The Half-Blood Prince-a movie review

Warning: May contain spoilers.

I love the Harry Potter books. I've read each one at least a half-dozen times, and listened to them read by Jim Dale (oh so fabulous).

I've seen all of the films as soon as they were released, and then numerous times after. I've never liked any of the films on a first viewing, until now.

Usually, I am so distracted with the obvious glitches, I get pulled out of the film world and can't get back in. Like the first flying lesson in THE SORCERCER'S STONE where Madame Hootch counts all the way to 3, blows her whistle, and only then Neville takes off while all of the other students stay on the ground. Neville is supposed to be so anxious he leaves before she gets to the full count; and why would the other students NOT take off after Mdme. Hootch blows her whistle?! Another example is the obvious double who plays Harry when he gets thrown about in the duel in CHAMBER OF SECRETS. And Harry practicing "lumos maxima" under the covers, at homein PRISONER OF AZKABAN--despite the ban on underage wizards using magic out of school. And the change to ordinary muggle clothes while at Hogwarts, instead of wizards' robes in PRISONER OF AZKABAN. And Professor Dumbledore yelling at Harry, asking him if he had an older student put his name into THE GOBLET OF FIRE. Dumbledore is too wise and too much in control of himself to ever behave so badly or stupidly. And there was Harry pulling out his wand in the opening scene of ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, in front of Dudley's muggle friends, and then hiding it when Mrs. Figg arrives.

Well, you get the idea.

This film has many of the same issues, but on the whole, it's the first time I liked an HP film on first viewing!

In this one, there's a glitch in the early scenes--when the bridge is blown up. All of the people who were on the bridge are seen making it to the ends and climbing off safely before its final twist and destruction. But the newspapers report a mounting death toll...Uh, if you can do the special effects to completely destroy the bridge, why can't there be people on it, falling to their deaths?

Another issue with this film (major imho) is Harry, not under a spell, at the scene of Dumbledore's death. That Harry Potter would obey the last instructions of Dumbledore while able to act, would allow Dumbledore to face his enemies alone and have them kill Dumbledore while Harry waited for the action to play out--this is so out of character for Harry Potter as to be incomprehensible. Harry, the one who went to rescue Ginny in the Chamber of Secrets, who walked into the Ministry of Magic's secret corridors because he believed Sirius Black in danger...this Harry would be unable to act in such a way. Despite his promise to obey Dumbledore. Even JK Rowling had Harry under a spell, which also explained how Draco, a mere student, could disarm the greatest wizard who ever lived.

And if Harry would "obey" Dumbledore at this point, why in the name of all that is wizarding, would he then disobey him and chase after Snape? Yeah, this was so wrong.

Also sadly missing:
The opening scene with the other minister. I'm not surprised this was deleted, but it would have been fun.

The house-elves. They've been abandoned, so no tailing of Draco.
Moaning Myrtle. No touching scene with Draco, no screaming at Draco's bloody downfall.

Most obviously missing was the big fight between the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters at Hogwarts. No Bill savaged by Fenrir Greyback. No Carrows tormenting Dumbledore. No anger at Dumbledore for putting them at risk. No breakdown of the members of the Order upon learning of Dumbledore's death. And no funeral. No phoenix song (although we do get to see the phoenix soaring...) and no joy and then break-up with Ginny.

Some of the things that seemed inadequate:
Harry's loss of Sirius's love and presence. Not mentioned in his opening meeting with Dumbledore; only hinted at with Bellatrix's taunting of him.

Dumbledore's black hand. Not black enough, not dead enough, and not progressively worse.

Harry's building infatuation with Ginny. No chemistry there--Harry swallowing hard just didn't do the trick, and Ginny didn't seem flirty enough, or taken with other guys enough. She was too busy throwing herself at Harry-tying his shoelace? made me want to gag.

The worry about the growing power of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. We don't see or feel the fear inside the walls of Hogwarts.

Harry's obsession with what Draco is up to--we get a tiny bit of this, but not enough to make it an obsession, not enough to irritate his friends.

Harry and Hermione's disagreement about the half-blood prince's copy of potions. There was a bit of this, but not enough to show Harry's growing fondness for the Prince, as a friend.

Professor Slughorn's love of the easy life. There's no obvious growth in his girth from his time with Riddle and the present. There's no unicorn hair in Hagrid's hut, not other treats.

Voldemort's past. We get only two glimpses--nothing of the story of the ring and his Gaunt relatives, nothing of his time at Borgin and Burkes and the locket and cup. Understanding Voldemort and grasping the possibility of these items as horcruxes are incredibly important underpinnings for the next book/film.

Well, lots more.

But on the whole, I enjoyed this HP film. I loved Ron and Lavendar; Hermione and McLaggen. I liked Luna Lovegood and the presence of wrackspurts! I thought Draco was almost intense enough, especially in his scene at the top of North Tower. I didn't lose focus during the movie (except once or twice).

I didn't even mind the extra scenes too much, although I didn't much like the arson of the Burrow or Harry's stupidity just before it--and why didn't Voldemort just come out there and do Harry in at that point?

I want to see this again, of course. And figure out whether it holds up with more viewing.

And now some links to much better discussions and reviews than mine:
Gina Carbone for Comcast, analyzes the Hermione way and the Harry way.

Jason Dudek discusses the placeholder problem.

Kurt Loder confronts the issue of balance--hormones or horror.

Rex Reed wants relevance and more screen time for the greats.

What do you think?

Getting Excited!

Just 5 more days for the opening of the newest Harry Potter film, THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, based on book 6 in the 7 book series.

Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing the film. Harry, Ron and Hermione are now legend!

Ron, Hermione, Harry. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

I also love the Weasley twins, and Luna Lovegood. And even Draco Malfoy-bad boy extraordinaire.

Fred and George, or is that George and Fred? (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Luna Lovegood. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Draco Malfoy. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

New cast members include Freddie Stroma as Cormac McLaggen, the obnoxious Gryffindor who wants to play Quidditch keeper and whom Hermione invites out to make Ron jealous, Jessie Cave as Lavendar Brown, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin as 11-year old Tom Marvolo Riddle, Frank Dillane as 16 year old Riddle, Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy and Jim Broadbent who plays Horace Slughorn.

Cormac McLaggen. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Narcissa Malfoy. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Lavendar Brown, in love with Ron Weasley. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Horace Slughorn. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Albus Dumbledore, Professor McGonagle, Hagrid, Lupin, Tonks, Mr. & Mrs. Weasley, and more are of course back in action. As is the evil one, Lord Voldemort.

The trailers are enticing. Here's one:


The HP chatter online is increasing, with discussions about the prolific talents of the supporting cast, a countdown until the movie opens at Mugglenet, and reports of fans and their many methods of expressing their own magic.

But nothing beats the wiki, which lists the entire cast, has a great synopsis, and three different trailers, with a list/links of all TV spots and other media releases collected in one place!
You can see tons more photos, like the ones posted in this blog, here.

Ginny Weasley. (c) Warner Bros. Pictures

Bellatrix and Snape-(c) Warner Bros. Pictures.

The only gripe I have so far is that Romilda Vane is far too pretty!

Romilda Vane-(c) Warner Bros. Pictures.

The red carpet is already rolled out as early screenings are happening in various places.


And the reviews are predominantly good. Rotten Tomatoes gives a 96% score at this early stage of the game (and has a host of trailers and bits of the movie available for viewing, too).

While most of the HP news is positive, there's the bit about the actor who plays Vincent Crabbe, caught growing marijuana. Do you think that has anything to do with casting him as a bad guy?

And one final note: this current HP fix will have to do for a long time. The last book will be made into a movie, split into two parts. The first part is due out November 2010 and the second part isn't due until July 2011.

118. And a break from Politics--back to Harry

J.K. Rowling reads aloud from THE DEATHLY HALLOWS in a London museum while we were buying and reading in Saipan and elsewhere.








Look for my review of the book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) in Friday's Marianas Variety.

115. Potter mania and my first poll.

I've created my first poll, relating to Potter mania and the Deathly Hallows.

Yay! (I love blogging. I love learning how to do these simple things and having fun with it. )

So Bota, bota, bota! Or, in English, vote!

But if you haven't yet gotten the book, while u wait:

114. Snape-Friend or Foe?

Friend or foe?

I'm voting FOE.

I think he has irrevocably put himself on Voldemort's side by killing Dumbledore. That doesn't mean he's 100% evil. Obviously, the man has some good in him, enough to garner Dumbledore's trust. He was abused as a child and can deserve some sympathy. He may have been like Draco Malfoy--playing with the dark arts but not really, seriously cut-out for the job. But he enjoyed killing Dumbledore, and in my book, that puts him on the dark side, FOE.

And I'm amazed at how many people, serious HP fans, truly believe Snape is good, or at least not evil/foe material.

Watch this discussion: PhoenixRisingConference

113. Harry Potter Mania

I am eagerly awaiting the 7th book, HP and the Deathly Hallows.

It's due out on 7/21/2007 BST (that's British Standard Time or British Summer Time, a/k/a Western European Summer time--TheEverHelpfulWikipedia )

Millions of people all around the world are waiting, too. One in 43 houses in England will be having the book delivered by post. DarkMarkReports (7/19/2007)

Wow!

I have a copy that will be delivered by post to me in Saipan, but I'll also be standing in line getting a quicker copy! Can't wait, you know. Others are also having trouble getting the book on time.

Israel is threatening bookstores that will open on the Shabbat to sell HP. MugglenetReports (7/19/2007).


In the meantime, some in the U.S. have gotten theirs early--causing Scholastic to sue the distributers. ScholasticSues


And the NYT has already published a review of the book WITH SPOILERS! Aack! (But if you want to read it, NYTReviewofHP )

But CBS has vowed to not spoil the reading pleasure for all of the 21st (the scheduled day of release).

In the meantime, we're watching the latest release of HP movies--the Order of the Phoenix, and reading magazines and newspapers reporting on the various HP stars.

Like:

The "Weasley" twins, James and Oliver Phelps. They are in Japan, having arrived at Narita International Airport today (7/19/2007), and are giving out autographs. VeritaserumReports
Too bad I wasn't flying then!

What do you think will happen? I'm reviewing my predictions--SaipanwriterPredicts-- one more time and trying not to be too single-tracked in my focus on the Harry.

So any last thoughts on what will happen?

(Addendum: 2 characters die. Who will they be?

I'm guessing--1. Lord Voldemort and 2. Ron. I have to believe that Harry does in Voldie. It just HAS to happen. And I know I said in my predictions that I hope that Wormtail does in Snape, but I don't think Snape will die. I think Harry will continue to wrestle his hate of Snape, and have to balance his own ability to love with his willingness to hate.

So I think Draco Malfoy or his father either resists killing Hermione, despite their loathing of muggle-borns and Draco's jealousy, or that Ron takes the hit. But I'm guessing Ron dies. And I'll cry--especially for Mrs. Weasley, who will be devastated, and proven anything but silly.)

92. A Village for All of Us

When I think about immigration, I think about places I'd like to see, and where I might like to live. Like here.



Hogwarts and the land of magic, a la Harry Potter, seems like so much fun when reading about it, although I have my doubts that I would really enjoy it, if forced to live such a life. Now, perhaps, I'll have a chance to explore the fantasy, with millions of other thrill seekers. A new HP Theme Park-- ComingSoon . What fun!


Thanks to Dotti for the link.

And you can read more here .

53. Latest Harry Potter Excitement

Here's the cover art for the new front cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I found it over at ShelfTalker (a lovely blog thanks to the folks at Publisher's Weekly). My first reaction is that Harry is playing tennis--he's just tossed his ball into the air to serve an ace.

But wait-here's the full cover as it wraps around the book.



It's an odd assortment of images. The curtains at each end make it look like a stage play. The arched structure in the background looks Roman, and like a stage set. The orange sky looks both uplifting, like dawn, and troubling, like rampant fire. The dementer (or inferi? or is it Lord Voldemort with red eyes?) [ed. OKAY, it's official, it's Lord Voldemort] on the left seems to be reacting to something other than Harry, not threatening Harry. And Harry's arm in the air still seems ridiculous.

I wonder what the splintered wood in the foreground is--it seems incongruous, unrelated to the curtains or the stone arches. And are the shadows in the background a throng of observers, spectators? They add to the feeling that this is "staged."

I wish the characters were relating to each other or something in the picture. And I wish that Daniel Radcliffe's image hadn't worked it's way into the GrandPre vision of Harry. ED. I just noticed that Harry has something around his neck--the locket? or something else?

I think this cover will grow on me, though. I like the orange vibrancy.



And there's this--the book cover to be released in the UK.



Harry looks like he has buck teeth (maybe we do need the Daniel Radcliffe version after all!). Hermione looks like a floozy. And Ron's red hair isn't (red). And they, too, are reacting to something outside the cover. (Or have they been sucked into a vault at Gringott's?) Perhaps that's a stylish innovation, but it doesn't work for me.

So I'm happier with the "American" cover art. Although, I do also like this "adult" cover for the UK (although I think the locket should be gold, not silver).

And I can't wait to read the books. Seeing the cover art is exciting. It makes the book's imminent appearance all that more real.

51. Harry Potter-Look what's coming! Think what's coming.

Here's a movie trailer for Order of the Phoenix.





And my predictions or thoughts on the 7th book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

#1. Dumbledore told Harry in book 3 that his release of Peter Pettigrew was magic at its deepest, that Peter was indebted to him, and that this bond would come to fruition in the future. I'm hoping it does and I'll be deeply disappointed if it turns out that Dumbledore's promise was empty drama. What I'm hoping is that Peter is responsible for Snape's demise.

#2. Florian Fortescue has gone missing from Diagon Alley (book 6, I think). And we know that one of the portraits of an old headmaster at Hogwarts was a Fortescue. I'm wondering if Voldemort has taken up residence in Florian's place to have access to a portrait that can now spy on what's happening in the Hogwart's headmaster's office.

#3. Where will Harry find the Horcruxes? There are 6 (or possibly 5 if the last one was not completed). hc 1-The diary-ruined. hc 2-The ring-broken. hc 3-The locket.

The RAB inscription on the fake locket has been discussed in other circles (and yes, I exaggerated when I said I didn't ever pay attention to the scuttlebutt on HP fan sites--but I haven't been around them in a while). So I agree with those who suggest that one of the horcruxes is the locket last seen in Sirius's house (Phoenix headquarters). A possible complication may be that Kreacher has stolen it.

Other horcruxes?
hc 4-The cup? Could it be in Godric's Hollow? (My lovely Webster's International shows that "hallow" is a variant of Hollow--perhaps the deathly hallows are the hollows where the horcruxes are hidden?) Voldemort planned to use something for his final horcrux when he killed HP. So he might have dropped it at Godric's Hollow and not gotten it back yet. (But would it even be a horcrux or was the magic spell unfinished?)

hc 5-The snake. With Voldemort. HP's parseltongue will come in handy, no doubt.

One more horcrux?
hc 6-Don't know-possibly Voldemorts' award for special services on hand at Hogwarts? Seems unlikely, though. Dumbledore thought it would be a possession of one of the original Hogwart's founders. And there are interesting theories you can read about at Mugglenet. (I like the one that suggests the horcruxes are interrelated-so Voldemort would have used the cup to get to the locket, the locket to get to ? etc. But then how did RAB get to the locket? Did RAB have the cup and leave it at his home-now OOTP headquarters, too?)


#4. Voldemort has wanted to come back to Hogwarts for quite a while. I want to know why. I don't think it's just to retrieve a horcrux (he could have had Snape do that), or to release the basilisk (killed in book 2). Dumbledore suggests that he was looking for more ancient magic to learn. I'm hoping that Harry (or more likely Hermione) finds some special magic (besides love) deeply hidden that could be useful, something that Voldemort suspected was there but couldn't find (because of his black heart?). Or perhpas the "deathly hallows" are the ghosts themselves and Rowena Ravenclaw or the Bloody Baron holds a deep secret?

#5. Last prediction ( or not): Harry finds a way to unleash Voldemort memories transferred to him in the lightning bolt incident. Remember-he felt somehow that he knew Tom Riddle, that he recognized the name and felt friendly toward him-a shadow of memory? Perhaps there's more to find "within himself" as Dumbledore is always saying (only it's not love this time either).

50. Harry Potter

I've been planning on sharing my HP ruminations, as feeble as they are, just because I'm looking forward to the 7th book and the 5th film this summer. So I'll share my little predictions in my next blog post. I don't hang out on Mugglenet or read the Leaky Cauldron's deep analysis. I rarely even visit JK's site itself, so my thoughts are "original" to me--(or you could say, uninformed!).

But before I get to them, here's some HP comic relief: