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What Did You Think of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:30:44 -0700

It's no big surprise that audiences flocked to theaters all weekend long to welcome Harry and the gang back to the big screen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I thought Warner Bros. and David Yates did a fine job with the film, but there are always a few gripes, especially when you're a huge fan of the book series.

What did you think of the latest installment of the franchise? Was it a home run, or were there too many deviations from the original story? Are you still loving all the movies, or are you over the mania? Tell me what you loved, what you hated, and what you would have changed!

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Back and Darker Than Ever

BuzzSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:30:05 -0700

From the moment the opening credits start to roll and we hear that telltale theme song, there's one thing that’s very clear about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: this is not the bright, shiny Hogwarts we came to know back in the first movie.

For one thing, the wizard world has been turned on its head by the Dark Lord and his followers, and now everyone knows it. The Death Eaters have been wreaking havoc, and the chaos has gotten so out of hand that it's even affecting the Muggle (nonwizarding world). To see what else you can expect, just read more.

The movie picks up right where The Order of the Phoenix left off. Harry’s godfather is dead, and he finds himself lonely, confused, and angry as he heads back to Hogwarts during a time of crisis. As usual, he finds solace in his friendships with Dumbledore, Ron, and Hermione, but Harry's relationships and loyalties are about to be tested in ways he never imagined.

The film wastes no time pulling you right into the action, twisting and turning right along with the most evil of wizards as we watch the mania spread. While losing yourself in the magic world is what makes these movies so special, I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of Harry’s realm with a few shots of London’s most famous landmarks. The visual effects don't stop there, and the audience stays immersed in fantasy throughout the film. The cinematography is, in a word, dazzling.

When he gets to school, Harry's duties as "The Chosen One" weigh heavily on him. He and Dumbledore are trying to unravel Lord Voldemort’s mysteries, and Harry finds himself tracking his arch nemesis Draco Malfoy in his free time. On the other hand, Harry's role as a student comes with its own set of responsibilities - picking a Quidditch team, dealing with new professors, and playing mediator between Ron and Hermione. As far as classes are concerned, Harry finds help from "The Half-Blood Prince," whose old, heavily annotated Potions book sends Harry to the top of the class.

The comic relief of the film lies in the fact that the kids aren't exactly kids anymore. They’re growing up. They’ve got raging hormones. Their soapy, teenage world is a refreshing break from movie's heavy overtones. We can all relate to Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s angst and jealousy, plus everyone loves to see a little snogging. The chemistry between the characters is heating up, and the children we've watched all these years have emerged as solid actors.

I feel obligated to mention one thing, especially for families and kids: the movie is kind of scary. Along with the stunning visuals, there are a few scenes that get a bit graphic as the dark magic gets more intense. Though I knew what was coming I still had goosebumps and found myself jumping out of my seat - and I could see certain parts being a bit much for Harry's pint-sized fans.

The bottom line: The Half Blood Prince packs exactly the right amount of action, effects, and laughs - though it's definitely not my new favorite Potter movie. At two and a half hours it’s a lengthy journey, but at the end of it all you're left feeling more ready than ever for the epic two-movie finale.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Check It: The Latest Harry Potter Trailer!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:30:03 -0800

Another month, another trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This one is just as mesmerizing as the last and includes some new tidbits (and more Ron Weasley!). Just like the other Potter movies, Half-Blood Prince looks like it will be visually stunning. I'm constantly amazed at the beautiful, fantastical world created for us in these films and this one is no exception.

To enjoy the new trailer, just read more.

YouTube videos don't do this trailer justice, really, so for some other viewing options, click here.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Harry Potter 6 Has Its Lavender Brown and Narcissa Malfoy

BuzzSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:32:09 -0800

Harry Potter fans, we have our Lavender Brown. Twenty-year-old actress Jessie Cave beat out approximately 7,000 hopefuls for the role in the sixth Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, scheduled for release in almost exactly one year, Nov. 21, 2008.

Cave's soon-to-be costars are delighted by the casting choice and hint that this sixth movie might be more funny ha-ha than the others:

[Rupert Grint] told CBBC's Newsround "I was involved with the Lavender Brown audition and the whole Lavender thing. Her name's Jessie and she is really cool and it's going to be really funny."
Co-star Emma Watson, who plays Weasley's friend Hermione Granger, added: "She seems really sweet and perfect for the role of Lavender. The casting is so good and I am looking forward to her scenes with Ron. I think it's going to be quite a comic film."

How cute are these kids? And I wonder how this Miss Jessie Cave feels about having to "snog" with her Weasley in the next installment!

In other Harry Potter casting news, Helen McCrory (The Queen, Becoming Jane) is set to play Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother and Bellatrix Lestrange's sister, who's played by Helena Bonham Carter. According to Reuters, the rest of the cast should be revealed soon, so stay tuned.

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