Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Almost four years after the book was released and just about two years after the last cinematic power house, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released in theaters tonight, July 14th 2009. Being a huge Potter fan myself, I had no choice but to attend the midnight showing. This was one of my favorite books to read, however, I was left with mixed feelings after watching the penultimate book in the Harry Potter series. It’s not that there was a lack of effects or acting that was off but, in my opinion they really missed the whole “vibe” that the story really had. In the transition from paper to film the story really lost the feel of anguish and despair that is really at the core of the Half-Blood Prince. “Half-Blood Prince” is the darkest book in the series, with the climax being the death of an important and much loved character. For some reason the adaptation to film fails to pack the necessary emotional punch to this event that was so obvious within the novel. This book is a prelude to war! The forces of good and evil are gathering respectively and preparing for a giant battle. Not only is the fate of the wizarding world, but also the world of the muggles being put on the verge of disaster. That sense of urgency and dread that goes hand in hand with preparations for war seemed to be lost; with the majority of screen time being spent on the romantic mishaps of Harry, his friends Ron, Hermione, and Ginny instead of focusing on the fact that both worlds are on the brink of either destruction or salvation.
Now I know that movies are never near as good as the books, and I am not the type to try and argue that they should be, but with the production team having ample time I feel they really dropped the ball on conveying the most basic aspects of the book to the silver screen.
What do you think? Am I being too hard on the movie or do you all agree?
Signing out: marcus@mixtureofsorts.com
Buy the Potter books here Select hot selling books: buy one get one 50% off
Woody’s Hood Boogie Woogie
Coney Island
I’ve noticed in the last movie (like you said, not a bad movie – just something off) that they’ve started to stray from the “ambiance” of the book series. There is just something missing. Perhaps it’s the interpretation of each reader or maybe it’s just the adaptation from book to script (done by Steve Kloves). Either way, I think most would contend that both book and movie series are entertaining. I think the purist would be upset with the direction of the movie, however, they’d almost be short sighted to say it wasn’t an entertaining movie.
Yeah I totally agree with you Dan. Like you said it may just be my interpretation of the books. The movie was highly entertaining, I just hope that they do not skimp out on movie 7 and 8 (book 7 is being split into a two part movie). They have a chance to make such a power hit with the last installment of the Potter series and I fear they may fall short. I guess only time will tell and we can only hope for the best…
I loved the Harry Potter books. They spanned through most of my life (I started them when I was like 12 or something and now here I am at 21). I?ve read each book multiple times (like 12), and I actually started re-reading the final book last night (again).
I think they worked around the book quite successfully for this movie, especially since they didn?t follow it too religiously, which translated very well in my opinion. I still think they should have added more of Kreacher and Dobby because they will be important for the last book. But whatever?
HP6 was pretty good. Enjoyed it more than Transformers 2 thats for sure, Transformers 2 thats for sure?TF2 dragged so much?
They left out the fight between the Death Eaters and students out. And Dumbledore?s funeral, they left that out too.
I guess I?ve lost all interest in Harry Potter. The movie lost all it?s luster in my eyes. It?s becoming like that show with the ninjas and stuff.
While I wasdoing some browsing and noticed your website appears a bit messed up in my netcapeinternet browser. I think I’m the only one still using it….