Malfoy is successful in magically allowing the Death Eaters entrance into Hogwarts where they run rampant in their cloudy form, destroying everything contained within the school. Along with discovering the identity of the "Half Blood Prince," we are left with the unexpected death of a most beloved character by another much unexpected (but not surprising) player in the story. The film ends with Harry, Hermione, and Ron alone in the bell tower, wondering what the days ahead will bring.

My Thoughts: This film is conflicting. I left the theatre in a state of puzzlement. I felt as if the film was fantastic and superb, like it went above and beyond my expectations. Yet, I felt like crap! And this film is supposed to do just that, make you feel like CRAP!

This film is one big "suck fest!" (pardon the unintelligent phrase) Nothing good happens, homes are destroyed, families are torn apart, friendship's are on the balance, and everyone seems to die or on the verge of death. In addition, the characters in the story seem conflicted with what's right and what's wrong. Draco Malfoy seems evil and ready to do harm to any who comes between him and his task, yet at the same time is unsure of himself and if he is doing the right thing. Harry also seems to loose himself throughout the film especially when he attacks Draco, almost killing him.

I remember asking myself "Is there a high point to this story?" about midway through. Then I realize there wasn't once the film ended. This Harry Potter film installment is proof that J.K. Rowling did not intend this for the average, everyday, young adult. Not having read the books myself, I can already tell that even the most mature of adults could have a difficult time reading "The Half Blood Prince." No one is happy by the end. I'm surprised Harry didn't just jump of the bell tower and commit suicide.

The acting was phenomenal. Tom Felton has boosted his career to an exceptional high with his portrayal of Draco Malfoy, and Alan Rickman once again shows he is one of the best male actors currently in film. But of course we can't forget about the great Maggie Smith and her role as Minerva McGonagall, who continually portrays her experience and excellence as an actress. And one can only hope that Emma Watson decides to finish off her role as Hermione Granger for the last two films.

After having some time to think about it, I truly did enjoy this film. It was the purpose of J.K. Rowling to make everyone feel terrible and frustrated at the ending. And based on that alone, I can appreciate the film for what it is. However, I don't believe this film can stand alone. It needs the other films or it wouldn't have done well at all.

I think people will be entertained and enjoy the experience, but you should not expect to feel happy about the ending, nor should you expect to feel good in general. This story is designed to make sure you feel like crap! But I would still give this film high markings for its story telling abilities and film making quality.

5 out of 5 stars.