Harry potter and the half blood prince movie online

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Says

Terrific but intense mix of love, friendship, fear, sorrow.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is extremely edgy for a PG movie -- in all ways, it's very similar to the previous two movies, which were rated PG-13. It continues the Harry Potter series' (all based on the books by J.K. Rowling) trend toward darker, more intense material. For young children, the death of a major beloved character could be extremely upsetting. Other characters are bloodied, kicked, and cursed in frightening ways, and a scene involving zombie-like characters is sure to scare little kids. There are also some big emotional upheavals and violent attacks. And there's notably more sexuality -- albeit playfully depicted -- than in the past movies. Because the characters are now teens, much of the interaction between them and their friends centers on getting a boy- or girlfriend, and there's plenty of snogging (making out). Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends continue as strong positive role models who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Meanwhile, other characters' motives and plans become more ambiguous. There are also a few scenes that include alcohol consumption -- including one in which a professor serves his students.

A Lot or A Little?

The parents’ guide to what’s in this movie.

Positive Role Models

DETAILS

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

DETAILS

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Review

As a movie it's the most well crafted of the series. But as an adaptation of the book, it was by far the worst.

Let me say this. Half Blood Prince as a movie alone was very good. It stands it's ground as a film better than any of the others of the series. But only as a film. And only because there are so many parts to a film. This installment obviously stepped everything up a notch: the cinematography, the special effects, the darker score, the improved acting, etc... But the key element which was boosted this franchise into world-class fame, is the story. And in this one, it's just not there. As a fan of the books and having had no SERIOUS gripes with any of the other films, I must say i HATED the screenplay for this one. Everything that made the book amazing was ripped from the film, and instead replaced by annoying large quantities of romantic subplot. Yes, there is romance in the sixth book but not shoved down your throat. JK Rowling masterfully crafted a novel that was perfectly balanced. The romance was there although it didn't detract from the main plot and at times was intertwined with the larger goings-on at hogwarts. In the movie the romance takes up most of the screen time. Not to mention the ending of the film was brutally butchered.

So much time could have been detracted from the silly romances to focus on more important things which were completely ommitted or deliberately changed. The ending is extremely anti-climactic and once it's over it'll leave you in your seat thinking "it's over?"

My final gripe with this movie is that it really should have been PG-13. If you've read the novel then you know the subject matter is MUCH darker and the story would have been done greater justice with just a higher rating(and a better screenwriter, yes i'm looking at you Steve Kloves).

Overall as a movie i'd give it an 8 out of 10.

But as a HARRY POTTER movie it gets 4 out of 10. And that's pushing it.

Well heres to 2010 to see how they screw up the finale. Oh wait, they already did. I didn't know there were 8 years at hogwarts...

• pgtmatrix
• Jul 19, 2009

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