Yates's second outing with Harry proves the filmmaker ultimately understands the story is about the characters first and the magic second. While creating another worthy film in the franchise with part six, a few doubts have crept in. Can Yates bring the story full circle with enough skill to satisfy every die-hard Potter fan? "Half-Blood Prince" is among the best this summer had to offer, but it is neither the strongest film in the series nor all it could have been.
In this film, Harry returns to school in his sixth year at Hogwarts. Headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) takes the boy wizard under his wing, treating him as both apprentice and equal. The evil Voldemort's Death-Eaters are causing death and destruction in both the wizard and Muggle (non-magic user) world. Draco Malfoy, Harry's schoolyard nemesis, is chosen for a special assignment by the forces of darkness. Professor Snape's (Alan Rickman) loyalties are tested when the evil penetrates the very heart of Hogwarts school. And Harry and his friends learn the secret behind Voldemort's powers and how to ultimately destroy him.
The character development in this film is impressive with the large cast and many competing storylines. Romantic drama amongst the students brings much needed levity to the story. An unexpected romance blooms while an expected relationship finally takes the next step. Operating as a schoolyard bully much of the series, Draco finally gets substantial screen time to test his mettle. His internal conflict is well-expressed by the director who presents the boy in contemplative isolation, cut-off from his contemporaries. Harry is allowed a little fun when he drinks a good luck potion, moving the actor temporarily outside the tortured hero constraints. The importance of choosing a capable actor like Rickman to play the Professor with split-loyalties begins to truly bear fruit in this movie.
But . . . 1.) Too many important scenes are left out of the film adaptation, including a climactic battle to end the film; 2.) the mystery of the Half-Blood Prince is not adequately explored and the ultimate resolution is anticlimactic; 3.) there is not sufficient emotional heft to an important character's passing. I am not convinced Yates can give audiences' the battles and action scenes they have been waiting for. My one major quibble with "Order of the Phoenix" was the shortness of the battle at the end; in "Half-Blood Prince" the final battle does not happen at all. The building tension becomes almost unbearable waiting for the final showdown between good and evil; the release needed are some intense duels between major characters.
Yates continues directing duties for the two-part finale of "Harry Potter," bringing the series to its ultimate conclusion. He needs to prove he can direct action scenes with the seriousness and artistic flare he has thus far reserved for dramatic and comedic sequences. The series' consistent quality continues in this sixth entry, as "Half-Blood Prince" is both an intense and fun film fans will embrace.
Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.
