Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Bonnie Wright, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton

Running Time: 2h 33min

As each year brings us closer to the finale of the Harry Potter film franchise, it seems each film becomes more and more anticipated. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is no exception. Anticipation was ramped up even more by delaying the release from Autumn 2008 to Summer 2009. Suffice to say, it was worth the wait.

The sixth Potter film breaks formula to some degree, as did the novel. Sure, there's a new teacher, Horace Slughorn, played hilariously by Broadbent. However, Slughorn does not take over the defence against the dark arts position, as that spot is finally granted to Snape. Though i would have enjoyed seeing some more of Snape in the classroom, it is a treat to watch, once again, some of Britain's finest actors inhabit Hogwarts, as the adult casting has always been the secret to the success of the films. Broadbent ensures that his performance is a memorable one, with some clever line delivery and even funnier facial expressions.

Indeed, this film continues the elevation of maturity that began with the third installment, as the content, themes, and tone take on a decidedly darker feel. This is not only evidenced in the darker colour palate of the art direction, but also the way drugs and alcohol are depicted in humourous circumstances. Much of the film's humour is found when potions and spells work overtime on the adolescent hormones. These moments are the source of some great laughs and help to off set the heavy drama that consumes most of the film.

Which is really what marks this film from the others that precede it. Half-Blood Prince is the most dramatic of the bunch. It is skimpy on the action, save for a few scenes that were made solely for the film. It takes a turn towards Lord of the RIngs style fantasy when Harry and Dumbledore set out to sea, a scene that is equally powerful on film as it was on the page. The filmmakers must be commended on their ability to translate the source material so that it manages to entertain, while at the same time advance the plot and appeal to readers of the Rowling series. After waiting this long, it's an amazing feat that they did not disappoint.

Grade: A