July 16, 2009

Books on Screen: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Written by 5 Minutes for Books

I love Harry Potter! I’ve read each of the books at least twice, but Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is probably my favorite. The other books answer the Who, What and How but HBP tells us Why. I believe it is the most important of the seven books, and, after an extra eight-month vampire-imposed delay, it is finally on the big screen, and we were there at midnight to see it first!

There are lots of things to love about this movie. It is easily the most humorous of the series. There was so much laughter in our theatre that we missed the next line several times. It is also, in my opinion, the best directed. David Yates, who also directed Order of the Phoenix, has found his groove, and he seamlessly connects large sweeping scenes to small intimate ones. I loved his framing and the just-barely-missing-one-another moments with Harry and Draco Malfoy. Speaking of Malfoy, Tom Felton is absolutely perfect in this film. Over that past nine years we’ve watched him grow from that sneaky little blonde bully into a tall, handsome, troubled young man. The task Voldemort has given him weighs heavily on him throughout the movie resulting in much more face time than in the previous two films. We also get to see the “bad blood” between Harry and Malfoy come to its climax thanks to the Half Blood Prince.

There are other wonderful performances by the actors we have come to love. Rupert Grint is at his humorous best as Ron and Bonnie Wright finally joins the inner circle as his sister, Ginny. I will admit that I have always felt that Richard Harris was the quintessential Dumbledore and that Michael Gambon has never quite been able to fill his shoes very well, but this was by far his best performance. He has become the sage, the aging leader, and even performs a Charleton Heston-esque parting of the “red sea.”

This is the portion of the HP saga where relationships, good and bad, are in the spotlight. I would go so far as to say that relationships are this movie. There are wonderful scenes of the joys and the heartbreaks of young love that contrast vividly with the complete lack of any relationship in the life Lord Voldemort. Several times throughout the series, Harry has been reminded that it is his ability to love that makes him different than Voldemort, a difference that brings life its joy, and sadly its pain…as Harry rediscovers when he loses yet another important person in his life.

Die-hard Harry Potter fans will be frustrated by much of what was left out of this film. I found it ironic that even the namesake, the Half-Blood Prince, gets little more than a passing nod. I was most disappointed that so much of Tom Riddle’s story, the information that makes Voldemort more than just an evil two-dimensional villain, are missing. I did feel that much of this movie, while fun, was more of a set up for the final two installments than a great stand-alone story.

I was somewhat surprised when I first heard that HBP received a PG rating, but, other than a couple of rather scary scenes, most parents of elementary kids and above can feel good about seeing this one together. After all is said and done, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will make you laugh, make you cry and leave you counting down until November 2010 for the next installment of this blockbuster series.

Are you (and/or your kids) hungry for any bit of information you can get about the kids who play Harry Potter and his friends? Would you like to win a copy of the A&E Biography: Harry Potter Kids? We have two copies to give away. Leave a comment, and we'll post the winners on July 22.

Kipi Ward is a single mom of three girls who all love to read. A former elementary reading teacher, she currently is substituting while she finishes her master's degree in mediation. She blogs her random thoughts about life at In My Own Little Corner.

Feel free to enter our other current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter. (These do not earn you extra entries, but we'd love for you to be able to stay in touch!)

Filed under 12 and up, Books on Screen, Guest Contributor, ages 9 - 12 by 5 Minutes for Books

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101 Comments

Pings on Books on Screen: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

July 22, 2009

Tough Times, Tough People

Comments on Books on Screen: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

July 16, 2009

Mark @ 2:01 am

You know, I felt the book was little more than a set up for the final one and not the stand alone story the others in the series had been. Sounds like that translates to the movie version.

attract wealth @ 5:26 am

Thanks for the review. The general feeling is that movies never do justice to the books but J.K.R. seems to have captured the book's magic on screen.

Martha C @ 8:46 am

My daughter saw HBP at midnight too and she loved it! We can't wait to see it this weekend. I loved the book too and can't wait to see the last movie. I have read each book at least four times and am reading them out loud to my boys and we actually finished HBP before it came out. Our whole family would love to have the book about the kids!

Dawn @ 9:10 am

I've personally resisted watching the movies because I just LOVE the books so much, and I don't do too well with the inevitable changes that come when books go to the screen. I also have an easily impressed upon mind, and I fear that the movie images will completely replace the unique images that have been created in my head when I read the books… who knows, maybe one day I'll watch all the movies back to back, but then I'll have to go back and read the books again to replace the movie images. Man, I sound crazy here!

Deanna @ 9:39 am

Thanks for posting this review. I was wondering if I wanted to see this movie because my book memory feels that the books became darker and darker as the series went on. I can read dark stuff but not watch. Your review put me at ease.
I will take my girls…next week.

This coming fall, I am plan on starting my own challenge to read through the Harry Potter Series as I have not read all the books (skipped the first three).

Rebecca @ 10:08 am

You talked me into it! I've read all the books (at least twice), but have been less fanatical about the movies. I think it's time to do some catching up! This sounds like a cool prize, I would love to seem some of the behind-the-scenes story.

Deedee @ 12:59 pm

I'd love this! I'm a huge HP fan

alina @ 2:54 pm

thanx for your reviews guys, i hope this movie is good…

Christy H. @ 6:55 pm

My family is "starving" for more information about the kids who play Harry Potter and his friends. Please enter me to win a copy of the A&E Biography

July 17, 2009

cris @ 11:06 am

My boys and our neighbor boys are huge fans (and have read the books again and again). They'd love the A&E bio.

Tracey Byram @ 3:33 pm

I'd be very interested in this book.

Linda Peters @ 7:14 pm

love the books and the movies, thanks

joan ferris @ 8:35 pm

This is a great prize.

LaDonna @ 9:07 pm

I'd love to win this for my crew of kids and my dh. Not my thing, but they all love it.

Leona P @ 9:12 pm

count me in

Renee C @ 9:20 pm

I'd like to win this for my sister-in-law. She's a big Harry Potter fan!

DARLA KIDDER @ 9:49 pm

Oh Jennifer I so need to win this dvd to go along with the books and trunk I won from you last year, I also have all the movies on dvd. Did anyone watch the special on ABC about J.K. Rowling or the special on the Travel Channel about the Real World of Harry Potter?

Karen P @ 9:58 pm

I always look at books and movies as two totally different things. That way I won't be as disappointed when the movie can't compare to the book. I try to enjoy the movie as a separate entity.

Kyle @ 11:51 pm

these books are the best

July 18, 2009

Amber G @ 12:20 am

I would love to win this and learn more about the actors!

Luke Frazier @ 1:26 am

Oh Bella. What was the point of burning the Burrow?

Karen B @ 1:42 am

My grandkids are all HP fanatics and would love to have this!

angie @ 1:59 am

These are such a great set of books. Love Harry Potter.

MRS.MOMMYY @ 3:58 am

looks great

Carol Lawrence @ 5:29 am

I have a couple grandkids who would enjoy reading about these characters. jelly15301@gmail.com

Djp @ 7:36 am

sign me up

Kathy Scott @ 7:50 am

The whole family loved the books. We were not so happy with the movies.

david basile @ 8:54 am

some good info thanks

Mozi Esmes Mommy @ 10:33 am

Would love to read this!

Mozi Esmes Mommy @ 10:34 am

I meant "see" this!

Brandon Ralston @ 11:12 am

Enter me please. Thanks.

serena @ 11:33 am

i just watched this movie last night, the ending seemed weird, like they were building up for something and just ended it

Adrienne Gordon @ 11:37 am

looks interesting

Carolyn Ireland @ 12:33 pm

It's my birthday – I hope I win!

Angela J @ 1:00 pm

Nice book for the fans.

Mariah @ 1:54 pm

A lot was left out, which disappointed me, but I still thought that the movie was phenomanal. I went to a midnight premiere of it, and I am glad I did. I cannot wait to go see it again. I would love to win this book!

Mariah
penguinqueen(at)hotmail(dot)com

Cathie F. @ 2:23 pm

I know none of the movies really were like the books that much except the first one But I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. I promised to go with my daughter in law and she can't go til next week… I would love to have this because I really do like to get to know the person behind the characters I've grown to love

Denyse @ 3:24 pm

Thanks for the review. We haven't gotten to see this but plan to- SOON!

Jennifer V @ 3:52 pm

I need to find a babysitter and see this movie soon!! thanks for the chance to win.

Karen Gonyea @ 5:49 pm

So much was left out

Michele Anne @ 6:48 pm

I would love ot win this…..please

Brenda @ 6:53 pm

I would love to win this and learn more about the actors!

Daniel M @ 9:33 pm

my niece is a big fan!

Kathy D @ 9:37 pm

My step kids love these

Adele @ 11:38 pm

Oh my. My whole family is totally addicted to all things Harry Potter. Haven't gotten to this movie yet but will be shortly.

July 19, 2009

gerda @ 7:22 am

This movie did a bad job compared to the book. Lately all of them have. They take away some crucial information and add in things that weren't there. Chris Columbus or Alfonso Cauron should come back. They did the best with these movies. David Yates keeps messing these up.
However, I will still go to every midnight showing and I will still buy every dvd and I will still watch them in theatres the same number of times as the year it is.
The actors – I feel so attached to them. They will forever be my image whenever I reread the series for the fiftieth time. Plus, I have a thing for Rupert

Marianna @ 12:23 pm

I think my son would be interested in seeing this. Thanks for the chance to win!

bridget3420 @ 1:59 pm

Love Harry Potter! Count me in:)

Belinda M @ 7:54 pm

My son and I love the Harry Potter movies and have seen each and every one of them at the theater. We could not go to the opening night midnight show because I had to work the next morning. We went the next day though, braved the crowds and it was worth it. My son (and I) would love this book

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat – join us at CoolCanucks.ca

bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jennifer Hedden @ 9:57 pm

enter me

Maureen @ 10:10 pm

I usually try to avoid seeing the Harry Potter movies.. I know they are great.. I enjoy the books.. I have watched a couple of the movies with my nephew and we have plans this week to see the newest Harry Potter movie..
Thanks for the review.. I know my nephew would love this book.

itsjustmerene2003 at yahoo dot com

Andria @ 10:15 pm

I would love a chance to win. Thank you.

Lethea Benson @ 10:24 pm

Very nice giveaway! I would really enjoy reading this & sharing it with my kids=)
Thanks & good luck to all!
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

Don D @ 10:50 pm

Its been interesting watching these kids grow in front of us…thanks for the giveaway.

Gloria @ 11:38 pm

I would love to win this for my daughter and twin sons! They love Harry Potter!

July 20, 2009

Deb K @ 2:44 am

My daughters are huge Harry Potter fans. Just took them yesterday to see the latest film. They would be over the moon if I won this for them. Thsnks for the chance!

David @ 2:45 am

My kids would love this.

Erma @ 6:17 am

I love everything Harry Potter and I would love to win this.

Deborah Wellenstein @ 8:21 am

I love the books, and the movies, and I would love this. Thank you!

djgroz @ 10:10 am

Love to read. Thanks for the chance to win this prize!

Sharon Amore @ 1:22 pm

My cousin and myself would LOVE to win this! Thank you for giving me that chance

Cassandra @ 1:27 pm

I always love to find out the background info and behind the scenes information. I always feel like an insider that way. I will be sharing this one with my cousin–thanks!

emily L @ 4:00 pm

I would love to win this.

Melinda L Smith @ 4:05 pm

I would like to win-sounds interesting.

Diane R. @ 4:50 pm

We are big Harry Potter fans around here, so I would love to find out more about the actors.

Heather Goldsmith @ 5:07 pm

I'm a big Harry Potter fan and this would be a great addition to my collection. Thanks, Heather

Danielle @ 5:44 pm

My sons a huge HP fan and would love this.Thanks.

Ed Nemmers @ 5:47 pm

Happy Summer!

Eric B @ 6:28 pm

I also agree that this movie was more of a set-up for the last two installments than a stand-alone story.

I was disapointed with the lack of "The Order" (Tonks, Lupin, etc.) in the movie compared to the book, especially with the massive fight that follows the climax in the tower, and rescuing Harry in the train…which was replaced by Luna in the film.
Although a significant part of the book, too much of the film focused on the growing love and hormones of the kids and neglected some of the politics (ministers) and growing danger.

I did still enjoy watching HP6 a lot and thought it was wonderfully directed shot for shot and acted; but I favor HP5 as a better movie overall and better paced.

Angela Palmer @ 6:49 pm

While my children (and my Dad) have read the books, I have not. I had a feeling with 6 and with 5 as well, that a lot was being glossed over. I guess I will have to read them now just to catch up.

Marcia S @ 6:56 pm

The movies keep getting better and better. It's been fun to watch Harry, Hermione, and Ron grow up in front of our eyes. We'd love the DVD.

Kate @ 7:30 pm

My sister would love this!! Thanks!

amy delong @ 7:31 pm

excellent movie,would love the book

ahdrad2932(at)msn(dot)com

Susan Smith @ 7:58 pm

My family loves Harry Potter

Melanie @ 8:06 pm

We love Harry Potter!

Chrysa @ 9:53 pm

Hooray for Harry!

Linda C @ 9:58 pm

My kids are huge Harry Potter fans.I would love to win this for them.

July 21, 2009

Barbara Rawe @ 12:05 am

Harry Potter is the subject at our dinner table seems like every evening. This will be so valuable to sift thru and discuss the true Harry Potter. Thanks.

flared0ne @ 12:15 am

As much as anything, I think this whole series has been "magical" in the way that it has triggered an avalanche of print-on-paper reading, across a whole generation of the otherwise electronic-age spell-bound. Bravo, J.K. Rowling!

theodore esteghamat @ 12:48 am

I would love to win this book.

Denise @ 1:19 am

All three of my daughters are pining for this. Thanks!

christopher h @ 3:23 am

love to win a copy of this

Dddiva @ 8:45 am

Dev is a self-proclaimed HP freak and devours everything she can get her hands on about the books, author and actors so I'd love to win this for her. Thanks for hosting.

Marie @ 9:06 am

This would be fun to see, we love Harry Potter at our house

Becky @ 9:38 am

We love Harry Pah-tah….and enjoy watching it..

Veronica Garrett @ 10:38 am

I would love to win this great prize. My daughter loves Harry Potter.

Bridget Combs @ 11:24 am

Great giveaway, thanks for the chance!

kathy pease @ 11:54 am

Thank you for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY.. Please count me in

Maja @ 12:33 pm

my son would really love it. he loves harry.

Susanne Troop @ 1:19 pm

My son would love this prize!

Brian @ 2:32 pm

This would be a welcome addition to add more "backstory" to the actors in the move

Alison @ 5:40 pm

My older two boys and I went to see HBP this weekend–enjoyed it a lot, though I agree they left a bit too much out! We'd all love to see this bio of the actor kids from the movies…it's always fascinating to see behind the scenes, and especially fascinating for kids to see other kids doing things like acting in movies!