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Friday, July 17, 2009

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie Review

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Grade: A-

We magically turned Thursday night into movie night last night. We so wanted to see the new HP movie, that we skipped So You Think You Can Dance on TV last night. (I don't even know who was voted off last night.)

The latest edition of Harry Potter, was as magical as ever. This edition finds Harry, Ron and Hermione attending their 6th year at Hogwarts, during a time where Voldemort and his Death Eaters are causing death and destruction in both the wizardry world as well as in the Muggle world. The story also focuses on the love relationships developing between many of the main characters.

If you are a HP fan, then you will love this movie. If you haven't followed the stories, you might find this film somewhat disappointing as this edition is clearly a set up for the 7th (and if Cait is right...the 8th) movie(s). Like most serial films, this one does not stand alone...but works well as the next step in the Harry Potter saga. As a small warning, the movie does deviate from the book a bit. Does it do justice to the struggling romance between Professor Lupin and Tonks...no. Does it add a scene into the movie that wasn't even in the book....yes. These are some of the sacrifices which likely had to be made in order to keep the movie from turning into a 4 hour saga. (OK - I'm a little bugged by the Lupin/Tonks romance not being played out properly, but that's just because Lupin has always been my favorite HP character.)

The special effects, particularly at the Quidditch Match, are spectacular. Might be worth pulling out The Sorcerer's Stone just to analyze the dramatic improvement in special effects from then until now. It's amazing the developments in technology in just 8 years.

Highly recommend seeing this movie with other HP fans as the discussions afterwards are wonderful. So exactly how many horcurxes are left? Did you notice the Dumbledore's wand at the end of the movie? Do you remember the scene when Harry spun Tom Riddles' ring? All good questions...all good fun. I can't wait to re-read the 7th book. I think I'll start tonight.

5 comments:

  1. I've never read any of the HP books or seen any of the movies. What a loser I am. You know, your profile picture makes you look as fun as your blog posts sound/read. As soon as I have a little more time, I'm going to go back and read your fishing post. PS: My grandson has watched HP movies practically since the day he was born.

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  2. I went back and read your two previous posts and I'm glad I did. Left comments, if you're interested.

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  3. Thanks for the brief snapshot of the HP movie. We're waiting for a yucky day to go. It's beautiful here this weekend.

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  4. I can't wait to see this movie!! But I have to wait for my slow reading husband to finish the books! Ha! Love ya! Kelly

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  5. I saw the moving opening night in Chicago - I too was disappointed that they "removed" a few things - like the wedding. I still think it was great and can't wait to tee the next TWO movies (I think Cait is right).

    Much love - Les

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