The motion picture adaptation of the penultimate book in J.K. Rowling’s epic “Harry Potter” series has hit theaters. Have the filmaker’s maintained the series’ quality?   Is it faithful to the book? And, above all else, should you pay the $10 to see it? Commencum reviewus. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the sixth movie in the series and is based on the sixth book in the wildly popular saga. If you didn’t realize after film 4, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, or the last film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, that events were taking a darker and more dangerous turn, this film is more than happy to hammer home that point with it’s visual style and mood. However, the filmmakers have wisely decided to temper that darkness with several lightharded moments, as well as insghts into the emotions of the three main characters, as they reach the age where hormones take over.

The story, while not a page for page retread of the book, still touches on all of the major story points. Here is a brief summary for those who have not read the book or have forgotten. The Muggle (non-wizarding) world is infiltrated by Death Eaters, who have been gaining strength since the return of Voldemort. Dumbledore informs Harry that he will be privately instructing him this year. New to the Hogwarts staff this year is Professor Horace Slughorn, who resumes the position of Potions Master, while Snape is finally given the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy is given a dangerous secret mission by Voldemort. Due to the hostile climate, security is hightened like never before. Harry’s personal lessons with Dumbledore involve using the Pensieve to view memories detailing the story of Tom Riddle as he became Voldemort. Through these memories, Harry will discover the secret to finally defeating Voldemort.  Harry is also taking Potions again, due to the fact that Slughorn’s requirements are less stringent than Snape’s. Having no book, Harry is alowed to borrow a used copy from the cupboard. But, this copy is more than it seems, as it has corrections and notiations all throughout it. The book is the property of the titular “Half Blood Prince”, whose identity will remain a mystery until the very end. As if that weren’t enough, Harry is named Quidditch Captain for Gryffindor, and must deal with holding trials and managing a team that is very erratic and emotional. Speaking of emotions, this year also sees a continuation of the “emotional awakening” that began in the last film. This especially evident as Hermione and Ron continue to have their ups and downs and Harry and Ginny discover their true feelings for each other. Finally, Harry discovers the key to defeating Voldemort lies in uncovering the secret of the Horcrux. Dumbledore and Harry leave the school and set off on a dangerous mission. The end of the movie is heralded by a tragic event, which kills off one of the series’ main characters and sets all of the charcters on their respective paths towards the endgame.

As they have been throughout the entire series, the cast are terrific. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson seem so comfortable in the skins of Harry, Ron and Hermione that you can just imagine how easy it probably was for them to step back into the roles and pick up right where they left off. The interplay between them is so easy and natural that you can honestly imagine that the three characters really talk like this. They share a bond of familiarity that lends a legitimacy to the trio that is normally very difficult to achieve. Michael Gambon worried some people when he first appeared in Prisoner of Azkaban, playing a Dumbledore that bore little resemblance to the persona created by the late Richard Harris. However, over the last two movies, he has made the role his own and his portrayal has done justice to both the literary source and his lauded predecessor. Indeed, this movie is as much Dumbledore’s finest hour as the previous movies have been Harry’s. This movie brings a humanity and gravitas to the character and thrusts him inot the forefront of the story. Gambon portrays Dumbledore as vulnerable in this movie, as he seems to realize that his age is finally catching up to him. Maggie Smith is again superb as Professor McGonagal, the stern Deputy Headmistress. Bonnie Wright’s Ginny Weasley seems to blossom before our eyes, a far cry from the little girl who watched Ron leave on the Hogwart’s Express is Sorcerer’s Stone. Ginny is as stuborn as her brother and has quite a bit of a love life. Evanna Lynch again brings a quirky charm to Luna Lovegood, complete with Spectra Specs and radish earrings. Unbelievable as it may sound, Alan Rickman makes Professor Snape even more sinister than before. And, He still has the unique ability to clip.his.words. This time, however, Snape is provided an emotional vulnerability, as he promises to assist Draco Malfoy. He also has a hand in one of the biggest moments of not just this movie, but of the entire series. Speaking of Draco, Tom Felton presides over some of Draco’s most important moments in the series. Draco has matured in this film, he is more cunning and forceful than ever before. But, he also struggles and gets emotional at times. He seems a more complete character here. The weight of him mission weighs heavily on him for the entire film. The Hogwarts staff is enhanced this year bythe return of former Potions Master, Horace Slughorn. The adult Death Eater presence also increases in this film. Helen Bonham Carter’s magnificently insane Bellatrix Lestrange returns and seems more insane than ever. Making their debuts this film are Narcissa Malfoy, Lucius’ wife and Draco’s mother. She is played by Helen McCrory. Narcissa behaves just like any mother who is afraid for her child would. She will do anything to assure Draco’s safety, even defy an order from Voldemort, forbidding her to speak of the plan. In her desperation, she seeks Snape’s help. Also joining the cast is Fenrir Greyback, played by Dave Legeno. Greyback is a warewolf like Lupin, but he has none of Lupin’s restraint. He is a savage, dangerous creature who enjoys biting people, particularly children. Greyback is particulary interested in infiltrating Hogwarts. Also notable in the supporting cast is Ralph Fiennes nephew, Hero, who portrays Voldemort as a young boy.

The sets are primarily the same as the ones we have seen throughout the series so far. However, there are two new additions. First, and foremost, is the new Astronomy tower, the center piece of which is a giant gyroscope. Other new locations include Slughorn’s house and the cave where one of the film’s final sequences occurrs. However, the biggest standout must be Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, the joke shop opened after the events of Order of the Phoenix by Fred and George. The shop is bright and loud and exactly as it is described in the book.It stands out against the backdrop of the nearly deserted Diagon Alley.

The music and sound are fantastic, as is the cinematography, which features many unique and different camera angles. For example, there is a shot in the film that features Harry in the corridor and off to the left of the screen, you can see Draco Malfoy sitting, deep in thought.

One of the big things about this movie is, despite the darker tone, the humor. There are several laugh out loud moments and lines, including a hilarious scene where Ron is dosed with love potion. Another stand out sequence occurs when Harry takes the “Felix Felicis” luck potion.

In the end, this film maintains the high level of quality that has been associated with the series. The cast turns in some of the most emotional performances ever and by the end, you are ready for the final chapter, but there is a good chance some tears have been shed. The endgame approaches, but will take a little longer. The final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will be split into 2 movies.  Part I will hit theaters on November 19, 2010, Part II, the FINAL film in the series, will hit theaters on July 15, 2011. So, while we have a while to wait, if those films are done as well as this one, the wait will be well worth it.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince conjures up a 5 out of 5.