Archive
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 2009
The sixth of the series, The Half Blood Prince fittingly revisits Harry Potter in his sixth year at Hogwarts. He discovers an old book of potions at the academy library that used to belong to the half-blood prince, teaching him new spells both useful and dangerous. At the same time he starts private tuition with Professor Dumbledore, learning the secrets of Voldemort's past in an effort to find a method through which to defeat him. He also finds himself stuck in the middle of Ron and Hermione's deteriorating friendship when Ron starts dating Gryffindor student Lavender, whose precocious attitude isn't everyone's cup of tea. A busy boy is our Harry.
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Julie Walters, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane
Directed by David Yates ('Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix')
Written by Steve Kloves (based on the novel by JK Rowling)
Fantasy, Adventure, Adaptation | 2hr 33mins | Rated (M) | contains fantasy violence | Origin: UK, USA
Flicks review
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The magic has dimmed in Harry Potter’s latest adventure. Gone are many fantastical elements (dragons, house elves, shifting staircases) of previous instalments. The resulting film is more mature, more thoughtful, more brooding, but also more dull.
To be fair, director David Yates (following on from great work on Order of the Phoenix) does an admirable job of transforming one of the less memorable books of the series into a cinematic experience. With cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel (Amelie), he makes Half-Blood Prince look beautiful. You could take any frame from the film and hang it on the wall.
But a film comprised of conversations in corridors is hardly going to get the pulse racing and at two and a half hours the relative lack of action starts to show. Even the tentative teen romance, a novelty for the series, starts to get tiring after a while. Highlights that make a trip to Hogwarts worthwhile this time round are the terrific performances from Jim Broadbent as professor Slughorn, Michael Gambon as Dumbledore and Alan Rickman taking centre stage as Snape.
As the finish line comes into sight, the picture begins to get interesting with a skirmish on a zombie-infested lake and a surprisingly affecting climax. Half-Blood Prince is a well-crafted adaptation with stunning visual effects but it’s ultimately just padding to build up the tension for Potter’s grand finale.By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
The Peoples voice
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SUCKY !!
1
this movie was a waste of time compleatly i mean it was so long and it didnt follow the book at all. the book was AMAZING! and i expected the movie to be better. nothing that happened in the move happened in the book like when the weasly house burnt down? like really? and another thing is the movie didnt flow very well it was like this happened then this happened and nothing connected the two.
By kelli
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Harry Potter best
5
It is very very very good!!!! Iwatch it 14 times. Harry Potter is the best. Ilove you Harry!!!!!!!!!!!
By Albina
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Pace is like a mudblood
1
Took way to long for it all to happen. it was like bla bla bla bla bla bla and so on.
By Draco Malfoy
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AMAZING
5
IT WAS A GREAT MOVI E! I AM WATCHING IT THE 11 TIME ON SUNDAY WITH MY FREINDS!!!!!
By tanay
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A Total and utter waste of money
1
This has got to be the biggest let down yet. Not only did they miss out the end wizard fight scene from the book but they spent most of the movie concentrating petty teen relationships ZZZzzzzzz. Where was the action? SHOCKING not even worth a dvd watch. I want my money back, i even complained to WB.
By Mark M
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Worst Happy Potter Film Ever
2
Disappointing movie that promised a lot but delivered very little. I think that this franchise has run its course.
By Benny
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KUL
5
Hhahha....diz movie iz awwszum..hhehhe.
lluv iyt!!
harry potter nevva fhaillz!!By Chevarne
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omg awesome
5
i have seen this movie and am going to see it again on sunday with my mates. i have got allseven books and i have read them four times, i also have all five movies
By jessica hardie
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wow
5
not good
By egg
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Awesome Adaptation!
5
I loved it! It stuck to the book really well as far as a film goes, decent length, and you guys who thought it didn't climax very well, it IS the build up to the Deathly Hallows! Great film soundtrack again from Nicholas Hooper, especially Harry & Ginny's theme and the scene where everyone holds up their wands in memory of Dumbledore. It's a movie that sets everything up for the epic ending in the next 2 movies. Overall an exceptional film
By Matt
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fantastic
4
By me
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omg
5
wow it is soooooooo good
or the trailer is lol
im gonna see it in a bout 1 hour,soooo excited!!!By rp
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very funny not a kids movie should be restricted
is more a grown ups movie real good sound effects and very dark
By brody
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not worth watching
1
waste of money
By paul
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Suddenly... Nothing happened!
2
An hour in to this and I found myself thinking, "something has to happen soon", but it didn't. Same old scenes, same whispered conversations, same red herrings.... You know when a franchise has had its day and for Harry Potter this was it. The climax was even half-hearted. Over two hours of nothing going nowhere. Yes, beautiful images, yes arresting sfx, but come on! the script could have been poured into a TV hour. It would have been much morre effective and dramatic.
By Rex
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no thanks
1
I don't know how anyone can say the writers stayed true to the book. To say there were too many time constraints is BS. If so, why were there so many new additions added? In my opinion the cutting Dumbledore telling the Dursley's off was a huge mistake.... only to add that Harry potter is wanted by Muggles too? LAME
And the whole scene where the Ron's house went up in flames.... what was that all about? Instead of adding that STUCK IN THERE SCENE, why not just keep the awesome ending fight scenes. Then they changed the respectable Dumbledore's quiet disposition to a complete noisy rosey, when he asked Harry about the time he's been spending with Hermione. I did like the humor they added, but that was about it.
This movie stunk....By foggy
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Great!
4
I was very impressed with this movie. The acting was good and they stayed very true to the book (missing out bits of course but thats to be expected). I was really suprised at how good this was. They had absolutly fantastic special effects and cast most new characters very well. The only thing that confused me was the scene in the cornfield near the Weasly's house- don't remember it in the book.
By Zarah
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Hmmm let down
3
It seems the movie had a great story line to play with but i don't think it was used to its full. It seemed rather long unlike the other films there was always something going on to keep you entertained. But The Half Blood Prince didn't really do it for me, it just took a long time to really get to one point, Many things were dragged out.
Just like the other movies they steered away from the book especially in this one.
Over all it was pretty good but didn't fore fill my high expectations that the others had created over this one.By Ashleigh
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Pleasant Surpise
3
Even Harry Potter fans must admit that the previous movies weren't that great, however this one took a new approach and was actually quite good.
By WIlliam Bechtel
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unexpected
4
it was actually quite good. nothing like the book but bits of it were excellent. it had really good special effects and just the right amount of humour.
By mj
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A must see at the MOVIES!!
5
Undoubtedly the best Harry Potter movie so far, great special effects, the acting of the three friends has improved heaps since the previous films, hilarious scenes of tormented love form both Harry and Ron, and it is also a leg up to the Deathly Hallows movies.
If you are going to watch this film and haven't read the books this film, somewhat like the book, sets the scene for the 7th volume (and in the movies case 8th as well). Don't fell let down, or complain of an anti-climax because the climax is still building and will reach its peak in the next installment.
Readily awaiting the Deathly Hallows Movies!
By akt
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dont waste time
2
omg this moive sucked there where a few good parts put on the whole it was weird .
By jessica
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OMG FANTASTIC
5
that was the best movie of all the Harry Potter's im am so sad and scared that the next Harry Potter will be the last :(:(:(:(
By Jacob
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Best Movie I Have Ever Starred in
5
Awesome
By Daniel Radcliffe
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HBP
5
Omg, i was supposed to see this movie yesterday but they booked out, going to see it twice today. So excited!
By Phillipa
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Hairy Pothead
1
Everyone on this page is totally obsessed its weird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But the movie looks quite good.
By PEOPLE THAT ARE WRITING THIS
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It doesn't dissapoint!!!
5
This is a MUST SEE FILM!!!! You won't regret it!!
By Aaron
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O M G SCARY
5
NEVER DEAR TO WATCH THIS MOVIE
SCARIEST MOVIE EVER ONLY FANS
OF HARRY POTTER GO TO THIS MOVIE
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!By Maddie
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OMG
5
omg im begging my mum to take me to the movie but my little brother
isnt allowed to see it and we cant drop him off anywhere.
i have all five movies and all seven books.
i cant wait to see it ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !By georgia
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Fantastic
5
I saw the movie early today and I was not disappointed. The film is fantastic and the cast does a splendid job with stellar performances from Rupert Grint and Tom Felton. Brilliant.
By Karan
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I CANNOT WAIT
5
O.M.G THAT LOOKS SO COOL=]
I CANT WAIT
LOVING THA PREVIEW WATCH IT EVERYDAY=]By Zeidean
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O M G HARRY POTTER!!!!
5
OMG!!! IM GOING TO SEE IT ON FRIDAY!!!!!!! I CANT WAIT!!!!
IT LOOKS SO COOL!!!!! I HAVE SEEN ALL THE OTHERS Ihope its good!!!
by dom
By DOM
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cant wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5
i've read every book seen every movie i love harry pother if i have to wait one more day i'm going to be so angery like it's bad that we had to wait this long so going to see it tomorow can't wait!!!!
By shai
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YUUUUUSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!
soo thrilled looking 4ward 2 it i'm sorta jumping up adn down right now
By lorz
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yaaaaaaaaa
5
i need to see it
By 3 more days to go!!!oh!!!
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i need to see it! OMG
5
i really do i looks amazing so im going on wednesday
with my friend its going to be a blast mabye but it
will be cool i just no it so all of u enjoy it so c
ua!!!!!
have fun!!!By hell yer
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4 Days to go!!
4
I can't wait to see this either! I SO wish I was going on wed but I don't get paid till thursday but I SO will have to get to see it twice in one day at least, just to make up for missing it on opening day.
By Lenore
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OMG!!!! ITS IN 6 DAYZ TIME!!!
5
OMG!!! I HAVE TICKETS TO SEE IT ON WEDNESDAY!!!! OMG I CAN'T WAIT !!!!!!!! HE HE HE WAY OVER EXiTED Had To MUCh V!!1
By lilly
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OMG! IT'S NEXT WEEK!
5
I've spent months and months and months waiting for this amazing film and its only 9 days away now! I can't believe it!!!!
By Aaron
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Lucky Lucky : )
5
God !!!!
Finally coming.......
im soooooooooo excited!!!!!!!By JJ
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ARGGGGGGH!!
5
i've been waiting for this movie since i read the book!!!!!
lol I LOVE HARRY POTTER and prefer it to twilight therefore i was freakin p****d when the release date was pushed to 2009 :O lol and to make matters worse people were saying that the movie date was changed because of twilight. :( i was soo angry lol but i CANT WAIT for HBP to come out.
2 more weeks OMG. :) :) :)By Lyah
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cant wait
5
Im so excited
dont want any one in my class to see it before meBy Liam
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Better than the others?
4
Hopefully this one will stay truer to the book. Looks EPIC no matter what though.
By Amy
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3
it is a good website
that is all i have to say
By not telling
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Counting down til July
5
Isn't it just so cool that us little country of NZ gets HBP a day before US and UK!!! Before the delay we were gonna get it on Dec 11th - 20 days later...
Thanks Alan Horn! lolBy Aaron
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Can't it come sooner
5
I really want to see this movie. It got delayed six months though. Pity because it looks super good. Could the person who organises movie times please read this and move the date of the premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince forward a few months.
By Aqua
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HBP
5
omg... can't wait for this movie it looks cool as i think it will be the best one i will go see it in imax because it has 25 minutes in 3-D so that will be good
By james
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HBP
5
I cant wait to see this movie i've read the book and now i want to
see what the movie is like if its anything like the others its going
to be great i love all the movies and booksBy Nita
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Can't Wait
5
OMG!! Can't wait to see this movie. It's gonna be soo kew;
By Leighton
Press Reviews
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Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
I admired this Harry Potter. It opens and closes well, and has wondrous art design and cinematography as always, only more so.
Click to read the full review -
Empire (UK)
3 3 out of 5 stars
We’re marking time before the final battle between Good and Evil, with the promised darkness sitting somewhat clumsily with teen romance and humour.
Click to read the full review -
Guardian (UK)
Although a touch ungainly, his film is solidly constructed, with lots of fine effects. If, as Potter approaches his final confrontation with Voldemort, the wizardly battles begin to resemble Lord of the Rings, it's hardly a handicap; this is tried and tested cinematic language, and does all it needs.
Click to read the full review -
Hollywood Reporter
A jerky start of exposition and backstory gives way to vigorous storytelling in the latest chapter of Harry Potter.
Click to read the full review -
Los Angeles Times
This one-of-a-kind film cycle has become as comfortable and reliable as an old shoe, providing a degree of dependability that's becoming increasingly rare.
Click to read the full review -
NZ Herald (Francesca Rudkin)
4 4 out of 5 stars
A good solid effort from director David Yates, the perfect lead-in to a grand finale.
Click to read the full review -
Otago Daily Times (Christine Powley)
4 4 out of 5 stars
Admirable acting to be seen on the part of all, however the ending may not impress.
Click to read the full review -
Total Film (UK)
3 3 out of 5 stars
One of the Potter franchise’s breeziest entries yet offers flashes of darkness but lashings of teen tension. Less a movie than a set-up for next year’s epic conclusion. Bring on V-day.
Click to read the full review -
TV3 (Kate Rodger)
4 4 out of 5 stars
The modern day JK Rowling legend is in good hands, with plenty more money to be made, and fans to please.
Click to read the full review -
Variety (USA)
Dazzlingly well made and perhaps deliberately less fanciful than the previous entries, this one is played in a mode closer to palpable life-or-death drama than any of the others and is quite effective as such.
Click to read the full review













