Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Based on the penultimate of the Harry Potter novels, this latest film, directed by David Yates (who enjoyed a reasonable amount of success with The Order of the Phoenix) has been deemed a “shining beacon of light” by critics. The film concentrates on the plights of Harry, and his loyal and loveable friends Hermione and Ron, as the teenagers once again attempt to thwart the evil Lord Voldemort in uncovering hidden secrets and personal vendettas.

Book-lovers may be slightly deterred by the alternate opening and the alterations to the original text. However, Yates proves himself as a more than capable director. A brilliant use of CGI allows us to witness a desperate and falling London under the threat of Death-Eaters. Helena Bonham Carter, as ever, delivers a chilling performance of madness and destruction as Bellatrix Lestrange, and the pace of the action is continuous whilst retaining a mystery which comes to an appalling but fascinating end.

The film succeeds in incorporating the quirky mise-en-scene established in previous films (fittingly, one of the best costumes is seen on Luna Lovegood at the Christmas dinner). Much comic relief is given in the hormonal exchanges between the girls and boys of Hogwarts, particularly those of Hermione and Ron. Jim Broadbent joins the all-star cast as Professor Slughorn, whose memories of the young Tom Riddle prove key to unravelling Voldemort’s power.

Will Harry succeed in the task he alone has been given? Will Snape finally snag the Defence Against the Dark Arts position? Is Ron ever going to tell Hermione how he feels? Harry Potter fans will not be disappointed by this latest instalment, and non-fans may be pleasantly surprised. A must-see film!

Nathalie Flaxington