(see the harry potter and the halfblood prince).
This is part 5 of the Harry Potter series. I must confess I have never read a whole Harry Potter book and so my review is based around the film as a film rather than as a literary conversion. I really enjoyed the movie – the centre piece of the movie is how Hogwarts is infiltrated by a hyper conservative new management who attempts to dismiss its long standing staff in order to gain political power over the next generation of witches and wizards. It sees Harry mount a counter insurgency to fend off this threat. It is a story of community verses individualism, and justice verses corruption and lies. Unlike so often in real life – the unjust regime is overthrown and replaced.
The film is rated 12a and there are a few pretty scary scenes that younger children may find distressing.
Good points:
1. The characters in the movie are taking on a maturity and depth as the series continues. Harry is a reluctant but noble leader of the rebellion.
2. Special effects were overall excellent – though the night scene of Harry Potter and co. flying through London looked cheap.
3. Voldemort is becoming an increasingly ominous villain.
4. Snape is doing a great job at keeping us guessing as to his true allegiance.
The film is now available on DVD. There is a special edition 2 disc version available from amazon. I love buying DVDs but have noticed how rarely there is anything of any use on the bonus material discs. (Madagascar was an exception to this rule as the bonus Penguin movie is very very funny.) The single disc editions seem to have sold out. There is a good deal on the 5 disc boxset though.
For other kids movie reviews click here.
The rebellion has begun. Harry potter though a children’s book character has quickly matured and taken on darker tones. Making him more palatable to adults and out of bounds for younger children.
But really you must read the book. The book IS better than the movie.
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