Trouble with Harry?

Jeremy Slater‘s back with his thoughts on the latest goings-on at Hogwarts…

This may be the sixth instalment in the Harry Potter saga, with Parts I and II of the final book, The Deathly Hallows, to come in 2010 and 2011, but the heart still beats fast in David Yates’s Half-Blood Prince, with the acting from the three main cast members reaching its peak as they approach adulthood.

Yates, who directed the previous episode (The Order of the Phoenix (2007)) and also the masterly original BBC series State of Play (2003), makes the core of the latest episode a lesson in loss, punctuated by the rise of Lord Voldermort. An unfortunate error made by one of Hogworts’ professors allows a student to gain powers that he should not have access to. From the outset, it is clear that evil is on the rise, as London takes a bashing from three evil entities who destroy parts of the city, including, quite spectacularly, the Millennium Bridge.

At the same time, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is beginning his sixth term at Hogworts and, during a lesson, he finds a book of potions. In the margins of the ancient grimoire, he finds more than a few handy hints, which teach him some very helpful spells – the tome was formerly the property of the eponymous ‘Half-Blood Prince’, a mysterious character whose identity is saved for the very end of the film…

There are, of course, returns to the themes that have made the Potter franchise so popular, including several spectacular games of Quidditch – meanwhile, the relationship between Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) is becoming ever more tortuous, as are Harry’s own amorous adventures, as he realises that he loves Ron’s sister Ginny Weasly (Bonnie Wright).

There’s fine acting from the likes of Michael Gambon as Dumbledore, Jim Broadbent as newly-appointed professor Horace Slughorn and, of course, Alan Rickman returns as Severus Snape, reprising the clipped tones he first used in Die Hard more than 20 years ago but adding the occasional hiss.

Maggie Smith and Helena Bonham Carter are also on hand with solid performances, and there’s tragedy in store at the climax, which Harry is sworn to avenge.

Thus, for fans of the books and films, this latest addition will be much enjoyed, but even those who are still Potter virgins should find this a more than reasonably entertaining film, perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

153 mins.