Review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The Half-Blood Prince is the sixth installment in the Harry Potter franchise and, overall, the third greatest installment. Now, if I were to recognize just one actor from this film, I would chose Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy. He went through some serious growing up phrase and it brilliantly showed in this movie. He perfectly captured the reluctant-villain persona down pat, whereas what the in name of hell happened to Daniel Radcliffe? I mean, he is an OK actor and all, but seriously, can't he act shocked or surprised? Watch the scene where Ron is suffocating due to the poison and when Harry attacks Draco with the Sectumsempra spell. He was to achingly wooden. Come on, he could've done better that. On the other hand, Rupert Grint & Emma Watson as Ron & Hermione, respectively, were great as usual but the main factor was Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn. Granted, Slughorn wasn't my favourite character when I read the book but Mr. Broadbent bought a unique cheeriness to him and quickly became the best character in the film. Other than that, I really enjoyed the cameo appearances of David Thewlis as Remus Lupin & Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley. Continuing, I think this is the only film which is mostly Dumbledore-centric and Sir Michael Gambon really gave full potential and watching him die, Dumbledore I mean, was a very sad scene. The music really is tantalizing and brings you closer!

On to the film. To be honest, I didn't like the film when I saw it the first time and I likened it to like eating a breakfast in awfully hurry but watching it the second time, it really is one of the best installment. David Yates did a fantastic job and I think that, after Mike Newell and Alfonso Cuaron, he was the best man for the job. Visually and cinematography, the film is stunning and quite beautiful however there is not too much focus on details and little things and that was a downfall. In conclusion, the film had a mature and more friendly atmosphere but lacked in the little details. If you're a major Potter fan, then this is not to miss but don't get your expectations high!

8.2/10