Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: July 15, 2009
7.2
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Generally favorable reviews based on 1333 Ratings
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Mixed:
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Negative:
146
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10
SheilaSJul 15, 2009
This movie is by far the best from the harry potter franchise. The snogging could have been less, but even so, the acting gets better as this series goes along and that is all one can ask for. i can not wait to see how it all ends.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AlexanderJul 15, 2009
Fans of the Harry Potter movies will be quite pleased with the latest installment which has superb cinematography, special effects, set design, and acting. Alan Rickman is excellent yet again as Snape and is given more room to play with the Fans of the Harry Potter movies will be quite pleased with the latest installment which has superb cinematography, special effects, set design, and acting. Alan Rickman is excellent yet again as Snape and is given more room to play with the character as protector of Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) while Michael Gambon gives his best performance as Dumbledore yet. Humor is used throughout the movie well, with Rupert Grint's performance as Ron Weasley under the effect of a love potion being the crowning moment. As great as those elements are, new and more casual viewers will likely have more problems with the film. The plot is a bit confusing with the movie feeling a bit spastic at times, with a scene at the Weasly's home epitomizing the feeling as it devolves into a duel with death eaters without any setup and simply ends up feeling superfluous. The problem is compounded by the movie's focus on the romantic relationships feeling equal to it's focus on furthering plot of Harry's battle against the great dark wizard Voldemort. Those who have read the book will likely be disappointed about a couple of omissions, a few visits to Dumbledore's office which further explains Harry Potter's (Daniel Radcliffe) mission, Voldemort's back story, and in the process, the ring. Also omitted was a big fight scene at the end in Hogwarts, though this may have been the right call as it removes any delay in Harry's reaction to the climax. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is one part adventure and one part high-school drama and an enjoyable, if flawed, film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
JordanAJul 15, 2009
I went to the midnight premiere last night and I have to say this was the worst premiere I have ever been to. It was ridiculously bad, no action and was VERY slow. If you are expecting a lot of talking then sure go see it, but if you wanted I went to the midnight premiere last night and I have to say this was the worst premiere I have ever been to. It was ridiculously bad, no action and was VERY slow. If you are expecting a lot of talking then sure go see it, but if you wanted the original fighting/wizard battles then you won't get that. Usually there is a big battle at the end between Harry and someone else, this time there was not and it was just BORING.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ArticXJul 15, 2009
Best of the series, there's no doubt. It even links and closes some plots better than the source material, Rowling's book, which is just incredible. Of course, some scenes are missing and some action is added, but that's just Best of the series, there's no doubt. It even links and closes some plots better than the source material, Rowling's book, which is just incredible. Of course, some scenes are missing and some action is added, but that's just necesary for a film adaptation -you have to remember, it's not a book anymore, the pace HAS to be different, and therefore, some minor changes have to be made to keep you interested. And even with that changes, it's one of the most faithfull adaptations, maybe after the first two -which were ABSOLUTELY faithfull, which is not really good. Why? Again; it's a film, not a book. This one is entertaining, moving... well, immersive. Great photograhy, even greater GCI, well-connected plot (as I said, better than the book in some places). It's a 9 film for me. But not a 10, because further mention and research of the Half-Blood Prince identity and Voldemort's would have been really helpfull. But I can forgive that, because the rest of the film is amazing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BryceS.Jul 15, 2009
For those who love the series, this might make you both happy and sad. For both what happens in this movie, alone, or through out the series. It makes you impatient for the final two movies, but also keeps you the viewers entertained and For those who love the series, this might make you both happy and sad. For both what happens in this movie, alone, or through out the series. It makes you impatient for the final two movies, but also keeps you the viewers entertained and wanting more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
SamB.Jul 15, 2009
This was a bad portrayal of the sixth Harry Potter book. There was too much romance and not enough action, and what action it did have was not relative to the book and could have been much much better. It seems to me that the directors have This was a bad portrayal of the sixth Harry Potter book. There was too much romance and not enough action, and what action it did have was not relative to the book and could have been much much better. It seems to me that the directors have not even read the Harry Potter stories. I know whenever a movie is based on a book it can't be strictly to the book or it will be much too long, but this crosses the line! I am appalled at the movies lack of accuracy to the book. And JK Rowling approves of it seems, she should be calling the shots on the casting and lines, if she doesn't she apparently doesn't care about her many loyal Harry Potter.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JimC.Jul 15, 2009
I was thoroughly disappointed with the first half of the movie when comparing it to the book. Where's the scene where Dumbledore mocks and chastises the Dursleys for their treatment of Harry? Where's Harry's endless I was thoroughly disappointed with the first half of the movie when comparing it to the book. Where's the scene where Dumbledore mocks and chastises the Dursleys for their treatment of Harry? Where's Harry's endless investigation of Draco Malfoy's comings and goings and the angst he suffers as nobody, even Ron and Hermione, believes him? And how about the entire opening chapters where the Prime Minister of England meets the Minister of Magic? And the other three memories that Dumbledore and Harry explore which are pivotal plot points in the book? I just thought the screen writer missed on a lot of these plot points that wouldn't have taken away from the dark, brooding, anticipation-laden storyline. I thought it came together quite nicely for the climax, but there were big chunks of the movie where I found myself asking, did the screenwriter even read the book?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
TonyM.Jul 15, 2009
Once again, the HP franchise has sucked in the moviegoer who is anxiously awaiting a decent wizard fight scene with teen romance. Very few claps and cheers were heard at the end of the film as I'm sure it disappointed more of the Once again, the HP franchise has sucked in the moviegoer who is anxiously awaiting a decent wizard fight scene with teen romance. Very few claps and cheers were heard at the end of the film as I'm sure it disappointed more of the audience than the critics apparently. My only hope is that the second movie of the 7th book will finally fulfill my desire to see just what these wizards are capable of.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
MartinS.Jul 15, 2009
One of the worst films of the year. They made us wait an extra year to see 2 hours of big budget soap opera drama and the acting talent from the diminutive cast is, as one could expect, as wide and inventive as that of monkeys addicted to One of the worst films of the year. They made us wait an extra year to see 2 hours of big budget soap opera drama and the acting talent from the diminutive cast is, as one could expect, as wide and inventive as that of monkeys addicted to crack cocaine. When all is said and done the film keeps one hoping for it all to start and at the end of the long haul one wonders when anything at all will happen that will make up for losing so much time to something so unfinished. Where are all of the great action sequences from the books? I believe that films should take liberties to make a book work for celluloid, but removing the best bits makes no sense. Bottom line: Terrible rape of an average (to begin with) book.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RobynMJul 15, 2009
This movie was quite good. I've read the series and watched the movies a hundred times, so I had few problems understanding it. The only problem was that my father (who has never read the books) felt that it jumped around and This movie was quite good. I've read the series and watched the movies a hundred times, so I had few problems understanding it. The only problem was that my father (who has never read the books) felt that it jumped around and didn't explain things very well in some spots. Overall, I give this movie an 8.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DebraKJul 15, 2009
EXCELLENT!!! The special effects were outstanding! This is by far the best Harry Potter movie yet!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
EddieC.Jul 15, 2009
Too much comic relief and not really a good adeptation of the story. The wrong points were emphasized leaving the final scenes very disappointing. The overall dark undertone of the book was completely absent from the movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AnonymousMCJul 15, 2009
Could have been great, but there was too much gossip girl and not enough emphasis on the death eaters. the climax didnt come until about the last half hour. as a stand alone movie, it was decent; but overall as a HP film, it was a bitCould have been great, but there was too much gossip girl and not enough emphasis on the death eaters. the climax didnt come until about the last half hour. as a stand alone movie, it was decent; but overall as a HP film, it was a bit disappointing, especially the end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
LoriMJul 15, 2009
This movie was bloody AWFUL. The WORST of all of the movies, by far. And, as a fan of the books, I left there absolutely outraged over the ending and all of the plot changes and major occurrences that were left out entirely. The ending was This movie was bloody AWFUL. The WORST of all of the movies, by far. And, as a fan of the books, I left there absolutely outraged over the ending and all of the plot changes and major occurrences that were left out entirely. The ending was the biggest slap in the face, though. If you've read the books, be prepared for a huge disappointment with this movie. They reduced that wonderful, fantastic, awesome book (my favorite book of the whole series) to nothing more than a big-budget prelude to the final two movies. Shame on them.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JohnJul 15, 2009
Overall, it was a very good movie. It was dramatic, romantic, and at times violent. However, I gave it a 9 because they made the ending too sad to conclude a movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MelissaEJul 15, 2009
HBP is my favorite in the series so I was incredibly excited to see the film at midnight last night. I enjoyed it a lot, but have to say it did not live up to its written version or my expectations. The movie spent so much time focused on HBP is my favorite in the series so I was incredibly excited to see the film at midnight last night. I enjoyed it a lot, but have to say it did not live up to its written version or my expectations. The movie spent so much time focused on love potions and teen angst that the really important issues felt rushed and glossed over. The book is my favorite because it reveals so much to us about Tom Riddle/Voldemort… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KellyH.Jul 15, 2009
It was really good if you didn't recently read the book, they might have focused to much on the teen drama. But all-in-all, GREAT movie!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
PacoJul 15, 2009
Started with good pace and in the best mood of a really good Potter movie. As the movie continues most of the plots does not make sense (thankfully I have read the book). Even do it has extraordinary visual effects and good acting from our Started with good pace and in the best mood of a really good Potter movie. As the movie continues most of the plots does not make sense (thankfully I have read the book). Even do it has extraordinary visual effects and good acting from our fellow students, in the end the movie finishes with a "is this all?" feeling as the Director has not given his best performance in comparison to "Order of the Phoenix". The best scenes of the book that are shown in the movie could have done much better in my opinion. Giving a 6 out of 10 is truly very generous from my side. My least favorite movie of all six. See it as a "getting ready" for the finale.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AndrewJul 15, 2009
Fans who read the books may be left with a sense of anti-climax with the ending. Other than that, this is easily the best Harry Potter movie yet. Simple as that.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ArshdeepJul 15, 2009
It is the best harry potter movie even darker then the second one,david yates has done a really goood job and it shows in his intelligent and pacy movie direction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
WesleySJul 15, 2009
Whether you have read the books or not, this is a yawnfest. The screenplay is horrible. At least the acting, cinematography and special effects are good.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MeggJul 15, 2009
I am utterly aghast that the parts of the story I looked forward to most were barely brushed upon. I very much desired to see all of Voldemort's past explained and illustrated on screen: how his mother and father were connected, the I am utterly aghast that the parts of the story I looked forward to most were barely brushed upon. I very much desired to see all of Voldemort's past explained and illustrated on screen: how his mother and father were connected, the Gaunt family, the murder of the three Riddles (not even mentioned!), etc. The memories we did see on-screen were bare-boned; we did not get to hear about the shenanigans young Tom was up to on his beach trip, only that he was a highly disturbing child. The Slughorn story-line was carried out effectively, but I felt like so much was missing. There was no scene with Dumbledore and the Dursley (which would have been highly amusin on-screen), no acknowledgement of Harry's grief for Sirius (which was redolent in the beginning of the book), nor did we see him receive his inheritance of Kreacher. I felt this movie missed the whimsy, magic, and familiarity of the first five films. It was dark, and I don't say this to imply that it should be daffodils and sunshine. While the sixth book was the darkest yet of the series, it still maintained a level comfort, of consistency, of familiarity. There was gloom and doom and sorrow, yes, but was taking place in a settings most familiar. Immediately, I felt like the presentations of the locations did not stay true to the first movies. For instance, the inside of the Weasley house beared no resemblance to the interior was saw in movies 1-5. The sixth year's bedchamber also looked (felt?) different. Even the panned out view of Hogwarts against the expansive sky and the mountains did not have the same feel to it. I suppose it had a lot to do with the camera and lighting work. Even the usual lively castle accompaniments, such as Peeves and Nearly-Headless Nick, or even the daily grind of classes, homework, and studying, were no where to be found. The one light-hearted departure from the gloomy affair of the story-line was the over-done teenage romantic adventures. Even the music was missing character and familiarity. When there was not silence behind the dialogue and action, long chords droned, void of variations on old themes and presentation of new. Still, it did cover the main bullet points of the film and stayed "true" to the book about as well as the other movies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
memoJul 15, 2009
I agree that the film was a bit imbalanced in terms of romatic comedy vs. developing major plot points and serious moments. That is my main problem with the film; otherwise it was beautiful, very funny and touching, intense, thrilling, true I agree that the film was a bit imbalanced in terms of romatic comedy vs. developing major plot points and serious moments. That is my main problem with the film; otherwise it was beautiful, very funny and touching, intense, thrilling, true to the book (particularly the cave scene), and standout acting from Tom Felton, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, good acting from Emma Watson, and wonderful acting from Jim Broadbent. Good job, Yates and co!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SamJJul 15, 2009
Best Potter film in a long time. Some changes will leave fans wondering why they were made, but the over all story is intact and is very enjoyable. Acting was superb, I even thought that Radcliffe did a great job.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SeanPJul 15, 2009
The best cinematography you will ever see with a brilliant story to go with it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
RDJul 15, 2009
Clumsy and choppy. The important things were left out and the things added in added little and confused things for the most part. What ever happened to just condensing down a good book instead of trying to reinvent the whole thing. This Clumsy and choppy. The important things were left out and the things added in added little and confused things for the most part. What ever happened to just condensing down a good book instead of trying to reinvent the whole thing. This movie should have been a lot better.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JohnSJul 7, 2009
Extremely dark, and thoroughly intriguing. One of the most anticipated films of the year, living up to its hype.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AkashKJul 7, 2009
Amazing film. I haven't seen a movie magical like this in 4 years (last one being Goblet of Fire, OOTP disappointed). The art direction was beautiful, the action was amazing, the yellow tinge was a nice touch, and the performances, Amazing film. I haven't seen a movie magical like this in 4 years (last one being Goblet of Fire, OOTP disappointed). The art direction was beautiful, the action was amazing, the yellow tinge was a nice touch, and the performances, especially of the trio, Gambon, Rickman, Broadbent, Smith, and Carter were powerful. If you liked Goblet of Fire, you'll love this!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FredJul 6, 2009
If you want to complain about the voting system, do it some other way than giving legit movies a low score.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LindaKJul 5, 2009
Great movie, which entertains on all levels.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KyleG.Jul 5, 2009
I saw a sneak peak with my friend, and i have to say that this is one of the best harry potter movies out there. Way better than the 5th which was horrible, and if you say it was good, you are not a potter fan.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SeanR.Jul 3, 2009
This movie is so great that you forget the mistakes of the old and the 5th, which was the most of the series.... (movie wise).
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
AnonBJun 19, 2009
If you bothered to read the previous reviews, 'Anon A' and 'arbie review', you'd see that they saw it at special advanced screenings, and thus they would be perfectly entitled to give their opinions and vote on theIf you bothered to read the previous reviews, 'Anon A' and 'arbie review', you'd see that they saw it at special advanced screenings, and thus they would be perfectly entitled to give their opinions and vote on the movie. This movie has been finished for a long time. It was supposed to be released in November 08 but Warner Bros wanted a big summer blockbuster so they postponed releasing the finished movie until July.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
AnonAJun 10, 2009
user reviews are so arbitrary that so many of them are just based on first impressions as indicated by how many reviews are out right now even though the movie hasn't even finished post production yet. User reviews should be limited touser reviews are so arbitrary that so many of them are just based on first impressions as indicated by how many reviews are out right now even though the movie hasn't even finished post production yet. User reviews should be limited to people who have metacritic accounts, because user ratings right now are completely pointless.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LeeJ.Feb 14, 2009
Really fantastic: Epic and tragic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
ArbieReviewNov 24, 2008
This is a gross oversight and another proof of argument that Metacritic needs to disable user votes. The thing isn't close to finishing post-production.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BalmC.Aug 8, 2008
It's Excellent. Very entertaining and magical. It's more slapstick but less dark and more fun. It reminded me of the first two Potter films. The best one yet.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KramerC.Aug 5, 2008
I loved this movie. It's by far the best Harry Potter movie to date. I saw the very first special screening, and their was a huge aplause. I'm very impressed. It'sa very slapstick and enjoyable movie. I love it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DiegoC.Aug 5, 2008
I've got the chance to see one of those very very very rare special screenings. Now Harry Potter is in IMAX and at times in 3D. I don't recomend it, it was much worse than last years Harry Potter . When the 3D wrecked the movie and I've got the chance to see one of those very very very rare special screenings. Now Harry Potter is in IMAX and at times in 3D. I don't recomend it, it was much worse than last years Harry Potter . When the 3D wrecked the movie and the ending action sequence. Anyway, this is a movie to see. Harry Potter 5 was a fairly all right movie, it needed to ponder the art of a more magical and devloping structure around charisma and the fulfillness of magic teachings. You see in the Order of the Phoenix, Harry taught magic, but director David Yates never gave us the chance to enjoy watching the teachings, rather than watching him and his students blowing out fumes from their wands. They used spells without even casting them. That was lame, but everything else was okay. I'm kind of reviewing the last one mind you. Let me get to this one. I always wondered if Ron were to be in quiditch. And he is, this year at Hogwarts is much better than the last 2 years. He is much more of a character this time, their is much stronger charisma and relationships. Theres a bit of a romance happening, with an intense soul within the romantic boundary. The special effects are fair. The acting is and has always been above average. This isn't just a very normal Harry Potter movie, like the last 4 films. This is a very swift, smoothly paced masterpiece. This is probably in the top 3 best hary potter films. The first two have always been in first place. Just because they have the strongest surface within character, Hogwarts itself, magic, and that creepy sensation. It's very similar to it's previous sequel, but this is so much better. Last time, all Ron was was simply a by-standing follower who does absolutely nothing really. He only has like 15 lines in the whole movie. But in this, many beaming lights shine on his face this time. The situation could have been a bit bigger, but at least it's getting somewhere and doing well at it. Meaning it's doing well portraying a journey when all the film pretty well takes place is at Hogwarts. Thats what this series has success at. The first two journeyed through the history of Hogwarts. The next two were pretty well just the understanding of sn uprising evil. But the next two build and build a surface to contain riveting and intense art so that the audience can be on the edge of their seats. Dumbledore's death was truly emotional and not as lame as Serious' death and over-the-top as Cedric's. This movie is shaped so we know what to expect next time. This movie is when the true war begins. And David Yates succeeds so well in entertaining us. The only problem I have with the last three films altogether is that they are very similar, they are said to be the best ones. But they develop so much that by the end it was for nothing. If their spending 8 movies on killing Voldemart, then they must be wasting their time. Te amount books that J.K. Rowling has for Harry potter is too much, but phenomenal for her success. Even though the last book sucks. They need to really get somewhere with this series for once and stop atht chitter chatter that keeps the characters overdwelling on the very little. Anyway, I'd give it a 9.5/10, but a 10/10 if it weren't so pointless. But I guees when you round stuff up, 10/10 is the answer. But I watch a lot of movies. And this was very good. Wortht seeing, it's one of the best Potter films to date.… Expand
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