Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Considering Yates managed to get something out of the most superfluous part of the book that ends up not working because of that superfluousness (aka zero action), then I have nothing left to do than look forward to the adaptation of book seven which might at last aspire to toppling Cuarón’s offering from its position of best Harry Potter movie adaptation. (07/20/2009)

Certainly the most cinematically accomplished and best made Harry Potter film (so far). I really like Yates’ approach to the material, and what he started in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is brought to near perfection here. The bridge demolition scene is absolutely stunning, and add 3D to the mix. :) The fact that the films don't work much with the books they’re based on has annoyed me a little (or maybe a little more), but Yates' Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has great pacing (despite the rather long romantic storyline) and those slightly drawn-out two hours flew by unbelievably in the cinema. I don't understand the users who rate this flashy bit of cinema and acting 2 stars... A film is a film and a book is a book. 4.5 stars (08/11/2009)

Just as I witnessed the exact translation of the tense political and magical atmosphere with the Phoenix Order, in the Half-Blood Prince, there is a mood full of anticipation, competition, pranks, and infatuations. The popularity of this installment simply depends on the popularity of the book source material, and those who expected a progression of past storylines without knowledge of it are bound to be disappointed. In Hogwarts, there is an atmosphere of year-long Valentine's Day, where it is easier to forget everything that burdens the outside world. And so, only Dumbledore regularly reminds everyone of why Harry is indispensable and irreplaceable, Draco noticeably keeps his distance from others, and the Christmas holidays show once again that evil never sleeps. Naturally, the screenplay doesn't forget that the dark fantasy mythology continues to progress and leaves our heroes exactly where they were destined to be from the beginning of the saga. At the beginning of the final rebellion, on the brink of independence. And the gem of it all is that both darkness and enchanting romance work so naturally alongside each other that it takes your breath away. Yates is a king. (07/30/2009)

It was fun, it makes it all the more messy. People who haven't read the book must be a bit confused (well, my immediate circle was). It's a shame the script buried it like that. If it had been more in the detective vein (remembering what Draco actually does) and flashed some of that romantic sparks here and there, it probably would have been better. I don't think Harry Potter is a one-act romantic comedy... Music – great as always; effects as well. It's just that a 153-minute movie shouldn't look like this, or let it look like this, but the people around you in the theater aren't supposed to be saying: "Is it finally over? Damn, not yet?! What time is it? Check your watch!" I kind of want to say RIP. Weakest installment of the series. Anyway, I'm curious to see what they're gonna serve up next. (07/16/2009)

It's unfortunate that the conversational aspect from the life of teenagers returns. I'm used to the undersized story, but I’m simply not interested in the emotional chatter of the little wizards. It’s a good thing that Yates gets the film going decently again in the second half. After the promising fifth film, it was confirmed to me again that the film version of Harry Potter is a precisely treated product, but there is no great magic – it disappeared with the departure of Oldman and the influx of hormones. Fans will be pleased, the infidels will not be offended, and the film will amuse and do no harm. Stupefy... not a chance. [65%] (07/13/2009)