Well, it has finally arrived: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the long awaited film adaptation of JK Rowling’s beloved novel. Of course Greg and I had a front row seat this weekend (not even severe morning sickness could keep me away). My grade: an A-. Why an A-? Because, though it was a strong movie as a whole, much was lacking from book, including the magic of the Harry/Ginny relationship.
I expect that these movies will differ from the novels. How else can you bring a 700+ page book to the large screen, for a two and a half hour movie? Plots will be changed. It happens. However, the extent that the Harry/Ginny relationship suffered wasn’t expected. After all, a large portion of The Half Blood Prince was spent exploring Harry’s feelings for Ginny … she’s the girl he can’t get out of his head, the one he can’t take his eyes off of. Ginny is smart, brave, and funny with this sparkling personality. In my opinion, the character’s personality came off rather flat in the film adaptation and I was slightly disappointed.
Another disappointment for me was, again, Michael Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore is a strong wizard, yes, but he is also a kind hearted man with a gentle spirit. Sir Richard Harris embodied this Dumbledore to perfection. Unfortunately, Michael Gambon’s Dumbledore is much more abrasive. It is evident, at least to me, that Michael Gambon hasn’t read the novels (he’s admitted as much in a few interviews that I’ve read). Unfortunately, I still miss the sweet side of Dumbledore.
The rest of the cast, as always, is superb! Alan Rickman, always awesome, added so much depth to Snape in this movie. Watch his eyes during the final scenes … they are filled with unspoken grief and remorse. It is truly heartbreaking! Maggie Smith is another brilliant performer and she too brought me to tears at the end. I think the Actors as a whole, especially Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith, so embody these characters that they make me yearn even more for the Dumbledore from the novels. Daniel Ratcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermoine), Rupert Grint (Ron), Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix), Tom Felton (Draco), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Evanna Lynch (Luna) … they all bring the characters we love to life and do justice to JK Rowling’s skillfully crafted characters. Bravo to Jim Broadbent for his wonderful portrayal of Professor Slughorn, as well.
I enjoyed The Half Blood Prince and thought it was a really good film adaptation of a wonderful novel. It sets up The Deathly Hallows beautifully. And I think the next time I see it, I’ll like it even more (now that I know what not to expect).
You know my grade. What’s yours?
