Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince: 6.5/10
The first two hours felt stale with the constant focus on adolescent romance. From the book I remember it as more of a 3rd-4th side element that developed so you could see the characters growth, but in the movie this was the constant focus that it completely ruined Herimone and Ron's characters. They were more involved with Harry and his pursuit of uncovering the mystery of Voldemort and his back story, yet in the movie they are very absent. The visual effects were done well, but it didn't capture the amazing landscape and the unique interior of Hogwarts as previous films had and thus felt just like another castle type setting.
I was impressed by Draco's role and how his struggle was presented as he dealt with the dark side and it did well in showcasing the immense toll that it was taking on him. Slughorn was also portrayed wonderfully and his characterization was that exactly out of the book it self so it was top notch. The last impressive part of the movie was Dumbledore as his role was well utilized and easily the best done of the movie compared to that of the main characters. However, many issues still prevailed that derailed the movie from being a good adaption. The obsession that Harry had with the Half-blood prince as well as constantly trying to learn about Voldemort's back story (which they only showed a part and didn't have a strong impression of Voldemort's character) and taking his new role as the "Chosen one" wasn't done at all seeming more so of a chore and sacrificed for teen romance and relationships instead.
And the last thirty minutes was a huge let down.
Where was the invasion of the death eaters into Hogwarts that lead to the huge climatic battle between professors/students vs. the servants of Voldemort? The adrenaline shot feeling you got when you read the ending of the sixth book when Harry and Dumbledore return to Hogwarts to see the madness ensuing? The sudden "betrayal" of Snape that left you shocked at what had just happened and the lasting effects it would have on the series. The revelation of Snape being the Half-blood prince didn't even come close to having the impact that it should have due to the movie straying away from it in the first place. And why did they not have the Dumbledore funeral that held such a strong impact on the entire school and especially Harry which leads into his strong desire to defeat Voldemort in the final book? The movies ending was sour compared to that of the book and it lacked any real feel of great anticipation of coming to the climatic conclusion to the end of the series.
This movie just felt more like that of a transition into the finale. Lacking the substance that intrigued the viewer to find out more about the mysteries and revelations of the evil lore that was taking over the world and proving to be a great threat that could lead to its demise if not stopped. Then again I can't fault it for doing what it was since it was a movie for children/teenagers who appreciate the adolescent romance alongside a few cool wizard/magical scenes and thus gaining the attention of its major audience.
