Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

Dark and dramatic—a right mixture for the 6th installment of the Harry Potter series. But if you happen to have loved Order of the Phoenix because it showcased wand action at its finest, then you might be a bit disappointed with Half-Blood Prince.

I was actually expecting to see a lot since they have already prolonged the agony of waiting for this movie, but it somehow left me hanging on its ending—why oh why David Yates?! Okay, I understand the fact that HBP should be less extravagant than the coming two-part 7th installment, but the shortage of wand action here needs to be pointed out. I still commend the makers though for creating it in such a way that even non-readers would easily understand the whole story.

The casts, especially the grown-up teens, were really impressive. They gave drama and laughter with conviction, good thing they’ve improved so much. And by the way, Ginny’s now HOT—but Hermione’s still HOTTER!

Of course, visual effects and musical score did their thing. My IMAX experience (though only the first 15 minutes were in 3D) was really breathtaking! One particular scene where it really touched me was the “wands all out” part—I felt the pain, in a good way.

All in all, I can still boast that this is the franchise to beat. The darker side of the Potter series is now loved by all: no more kiddie stuff. Serious, enthralling, enigmatic—visual orgasm!

Don’t be a coward, fight back and watch! Sectumsempra!