A half-good review for 'Half-Blood Prince'
Just came from a screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. As an avid reader of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books and a fan of the movies as well, I have to say that Half-Blood Prince is the first of the films to disappoint me.
The cast is as great as ever, including new addition Jim Broadbent (left, with Daniel Radcliffe) as potions master Horace Slughorn. (Although I wish Helena Bonham Carter would rein in her tongue-wagging, eye-rolling turn as Bellatrix Lestrange — it’s less scary witch than scary crystal meth-head.) And the movie certainly captures the bleakly ominous tone of the book, leavened with some funny moments involving raging wizard hormones.
For each Harry Potter film, decisions have been made about what to trim away — the books are always much richer and more complex. As the novels got longer, the films have had to trim more, and for Half-Blood Prince I think some of the cuts were ill-advised.
For one thing, whacking out the entire subplot that explains the film’s title seems questionable — especially when that subplot does a great deal to illuminate a major character who will be even more important in the last two films.
Also, the book’s final chapter would have made a hell of a spectacle on film, and the last scene we get instead is just weak -- and emotionally unsatisfying, given the climactic scene that precedes it.
On the other hand, watching Half-Blood Prince, which feels rather disjointed throughout, made me understand why the filmmakers decided to split the even longer Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows into two films. It may work better. Let’s hope they don’t decide to cut something like, say, "The Tale of the Three Brothers."
You can read my friend and colleague Steve Persall's review here. It's interesting to see the differences for a viewer who has read the books and one who hasn't. And I'm with him on Dumbledore's strong central role in this movie -- one thing the filmmakers definitely got right.
(Publicity photo)
Join the arts critics of the St. Petersburg Times for the latest news and notes about Tampa theater productions, American Stage, the Florida Orchestra, Tampa museums and art galleries, book news and Tampa area bookstore events.
Colette Bancroft has had her nose in a book since she learned to read at age 3. Now she makes a living at it as the book editor at the St. Petersburg Times. Her beat means talking to authors and readers, keeping a finger on the pulse of the publishing industry and reading like crazy. She can be reached at (727) 893-8435 or 
Performing arts critic John Fleming has been taking notes in the dark since 1991 while covering classical music and opera, theater and dance for the St. Petersburg Times. He can be reached at (727) 893-8716 or 
Art critic Lennie Bennett has been an observer of art and artists for most of her life. She has been a professional arts writer since 2002. She began taking art classes at an early age and quickly realized she had no talent. But she knows good art when she sees it. She can be reached at (727) 893-8293 or 
I saw the midnight showing at baywalk and then returned the next day to see it again, hoping that maybe my first impression was wrong. But sadly it was not. I was extremely unsatisfied and was left wanting more. I couldn't agree more with this critique, I only hope that they do a better job with the next book!
Posted by: Keisha Murray | Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I saw the film yesterday & completely agree. I was totally disappointed! How could they leave out the battle at the castle?? Without it there is no sense in Malfoy opening the portal into Hogwarts. Why are the Deatheaters there? Just to make sure Malfoy carries out the plan? That just doesn't fly. The movie may be "fantastic" to those fans who haven't read the books, but to this reader, it was a major let-down!
Posted by: NFP | Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I think I was the only person who came out of the midnight showing at BayWalk disappointed. Dumbledore's excursions to recover the ring, the battle between Death Eaters and the Order at the castle and finally Dumbledore's funeral should not of been omitted. As mentioned, the final chapter (Dumbledore's funeral) was probably Rowling's best writing and would of been absolutely stunning on film.
Posted by: Robert | Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Anne, I'm afraid that's exactly the subplot they leave out -- there's not a trace of it. And HBCfan, I've always liked Bonham Carter a lot, too, but in this role she really struck me as over the top. She looked like she was channeling Gene Simmons.
Posted by: Colette | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 10:23 PM
I'm sure Helena Bonham Carter did an excellent job (since you're the first one who said she didn't).
Seriously, she is an amazing actress, and I'm POSITIVE she does the film justice. God she's only in there for what 10 minutes anyway.
Posted by: HBCfan | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 09:02 PM
If it leaves out the subplot with Snape in his youth, I will be disappointed also. I've been looking forward to seeing that addressed in the film.
Posted by: Anne | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 07:29 PM
I don't dislike the film -- as my review says, it does some things right. I just think it's not the best of the Harry Potter movies.
Posted by: Colette | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Congratulations on being the first review ANYWHERE to even partially say anything negative about Helena Bonham Carter's performance.
Plus this review is one of about 4 reviews on the net that dislikes the film. Whereas the other 50+ reviews think it's amazing.
This REALLY shows you are on the ball. Not.
Posted by: Jamie | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 05:39 PM