Like many others of my generation who were around and able to read the Harry Potter books from whence they were first released, J.K. Rowling's series played a large role in my childhood maturation. In short, I loved the books having read each one, besides the 7t, at least 3 or 4 times. However, unfortunately as time wore on and I grew older, with each new release I became more and more disenchanted with the series both in book and film form. And with the release of films 4 and 5 I had officially fell out of love with the series.
All of this changed last night at a 9:10 showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
I cannot recall ever enjoying a Harry Potter film this much, including The Prisoner of Azkaban. I just cannot explain the emotions that ran through me as I watched the movie. Despite possibly tampering with the first viewing experience by going with 6 Friends and my girlfriend, not the best way to see a film if you hate being distracted, I was instantly transported away back to Hogwarts and I was in bliss every moment.
First of all coming off a stylistically great, story lacking Order of the Phoenix two years ago, I was not expecting this movie to be as Good as it was. The cinematography by Bruce Delbono was excellent, using the same washed out color palettes of the last film to even better effect, and instantly had me connected to the aura of the screen if you will. The score was a fabulous depart from the familiar John Williams theme, and the Production/Costume design was the best of the series so far. I could also throw in David Yates excellent sophomore effort to boot, here's hoping he's back for the next two.
One must also mention how amazing the special f/x were, especially during the Quidditch matches.
Techs aside, I also feel like this latest installment featured some of the series's best acting so far, with nearly everybody but Daniel Radcliffe on their A game. Despite, what I felt was a lack of performance from Radcliffe, almost every single cast member impressed me with how amazing they were.
Helena Bonham Carter, despite a smaller role, mesmerized in every scene she was present. Capturing an ominously crazed persona that served the film's darker tone quite well. Alan Rickman and Michael Gambon were as good as they have ever been, and the casting of Jim Broadbent was top notch, in a weaker year he would be a shoo in for a Supporting Actor nomination and who knows, he might just get one. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson's talents have grown considerably with their age, as has, most surprisingly for me, Tom Felton's who was marvelous as Draco Malfoy almost out of nowhere, having merely been an annoying presence in the past.
What it comes down to is this: Harry Potter and the half Blood Prince is the best film of the Potter series so far, combining style and substance for sublime results and it will be a surefire Oscar contender that could even break into the Best Picture category now that it has been expanded.
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