HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (UK/USA 2009) ****
Directed by David Yates

This latest 6th instalment of HARRY POTTER has director David Yates in his second attempt.  He and writer Steve Kloves who penned all but the previous POTTER films have got it all right on this one. 

The most important aspect is that they have realised that what makes the HARRY POTTER films work – i.e. the story ideas behind the J.K. Rowling books.  In THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, it is the mystery and anticipation that keep the interest going.  Unlike the dark and last ORDER OF THE PHOENIX which concentrated on only a few parts of the novel, this one combines the stories together with spectacle, special-effects, stunning cinematography of icy and snowy Norway by Bruno Delbonnel (AMELIE, A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT) and with what has worked in the previous Potter films.

For one, the filmmakers have brought back the Qudditch match (left out in all the previous films except the first two) at Hogwarts.  The excuse is to demonstrate Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) best mate, Ron’s (Rupert Grint) talents.  Lasting almost 10 minutes, the excitement is clearly as fresh as the first film’s outing.  To tie in with the maturity of the actors in real life, the script includes effective romantic elements involving their raging hormones.  Teens will be able to relate with their experiences in school.

The main plot concerns the danger emboldened by the return Lord Voldemort.  Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) prepares Potter for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching.  They uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort’s defenses by enlisting the aid of Hogwarts’ former Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn (Jim Boradbent).  Tie in the interesting romantic and comedic sub-plots with a climax involving both a duel between Potter and long-time adversary Draco (Tom Felton) and some spectacular special effects and what we have is real winning entertainment.

The appearances of multiple cameos from the likes of Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane and Gemma Jones (though a few for too short a time e.g. Timothy Spall) show how much audiences have missed these great British and Irish talent.

The film’s most impressive sequence is the beginning.  As the high rise skyscraper office staff stare out through the windows at the darkened skies over the River Thames, the dark forces sweep down to the local London cobblestone streets to wreck havoc.  As the maturing Harry Potter (the chosen one) is whisked off to save the day, the audience is prompted into high expectations of excitement and magical adventure.  Through effective story-telling, the spirit of the Rowling book comes to life with special effects and wonder.

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE should do as well at the box-office as it deserves.  And there is a mystery element of the identity of the half blood prince (no hyphen in the name in the film) which is revealed at the end of the film.  Magnificently done!