Harry Potter can best the Twilight franchise as being the first of the massive teen-based novel adaptations to hit theaters with the first in 2001. Cut to 2009 and the second to last film in the series is available on DVD, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Since seeing this movie in theaters there's a few major story gaps that are present since the aura of mysticism has worn off. The movie is engaging and a powerful book, equal to the novel, it just lacks a few serious plotlines.
A dark pallor has descended over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After the death of Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) uncle in the last film, he returns to school helping Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) enlist the help a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who has a love of ambitious students. Throughout the school year Harry and Dumbledore go on a quest to unravel the mystery of who Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort. once was. As they gain a deeper understanding of the wizarding world's most dangerous man, it causes Harry's life to change in the worst way.
The movies have become more and more serious as the story of Voldemort is told. Therefore the origins of Tom Riddle are the most fascinating parts of the movie because their elements that can be applied even if you aren't hip on magic. The examination in the mind of a psychopath is one that makes strong thrillers and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince doesn't shy away from showing how manipulative and cruel Tom Riddle is from boy to teen. It's enough to overshadow the children but even they get their own plot that's equally compelling. The students of Hogwarts are forced into adult situations where they're forced to protect themselves, even amongst the lure of teenage hormones. It's moot to say that the three stars of the film are wonderful since they give 100% in all the films. There's no true standout between Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint compared to past films, this movie is all about them as friends and as a team since they only moments of pure joy they have is with each other. The love stories are cute as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher gives the girls instructions on how to craft love potions to hilarious effect. The side characters get more action this time around, predominately Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley. The teachers don't have as big a role but Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter have a fantastic, tension filled moment in the beginning that sets the tone and could have gone on far longer. Fans will also be happy to know that the wizard game Quidditch returns for a significant period of time.
Ironically for a film about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince the latter part of the title is completely absent. Not to spoil the book but the Prince in question plays a huge role of shaping a character's motives and the mysterious textbook that helps Harry ends up controlling his life a great deal. In the film the Prince is revealed with a single line of dialogue at the end, it doesn't shape the character that is the Prince at all....and all we know is after one use Harry is obsessed with the Dark Arts textbook and it needs to be destroyed! The novel is long so it's fair that plots will be dropped, but to discard the entire significance of the title is bad storytelling.
The rental disc of Harry Potter has no additional features so if you've come this far in the Potter saga it's best to buy the DVD outright. There's a 2-Disc DVD and 3-Disc Blu-Ray that contains featurettes, additional scenes, sneak peeks at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a digital copy of the film. These are the best bets for fans of the film, and there's a six disc box set with all the Harry Potter films including this one. It's safe to say if you love Potter then bypass renting and go right to buying. Technically if you have ANY interest in this movie it's best to purchase one of the DVDs.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has a few story flaws and it's pretty dark but it's a strong entry in a franchise that hasn't lost steam. The DVD looks strong if you buy, nothing for you if you rent.
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