Friday, July 24, 2009

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Movie name: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Year of release: 2009
Director: David Yates
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Bonnie Wright, Geraldine Somerville, Jessie Cave
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:
Harry Potter number 6 finds the main characters grown up, going through adolescence, and under the grim and menacing threat of the dark lord Voldemort. The principal of Hogwarts, Dumbledore, continues to prepare Harry for a confrontation that he knows will be dangerous for him. These events lead to a sad and tragic demise at the school.
The "Harry Potter" franchise has been thus far directed by different filmmakers, with decidedly mediocre results. The films have always primed more for the production values, than for any ideas of film making. In their attempt to be so faithful to the books, the films have always felt stalled and in some cases, downright academic. Chris Columbus who directed the first two, set a pretty low bar, however David Yates with the previous "Order of the Phoenix" and particularly with this film, has managed to create a film that is entertaining and mature enough to hold interest. Again the production values are fantastic, starting with the stunning photography of Oscar nominee Bruno Delbonnel (who usually works with Jean Pierre Jeunet) and the score of Nicholas Hooper. The acting is very good, with highlights going to Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon and Helena Bonham Carter. This is a film that manages to balance the entertainment that is expected of the series, with a sophistication and expertise from a solid filmmaker. Worth checking out!

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