ROTTEN TOMATOES: Tomatometer Watch: How Good is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? Comments

Tomatometer Watch: How Good is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?

by Jen Yamato | July 10, 2009

Summary

The Harry Potter franchise gets its sixth film adaptation next week, and early buzz on the wizarding saga is... fantastically fresh! As Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Co. experience the first tremors of teenage love -- and all the hormonal shifts that come with puberty, (Hog)warts and all -- the battle between good and evil is also heating up. Can Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and returning helmer David Yates withstand the series' growing pains? By the looks of things, Half-Blood Prince not only might maintain the franchise's track record of Certified Freshness (all five previous installments won the honor), it may also conjure up the best reviews of the entire series. As a wizard might say, "Merlin's Beard!" Back to Article

(1-71 of 71 posts) | Reply

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 10 2009 06:55 PM

Interesting if this movie can hold up it would mean Yates has both the best and worst reviewed movies in the series.

(Reply to this)

fargo_viper writes:
on Jul 10 2009 07:03 PM

Dumbledore still sucks wand?

(Reply to this)

S M. writes:
on Jul 10 2009 07:09 PM

I am actually really excited for the release of this movie... really hope it wont let me down...

(Reply to this)

felix T. writes:
on Jul 10 2009 07:30 PM

good news there.

(Reply to this)

Zachary P. writes:
on Jul 10 2009 07:44 PM

In reply to this comment (#2525469)
Good point, never thought of that. Hope he can pull some aces from his sleeves for Deathly Hallows!

(Reply to this)

celia h. writes:
on Jul 10 2009 07:50 PM

I realy can't wait to see this movie! All the reviews are just making the wait even more harder! Only 4 Days left to go!!

(Reply to this)

GST writes:
on Jul 10 2009 08:00 PM

Really excited about this, I meant to read books 4 5 and 6 before I saw this, but failed. I guess I'll just read them all (some of them again) before Deathly Hallows comes out.

But wow, OSCAR BUZZ? Didn't think I was going to hear that. Hopefully it can stay in the 90s on the tomatometer. I cant stress it enough though, I'm so excited! I'll be seeing it on Wednesday, hopefully.

(Reply to this)

Alejandro P. writes:
on Jul 10 2009 08:28 PM

David Yates maybe made the least good movie of Hrry Potter ( Order of the Phoenix) but I really expect this movie seeing this good reviews

(Reply to this)

arendr writes:
on Jul 10 2009 08:54 PM

Wow, I think Order of the Phoenix is the 2nd best, right after Prisoner of Azkaban.

(Reply to this)

bryce w. writes:
on Jul 10 2009 08:59 PM

Prisoner of Azkaban is definitely the best. It was really the first film in the franchise that branched away from the childlike innocence of the first 2. After watching the film I immiditately loved it because of how much darker it was than Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets. After that is Order of the Phoenix. I believe Yates can make this a great film and I believe he can

(Reply to this)

Magic is Might writes:
on Jul 10 2009 09:20 PM

POA is probably the worst since it ruined the story and screwed over the other movies because of plot points left out.

(Reply to this)

JettaJameson writes:
on Jul 10 2009 09:25 PM

I have been waiting for Tuesday to come for SO LONG. It's finally here!!! Like someone else said, the swesome reviews are making me want to see it even more. I will be there Tuesday at 12.

(Reply to this)

jason913 writes:
on Jul 10 2009 09:36 PM

Judging from the critics' responses, and how much I like this book, I'm even MORE excited for this one than the other films in the series. Yates don't fail us now!

(Reply to this)

ledawg1138 writes:
on Jul 10 2009 10:19 PM

This film won't stay this high, but it will stay positive.

(Reply to this)

ledawg1138 writes:
on Jul 10 2009 10:50 PM

In reply to this comment (#2525544)
Then again, I said the same thing about "Star Trek".

(Reply to this)

Castle91 writes:
on Jul 10 2009 10:58 PM

Holy s***, Oscar buzz?! Sweet. Of course I've liked all of the movies up to now about the same. They all had chunks missing. I really didn't like POA because it felt TOO angsty to me. And GOF, I hated the massive plot changes, and then the altercations to the maze. As for OotP, I kind of liked it, but it didn't really focus enough for me. I've missed Peeves.
I MUST see this Tuseday night/Wednesday Morning.

(Reply to this)

Chris B. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 01:01 AM

Even the worst Harry Potter movie is a good movie in general. I liked all the Potter movies about the same. To be honest, the first movie is still my favorite. I don't think I've ever been this excited for a Potter movie since the first one.

(Reply to this)

martinscorsese25 writes:
on Jul 11 2009 02:18 AM

I saw the Sectumsempra scene from Half-Blood at Letterman. Bruno Debonnel might get the first Oscar nomination for Cinematography in a Potter film. also, Yates seems to be getting good, and i mean REAL GOOD. he staged it very well. way better than those poorly shot Room of Requirment scenes from Order. i still can't comment on the effects, cause i havent seen it. and the score too, cause i havent heard it. but the cinematography, OMG!. just the way Yates move the Camera there. it's just done with great craftmanship. this gives me good hopes for Deathly Hallows. i always thought that Yates really isnt something special, but now, with all this buzz, and with the Scene i saw from Letterman, i think he will prove me wrong.

i remember when they screened it during those secret screenings, it was getting negative reviews. mainly because of the hogwarts fight being cut, and scenes being added. personally, i don't mind those things. Prisoner of Azkaban thought me that changes can be good for a film because it is a FILM not a book. a Potter film will be good if it is well crafted. that's what we got from Azkaban. all things, top notch. Directing, Cinematography, Score. and i think that's what we will be getting in Half-Blood

lastly, i'm sad Bruno Debonnel won't be back for Hallows. he really is the right cinematographer for HP. also, John Williams won't fullfill his promise that he'll come back. Hooper will surely get the job for sure because he's a collaborator of Yates. there are music in Order that i didn't like. his opening score isnt pleasant to the ears. his room of requirement score is TOO whimsy and quirky. he over did it. and the death of Sirius score isnt really tearful. i think he should have used Sirius score from Azkaban.

well, it is what it is. I think with all the buzz, its safe to say that DH is in good hands. still, it's sad that we will never get to see what Cuaron/Williams part 2 combo will offer. and Emmanuel Lubezki(who was too busy at the time to shoot PoA), a collaborator of Cuaron, and one of my favorite cinematographer, will not shoot a single Potter film

(Reply to this)

Gaveen G. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 07:28 AM

one thing is sure,this movie will break the box office records

(Reply to this)

Redbeard writes:
on Jul 11 2009 07:31 AM

I'm actually more concerned for Deathly Hallows. For this film it seems they had a very good idea of what to keep in and what to cut out. For the last ones they seem to want to cram in every character from the books, as if to keep every fan sattisfied. It could seriously damage quality of the film. Honestly, why do the bill and fleur wedding if you could just as easy replace them with Tonks and Lupin. David Thewlis and Nat Tena just deserve the screentime.
Why the hell am I already worrying about this anyway... never mind me.

(Reply to this)

anna s. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 09:16 AM

have fun, find love,sincere girls and handsome men there are much more attractive and charming!
------------------
__millionaire chats .Co m__
------------------
It is a wonderful dating site for sincere girls and handsome men to have
fun together! And it's free! Hope it can help you find your ideal match!

(Reply to this)

anna s. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 09:18 AM

have fun, find love,sincere girls and handsome men there are much more attractive and charming!
------------------
__millionaire chats .Co m__
------------------
It is a wonderful dating site for sincere girls and handsome men to have
fun together! And it's free! Hope it can help you find your ideal match!

(Reply to this)

Stephen G. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 09:20 AM

Oh...NOW that I've read that the emotional talents of Jim Broadbent have been added to the newest 'Potter' movie, I'm gonna be camped-out at the entrance to my local theatre. Hate to say it, but without him...'Moulin Rouge' would'nt have had a leg to stand on. Brilliant move, and I can't wait to see how he figures into the movie.

(Reply to this)

Warheart1188 writes:
on Jul 11 2009 09:29 AM

In reply to this comment (#2525630)
I doubt it will break box office records, maybe "Transformers 2" record for a Wednesday opening but that's it.

(Reply to this)

THECOWBELLHASSPOKEN writes:
on Jul 11 2009 10:07 AM

PoA is easily the best. goblet is really good too but left some good stuff out and gambon gave a crappy performance in that one. even though it left good stuff out though as a movie on its own, its great.

(Reply to this)

M.C.P. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 11:34 AM

I say it will stay in the upper 80%.
It might break some records, but not many.
Can't wait til it comes out though!

"Make it so..."

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 11 2009 11:38 AM

In reply to this comment (#2525679)
Think it will break the record for movies in this series still held by Philosophers Stone. Oscar buzz is nice, but a while overdue IMO. Can't wait for this to open and wish they'd work out this whole IMAX thing so I can watch it in IMAX if I want instead of waiting 2 weeks.

(Reply to this)

celia h. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 03:09 PM

I've already re-read books 1-6 in preparation, but clearly I read too fast. lol. I might just re-read book 6 again. It's so good. I don't want to read 7 again until after I see the movie so that I won't be all depressed about the characters who die.

(Reply to this)

ledawg1138 writes:
on Jul 11 2009 04:32 PM

In reply to this comment (#2525715)
Sis you re-read them a few months in advance...or, sooner? If it was "sooner", I'm impressed. But yeah, book 6 is one of the best.

(Reply to this)

Drew G. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 05:15 PM

OOOOO, teenage love. Maybe theyre finally gonna reaveal that Harry and Ron have been blowing and fuking eachother throughout all these god awful movies.
Worse book/movie franchise ever!

Now let the hating of me begin. All you little wizard freaks bring it on.

(Reply to this)

tomelce writes:
on Jul 11 2009 05:27 PM

It doesn't matter what the Tomatometer score is, it really doesn't -- a movie rated 99% is not automatically better than a movie rated 60% and lower. Holding a "Tomatometer Watch" only encourages more ludicrous fan vitriol towards the negative reviews that shall likely continue to come in, and that's about the biggest problem with this site.

Anyways, I hope this will prove more worthwhile than the other movies in the series (I didn't really care for any of them), but I imagine the limited acting talent of the main threesome will provide the usual distractions from the film's better elements.

(Reply to this)

kirangelo writes:
on Jul 11 2009 05:45 PM

Prisoner of Azkaban was definitely the best, atleast for me. Such a dark and intriguing movie, I rated it a 90%. I don't think Yates can hold onto the early reviews from critics, though...early reviews are usually higher before the movie is released wide.

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 11 2009 06:24 PM

In reply to this comment (#2525736)
Nah, cause I'm a 20 year man and I can tell the difference between little punks you need to be taught a lesson and freaks like you who'd just enjoy it. If you really want to get abused this much go find a dominatrix.

(Reply to this)

Bob S. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 06:27 PM

I'm getting excited seeing the super-high T-meter and the kickass previews. Since TF2 left me feeling a bit disappointed and wanting a lot more, I really want a summer movie that can deliver on all cylinders.

(Reply to this)

Drew G. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 06:37 PM

Haha nice Bigbrother. Don't get mad. It's just a joke.
I just thought it was funny. But the acting in these movies is so horribly bad that i just cant get into them. I think some of the storis sound interesting,(only some) but just like any other movie if the acting is terrible it takes away from the story. And that's what happens in these movies. And I'm not the only one who thinks it

(Reply to this)

Drew G. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 06:42 PM

Oh and Bob if you want a summer movie deliverying on all cylinders lets hope that is District 9. That will either be really good or really bad. I dont feel there is any in between ground there.

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 11 2009 07:04 PM

In reply to this comment (#2525753)
I don't know Drew, Think of some of the other child actors we've been subjected to and think of the level of actor that makes up these movies supporting casts. If nothing else these kids deserve credit for not destroying this franchise which could easily have happened. I think you go out and find 90% of child actors and put them on the screen with Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Sir Richard Harris, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, and Helena Bonham Carter and they will be embarrassingly bad. I think if most people thought that was the case these movies wouldn't be making 900 mil plus on the fifth film in the series with consistantly fresh reviews. Of course some people are going to disagree and that's fine, I even agree the kids aren't as good as the veterans, but you have to admit like I said it's unfair to expect an 11 year old to be as good an actor as the cream of British cinema. I think in recent films the gap has definately been closing and the kids have noticeably grown as actors.

(Reply to this)

Drew G. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 07:34 PM

I agree that the kids arent gonna be as good as the veterans. That's a given(usually). But i just think they could have found some kids better than these. Everything just seems so forced. Theyre emotions seemed to be acted rahter than heart felt. And yes i know that acting is what theyre hired for but when you whatch a good actor get mad in a movie it doesnt seem as if he is acting. It seems genuine. I will say that Ratcliffe definitely has the right look for the part. I couldn't really see any other kid pulling of the look of Haryy as well as he does. But i could see plenty that could pull off the persona and feelings alot better.
I was actually really excited for the first one when it came out.And I'll admit it was decent. But it was definitely a letdown for me. But thats just me. What killed it for me was the acting. I thought i couldve done a better job.lol( I know that's not true)In a sense i had it in for these movies after the first beacuse of the dissapointment for me. I cant take them seriously anymore for that reason

(Reply to this)

Albert F. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 07:53 PM

The thing is that they are all grown up now. I wonder if they still have what it takes after living off all the wealth from the previous successful movies of Harry Potters that they made.
Ways to Make Money

(Reply to this)

Paul M. writes:
on Jul 11 2009 08:35 PM

My analysis:

Sorcerer's stone was a fairly good start to the series. It was far too faithful to the book, and was outshined barely a month after its release by Peter Jackson's "Fellowship." However, it managed to kick-start the franchise and (in my opinion) was reasonably satisfying. The kids did not start out as great actors, but they captured the look and feel (for the most part) of their characters. 6.5/10

Chamber of Secrets left me with one of those "meh" feelings. Not terrible, but not terribly good, this film made improved from the first in some areas (special effects, ACTING). But i think Columbus did a terrible job capturing the dark, menacing feel that ought to accompany a plot dealing with a mysterious monster living right under our eyes with a clearly defined hit list. Isaacs was amazing, and his sinister character almost made up for the lack of "darkness" in the movie. (6/10)

Azkaban changed everything. Under Cuaron's direction, this installment plunged into a much more mature, darker realm. Visually stunning, and intriguing (though refreshingly simple) in plot, "Azkaban" felt less rushed, despite a shorter running time. In the first two movies, everything seemed to be crammed in there. In this one, all the characters and magical stuff did not crowd Rowling's brilliant storyline. Daniel Radcliffe didn't quite capture Harry's fury towards Sirius, though he (along with Grint and Watson) did a consistently better job on portraying his character when compared with SS and CoS. 9/10.

Goblet of Fire was possibly the most fun of the films. Packed with special effects, a touch of romance, the return of Voldemort, and French girls, Newell's adaptation of what I consider Rowling's best book was thoroughly enjoyable. The triwizard tournament offered a break from the classic Hogwarts environment, and the dragon scene was fantastic. All that was great, except that it wasn't a very good movie. The child actors continued to improve, but the adults started to drift away, particularly Gambon. Honestly my favorite bits were those with David Tennant, I thought he acted brilliantly as the psychotic yet desperately driven Barty Crouch Jr. The plot felt more rushed even than CoS, and there should have been a lot more foreshadowing where Snape is concerned. 7.5/10

The Order of the Phoenix was awful. It was boring, repeditive, and far too simplistic. The focus on D.A. and short running time effectively combined to shut out the day to day Hogwarts environment (especialy the comic relief provided in the classrooms) we have come to know and love. Harry's Occlumency lessons felt like a bad joke, and the climax was utterly devoid of emotion, no matter how hard Yates tried. The only redeeming quality was the continually improving child actors (if they can be called that anymore). Overall, the film tried too hard to be "dark," and instead felt prosaic. 4/10

This next movie looks utterly amazing based on the clips I've seen and the reviews I've read. I am very excited to watch it, and it sounds like Yates has learned his lesson since OotP.I am especially looking forward to how Dumbledore will be portrayed by Gambon as he marches knowingly to his ultimate fate, trying to prepare Harry for the upcoming battle. I hope the reviews keep it within the 90% range.

(Reply to this)

jodiodie writes:
on Jul 11 2009 08:48 PM

Oh man this is makin me pumped!!!!!!!!! yes harry!!!!!!!!This review made my waiting so much worse!CANT WAIT!!!!!

Im gonna scream it to the roof tops...but then id be seriously close to being a twi-hard so ill play it cool.

(Reply to this)

KoshKing777 writes:
on Jul 11 2009 10:43 PM

I don't mean to sound like a follower/goon/mindless-member-of-the-mob, but I actually completely agree with EACH of your assessments, Paul M. It's like you took the numbers right out of my mouth! However, I didn't mind the Occlumency too much in OotP...I was thankful that they had SOME sort of Harry/Snape interaction in the movie, and it contained one of the only truly gritty moods of the entire movie...an atmosphere that was terribly needed in the rest of the cornball movie.

Based on the critics' opinions so far, it sounds like a much more cohesive mood has been achieved through the greyscale camerawork...and the cinematography and kids' performances look improved across the board. Especially when compared to the TV-movie quality of every part of OotP. I'm psyched.

(Reply to this)

Tim w. writes:
on Jul 12 2009 12:20 AM

I can't wait for this movie. I was very happy with the job Yates did on OOTP and that was my least favorite book by far. Here's my evaluation on the whole series thus far:

Sorcerer's Stone: Obviously a kiddie movie and an introductory movie. By the time it came out I was just happy to Harry Potter on the big screen. I was happy with all the character portrayals, especially Richard Harris, whose Dumbledore was absolutely spot on from what I envisioned. Of the kids, I thought Rupert Grint was perfect, the other two were fine as well. My only gripe was Snape. I've come to like Alan Rickman's portrayal, but initially I didn't think he was nearly nasty enough. This character is so easy to hate in the novels, too easy to like in the movies. Overall: 6.5/10

Chamber of Secrets: I liked this overall. Pretty much the same vibe as the original but I began to grow weary of Chris Columbus' Hogwarts and magical world. It looked too rosy, almost like an amusement park or something... Potterland. This was uber-recognizable in the first movie especially but that movie had the benefit of being the first and we were all just starved for Potter on the big screen. Harris is too emaciated in this one to be convincing. It's a little hard to watch. Overall: 6/10

Prizoner of Azkaban: Great movie, but not as great as everybody says. The reason is Dumbledore. Cuaron's take on him is absolutely horrible. He's a freakin clown! This is not the beloved character from the books. I have no idea what this director was thinking. Thankfully, he doesn't have much of a role anyway. Loved how this movie looked. Loved David Thewliss and Gary Oldman. The three kids were all better than they'd ever been. I'd forgotten the time travel element of the story and really enjoyed it. This is the one we rewatch the most at our house... I just cringe whenever Dumbledore has a scene. Overall: 8/10

Goblet of Fire: Sucked. I watch this a lot too because I want so badly to like it since the book was my favorite. This directer is a tool. Did he even read the stinkin book? How could he screw up the Barty Crouch Jr. storyline so horribly? I remember him saying in an interview that "it's a thriller." So he went out to make a thriller and basically ignore everything that didn't fit that vision. I thought too many characters were annoying (Weasley twins), too many parts were just corny or completely off, and the score made all of this worse. Dumbledore's no longer a goon. Now he's just a mean ol fart who doesn't trust Harry and wants to rip his arm off after his name comes out of the goblet. With this kind of material, how does a director make a movie that falls so short? Overall: 4/10

Order of the Phoenix: Best in the series in my opinion. Weird because it's my least favorite book. But that's one of the things the movie does right. Yates took a lot of needless filler out and got right to the nuts and bolts of the story. Umbridge, Luna and Bellatrix Lestrange were all absolutely perfect. Daniel Radcliffe's angst was very well done. The music was great. The movie looked appropriately dark and dreary. The action in the department of mysteries was fantastic. I found the whole thing very hard to follow in the book but it looked terrific on screen. I found Sirius's death to be extremely effective and sad, impressively so. The best part: Dumbledore finally acts like Dumbledore in this one. I now have confidence in Michael Gambon. I guess I couldn't disagree more with the guy who gave this 4/10. Overall: 8.5/10

(Reply to this)

Raichu A. writes:
on Jul 12 2009 12:37 AM

Why do I have the feeling Armond White is going to rip this movie to shreds.

(Reply to this)

robby93 writes:
on Jul 12 2009 08:27 AM

Remember, it's not only Yates' "fault" for the shortcomings of the Order of the Phoenix. They had a new screenwriter in Michael Goldenberg, who had replaced Steve Kloves since he didn't want to return for the fifth movie after he wrote the script for the first four movies. However, Steve Kloves is back for the sixth movie, and I guess it paid off, with Kloves making a wonderful script and Yates translating it flawlessly on screen.

(Reply to this)

Paul M. writes:
on Jul 12 2009 09:02 AM

@robby93
I couldn't agree more. Kloves was one of the great things about the series, and too often the screenwriter is undercretited for the success/ failure of a film. It is merely the director's vision/interpretation of the script that audiences view, usually with out a thought as to who wrote the scenes. I am very excited that Kloves is returning for the 6th move (and the 7th & 8th?), and I thoroughly expect it to be much better than OotP.

(Reply to this)

Magic is Might writes:
on Jul 12 2009 09:58 AM

can anyone come up with a logical split point for the next movie, no one has really came up with one. THat is what is going to hurt the next two movies, they are going to be overloaded with either too much plot or too much action.

(Reply to this)

Paul M. writes:
on Jul 12 2009 10:18 AM

In reply to this comment (#2525853)
According to an interview with David Yates, the split point is most likely going to be when the trio gets captured by the snatchers. Yates said he wanted a cliffhanger ending, and that seems to fit.

(Reply to this)

Crazymorg writes:
on Jul 12 2009 12:43 PM

Yeah, i think there are basically a few logical points to stop the next movie...

i may have chosen the moment when they destroy the first horcrux though since i think that kind of ends the 1st half and leads into the next segment of events

that said, i think that scene or the scene at xenophilius' also wouldve worked decently as well

as for this movie, my only giant concern is the issue of the memories...

how i the world can they actually show the point of these memories if they only show 2 of the 4 memories involved?....

How does Harry supposedly know about anything for the next story if he doesnt know about the horcruxes involved?

for them to omit the Gaunt scene is an absolute travesty imo

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 12 2009 01:44 PM

Not a particularly stellar weekend at the box office. Bruno is leading with an est. 30.4 mil and crashed heavily after it's opening day so probably not going to have great legs. Ice Age and Transformers were the only other movie's over 20 mil in second and third. I think most people are like me and waiting for Potter on Wednesday. On the brightside for people who hate mindless teen comedies I Love You Beth Cooper only opened up to 5 million. Ouch, Hayden better start helping them figure out how to fix Heroes. ASAP.

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 12 2009 01:49 PM

For those of you keeping track that mean The Hangover in it's 6 week made almost twice as much as Beth Cooper in it's debut. Apparently America loves Bradley Cooper more than Beth Cooper. Again I say Ouch.

(Reply to this)

wickedlover writes:
on Jul 12 2009 02:44 PM

I can't wait for this movie!

(Reply to this)

Alleen writes:
on Jul 12 2009 06:05 PM

I just saw the trailer last two weeks ago and it looks E-P-I-C.

But crap or not, I will still see it on the big screen, as it's been a tradition in the family to see all the HP movies in theaters.

GOSH, I FEEL OLD! The first released HP movie was when I was fifteen! I can't wait to go back to tradition.

(Reply to this)

Anakin writes:
on Jul 13 2009 01:03 PM

ohh cannot wait

(Reply to this)

jpbresnihan writes:
on Jul 13 2009 03:30 PM

41 reviews in, only one is rotten. and with 5 fresh top critic reviews, i'd say harry potter and the half blood prince is certified fresh at 98%

(Reply to this)

karena k. writes:
on Jul 13 2009 04:49 PM

In reply to this comment (#2525469)
There's only one legitimate place I've found to watch it, the rest seem like scams :-/ You can see it over here though: http://vostuu.com/watch28015.html

They make you do a little survey but after that it's good to go :)

(Reply to this)

karena k. writes:
on Jul 13 2009 04:50 PM

http://vostuu.com/watch28015.html

(Reply to this)

celia h. writes:
on Jul 13 2009 06:59 PM

YAY!!! It's CERTIFIED FRESH!!! GO HARRY POTTER!

(Reply to this)

Milinda Yapa writes:
on Jul 14 2009 07:29 AM

This would be a film of more adventure than the daily routine of the schooling life.This is the first great leap on the way to destroy voldemort which can also be the motion picture that makes the audience urge for the next.This will sure be a hit to the harry potter series.This would be in the real words, a new life to harry potter films.

(Reply to this)

knowingtoast85 writes:
on Jul 15 2009 11:42 AM

I personally couldn't get into "Half-Blood Prince" for the entire running time. This is one of those movies where every scene felt to me like it existed only to lead up to something, which I was waiting for...then when I got out, my friends were gushing about all those scenes and I realized I was supposed to savor that stuff. Full disclosure: Haven't read the book.

I wanted to like this movie because Yates directed the last one, which surprised me by being my favorite. But yeah, I just didn't find myself invested in any of it. Part of me feels like some critics are just excited about how it doesn't look or feel like a kid's movie anymore (and it doesn't), but I'm sure there's more to it than that.

(Reply to this)

Will B. writes:
on Jul 15 2009 05:09 PM

The new Harry Potter and half blood prince movie was down right bad. The director made it too childish, he took the darkness of the book and changed the tone completely to fit a PG demographic. Though cute in some parts, the picture as a whole was dull, uneventful, and often much different than Rowlings version. I can only hope that the producers can persuade Warner Bros to make the Deathly Hallows movies PG-13 or I'm scared they will suck too. Lets face it anybody who is 12 or under is probably there with a parent anyways.

(Reply to this)

Ken R. writes:
on Jul 15 2009 07:23 PM

The folks who wrote glowingly of this film are full of it. I just saw it, dropping around $100.00 for me and my excited family pumped so see this film. I'm angry, I might as well have thrown my money in the street. Then maybe someone who needed it might have found it, and I wouldn't have wasted 2.5 hours of our lives.

Oscar contention? Forget it. Best of the Harry Potter series? Hardly. It's more like a franchise killer. You can bet we won't be exactly rushing out to see the next one, if in fact there is one. This film does not justify one.

It's one long, disjointed, listless bore.

(Reply to this)

Paul M. writes:
on Jul 15 2009 08:27 PM

Frankly i thought this film was fantastic. It serves as a deep breath before the final battle, and thus I am glad the pace has slowed. Half Blood Prince is thrilling, hilarious, brilliantly acted, and exceptionally emotional. It is every bit as good as Azkaban, and stays truest in spirit to the books so far.

I disagree completely with those who say it was too long or too dull. I think the fact that every scene was not filled with explosions and breaking glass was actually a good choice on the part of Yates, as this movie doesn't come across as a desperate bid for blockbuster money. 4/4

(Reply to this)

celia h. writes:
on Jul 15 2009 11:00 PM

It's AMAZING!! I've already seen it twice and I will probably go watch it again tomorrow! I love this one! Some of the critics were talking about how the movie is kind of in two parts and they're right. The first part is soooo good and so funny and I think I prefer that half of the film. But the second part is when the serious, drama, and darkness come into play. I love that half of the film too, but it's very overwhelming because I couldn't figure out what to feel. I was feeling all these emotions at the same time (fear, sadness, shock, anger, suspense), the last 30 minutes go by so fast that you barely have time to catch your breath.

But I LOVED it. It's the perfect set up for Deathly Hallows. The filmmakers are clearly going to have their work cut out for them when it comes to cleaning up the plot because the horcruxes were definitely not discussed enough but I think they will be able to do it since they have two whole films to work with.

(Reply to this)

celia h. writes:
on Jul 15 2009 11:04 PM

I think most people need to see it twice because I wasn't even sure I liked it the first time around. But it's definitely amazing. Especially when you know what to expect. It's absolutely brilliant.

(Reply to this)

Peter E. writes:
on Jul 15 2009 11:28 PM

I enjoyed the movie but I can't say it was my favorite.

I think the first 15-20 minutes were to disjointed. To me it felt as if I had arrived late at the theater and missed the first "30 minutes" of the movie. However, once I got into the movie I did enjoy it, mostly. The low-key character driven stories between are main three and their love interests was well done and not overly "angsty" like the previous movies.

The ending is what I really didn't like. I had no connection to the events (yes I have read all the books, but i don't want to spoil for those who have't). Overall the pacing was good, but after the more light-hearted story throughout the movie I expected a strong action ending filled with dark, emotion. Instead we get a "hit and run" that just ends.

So, beginning was too abrupt and ending was dissappointing mainly because of the lack of emotion I felt, but the middle 2 hours of the movie were fantastic. 7/10

(Reply to this)

TL D. writes:
on Jul 17 2009 10:30 AM

I wish that I could be part of the chorus of positive thinkers about Half-Blood Prince but it is not one of the best in the series. To my way of thinking it is the least engaging and least Rowling-like of the series. The waste of time for the first hour and a half is ridiculous. I half suspect taht some marketing genius somewhere encouraged the focus on the young trio's love interests because it might garner even larger audience response. Twilight it ain't.

The MacGuffin of the whole Harry Potter story is Voldemort: who he was, is, and how to stop him. That is Harry's function and everything should have been in service to that. It isn't in this film. Except for a split second you don't even see him. And the "young love" is not contributory to the development of the story.

Someone above talked about how it was over before s/he knew it: I was looking at my watch by the time the script got to Ron Weasley's love potion scene (which was rather good).

The cinematography was good, for Noir. The music so-so. The acting: as always the ongoing cast (Gambon, Rickman, Smith, Coltrane, and the Trio) are really good.

It is too bad that Yates is signed on for the last two. Too damned bad.

(Reply to this)

janin writes:
on Jul 18 2009 04:08 AM

I think the movie was brilliant although some things were taken a bit too forgranted...people who do not read the books probably went out of the cinemas sligthly confused or even wondering if there was a plot, cos even I felt some things were left hovering and i'm a reader.
there wasn't enough focus on the 'Half Blood Prince' which Harry was SO fixated about in reality, apart from Snape's line which is hardly audible :/
I kind of have mixed feelings about this, i loved order of the phoenix but I think Cuaron would have been best for this one because Azkaban had a lot to explain too and he managed to fit it without leaving a sense of confusion - even though this is longer.
Let's face it Cuaron did save the franchise otherwise it would have been stuck in the happy go lucky atmosphere of the first two...
Personally I loved it of course but I think it wouldn't have been impossible to insert some informative dialogue for the non-readers...it's a huge turn-off and this was a transitional storyline so extra care should have been made cos it's an in between book so it's even more challenging when there isn't an actual 'end'

(Reply to this)

janin writes:
on Jul 18 2009 04:17 AM

and seriously if I hadn't read the books I would have gone out of the cinemas wondering 'WHAT THE *!@^ WAS MALFOY DOING ANYWAY?'
if this hadn't been Harry Potter the reviews would probably have dropped WAY down let's face it...there is no sense of continuity
1. Voldemort's past 2. The Draco storyline 3. The Harry/Dumbledore missions

And was this the book where they had to visit this old house where there was an 'abused' squib/witch cos I'm thoroughly confused now even though i read them :S

I SERIOUSLY hope they're more careful with Deathly Hallows, they're going to ruin the whole franchise! Luckily it's longer so there will be less probability of them cutting important plotlines :/

(Reply to this)

Denise S. writes:
on Jul 21 2009 04:10 PM

How can any true HP fan like this movie? It's heart was ripped out of it... major key plot points were trivialized or left out altogether! I realize many parts must be taken out or the movie would be 9 hours long, but why butcher it? Why add stuff JKR didn't write about? Hugely disappointing indeed. Here is a comment I recently read (and added to) that says it all:

"This film has possibly the worst ending of any HP film, and wandered the furthest from the books. If you are a fan of the books, this is for you:

Remember that amazing battle at Hogwart's at the end of the book? It's not here. None of it.

Remember the important plot setup with the tiara? Not here.

Remember all the background and memories about Tom Riddle? Not here.

Remember Bill Weasley? Not here.

Remember The Dursley's...especially when Dumbledore takes them to task? Not here.

Remember Bill getting wounded by a certain werewolf? Not here.

Remember Fleur? Not here.

Remember Harry trying to help Dumbledore but being paralyzed? Not here...he watches and does nothing like a coward.

Remember Snape's important parting words to Harry? Not here.

Remember the momentous, heartbreaking funeral? Not here.

Remember the signifigance of Dumbledore's withered hand and the Horcrux explanations? Not here.

Remember the touching conversation Harry had with Ginny at the end? Not here.

Remember Scrimgeour? Not here.

Remember the Burrow burning down? No? Oh, because that IS here.

Remember how Tonks finds Harry paralyzed on the train? Not here...Luna finds him!

Remember how Ginny kneels in front of a standing Harry to tie up his shoe? NO? Me neither! But at the theatre, all the teens in the room hooted and howled when she did because of its obvious sexual innuendo.

In short, this film is great if all you took out of the book was the romance and funny bits. If you're more invested in the BIGGER story, you'll be disappointed."

This is, unfortunately 100% accurate. I'll still buy the DVD for my collection, but I will have to pretend I didn't read the book to ever enjoy it.

(Reply to this)

Jimmy R. writes:
on Nov 23 2009 08:23 PM

I watched it over at http://dalster.com after doing that little survey thing. Good working video.

(Reply to this)

Related Links

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Related Articles

Most Discussed

Latest News

Latest Interviews

Latest Features

Sponsored Links