Movie Review - Harry Potter

So last night we went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! YAY!!

I was pretty excited about seeing this movie and overall it did not disappoint. This movie doesn't have as many big fight scenes and big action, it definitely is more plot and setting up for the final movies. I think they captured the books more serious and darker tones but also managed to mix in a good amount of humor and teenage angst. I also thought it was beautifully shot, the visuals in this movie were by far the best of any of the ones before. Plus the supporting cast in the movie are my favorite, they are all amazing. I will forever have a crush on Alan Rickman (as Snape or just as himself). Michael Gambon = awesome. I simply adore Maggie Smith and love Helena Bonham Carter, David Thewlis, Julie Walters - they are all just fantastic (like always) and I wish we would have seen more of them. As for the character Slughorn - loved him!

I think my sisters blog pretty much sums up my thoughts on the movie, so please read her post also. I do agree with her that there were some things they left out, changed, or didn't follow true to the book which I wish they had but it is totally expected when adapting so much content into a movie as to be more fluid for non-book readers to follow. (But hasn't that been the case for all the movies, accomadating the readers vs. nonreaders.) However, I wish there would have been more memories with Voldemort and I feel a couple important parts of the book where left out. I don't want to go into to much and ruin it.

Of course I have to watch this at least once more in the theater, but this is one of my favorite movies. I definitely didn't have that disappointed feeling for this movie like I did with the last one (The Order of the Phoenix was a bit of a let down for me in some ways). I think my favorite is still The Prisoner of Azkaban, I don't know I just love that movie, but this one is a very close second (very close).

As for the upcoming two movies (yes this one just came out and I am already talking about the next) I have just a few quick thoughts.

1. I am SO glad they are doing 2 movies. There is so much information and explanation that I want to make sure it is covered and very little is left out. However, I hope they do this well and don't just make the movies drag. And don't focus on the romance.

2. I am glad that The Deathly Hallows Part 1 is coming out in 2010 and Part 2 is coming out in 2011 only 6 months later. I do not want to wait forever to see the next movies...they need to be done already.

3. I am more excited about Part 2 than Part 1. I need to read the book again but I imagine Part 1 will be alot like this new movie in that it will be very much a story and less magic and action. And of course the last one will be full on kick'n ass.



Ok, I am done and am ready to go back and see it again!!!