One of the main highlights in the sixth installment of Harry Potter is the maturing of its lead actors, particularly Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who play the roles of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger respectively. These two have blossomed into their own, their prettiness notwithstanding.
Expectations were at a low after The Order of the Phoenix, so although The Half-Blood Prince isn’t exactly the magnum opus of the series, it fares remarkably better than the previous installment. As with all the recent movie adaptations of the Harry Potter series, The Half-Blood Prince is once again shrouded in darkness and conspiracies, rather grim for a children’s movie.
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) reaches new levels of popularity after it is revealed that he’s the chosen one; chosen to vanquish Voldermort, that is. Despite basking in the media limelight and becoming the new school hunk of Hogwarts, being the chosen one is a calling Harry takes on rather reluctantly in the beginning.
Back at Hogwarts for his sixth year, the now statuesque Harry and headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) go in search of vital information needed to destroy Voldermort. With such perils paving the way, it only seems natural for Harry and his friends to seek solace in love.
Filled with the excitement and heartache of pubescent infatuations, Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) struggle with unrequited love and raging hormones, just like any regular 18-year-old, but with love potions and magic thrown in for good measure, of course.
In the midst of the lighthearted romantic side plots, Harry finally understands the significance of his duty. The reluctant hero accepts his mission from Dumbledore and goes off in search of a way to destroy his nemesis.
Not only have the main characters matured in this movie; even antagonist Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), has progressed from a juvenile bully to a complex and afflicted character as he struggles to carry out the insidious task Voldermort has given him.
True-blue fans will appreciate the maturity of the movie and the stunning visuals, while most will enjoy having a bit of a chuckle at the struggles of young love.
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