Student Film Reviews

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1. Kesi Rentie 07.20.09 / 9pm

   I thought you did a great job at reviewing this film. I too will be sorry when the Harry Potter series ends. The series is so enjoyable because there is great writing, directing, and cinematography. Like you, I have not read any of the Potter books, and I don’t plan too. I love the movies by themselves. I was told by a friend how good the Harry Potter movies are and I thought I would check them out. I was very surprised that a pre-teen movie would interest me. Every since the first film, I have anticipated each movie. I just wish Harry did not have to lose his close friends. I haven’t watched the movie yet, but I plan to. Your review has made me want to see the movie even more because I know it is going to be of the same quality as the previous Potter movies. Great job!
2. Byron Potau 07.22.09 / 11pm

   I agree Will, this is easily the best of the series so far and with the Best Picture nominees expanded to 10 I fully expect this film to compete for one of those spots. A great film in every facet of its creation. It is sad to know the end of this wonderful franchise is in sight. I do hope David Yates continues as director since he did such an incredible job here. Let’s just hope Michael Bay goes nowhere near it.
3. Courtney Kent 10.16.09 / 5am

   I to found the sixth enstallment of the Harry Potter franchise to be a huge sucess in my mind. Since I read the first of the series in fith grade, i have been obsessed with Harry Potter and his journey to defeat Lord Voldemort. I have enjoyed and approved of every one of the HP movies, and continue to enjoy the growing eerieness of the films. From the very beginning, the sixth movie held me as a fan. The mise-en-scene of the film used every aspect to the tee. Each character, from Harry Potter to Mrs. Weasely, continue to play unified characters, linking the look, emotions, and actions of the character together. I believe the characters and every time forget that they are acting. As always, the music througout the film was amazing. the song for the opening title has always been a favorite of mine and causes my heart to race a little when i hear it. I have been sucked into the world of Harry Potter, and there is no way of getting out.
4. Kevin Cox 10.16.09 / 12pm

   As much as this pains me to say I was sadly disappointed in the sixth installment of Harry Potter. Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince as a movie was intriguing but it didn’t follow the book very well. If I wouldn’t have read the books my opinion of the movie would be different I believe my thoughts would have been it was a good movie, interesting but not the norm of a Harry Potter movie it was more serious then the others and not alot of action. However I did read the book and the strongly leads me to say I didn’t like the movie based on the fact that they didn’t follow the book well at all. Maybe they are trying to make the last movie with the most action possible but by doing that the cut off the last two chapters of the book.
5. yuan cai 10.17.09 / 9pm

   First of all, I’m in love with the Harry Potter series. I have read all seven books several times, and never get bored of them. But I think the last three Harry Potter movies are complete FAILS.
   Anyone who is a TRUE Harry Potter fan would have to agree that too much of the important details of these stories were left out. I was disgusted with the end of this movie. I was completely disappointed, expecting a battle scene and then-nothing. I know that it would be a long movie if EVERYTHING was put into it. But come on, I would rather read the books again then have to sit through this movie again. This movie; Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, in my opinion, was the worst movie made for this normally amazing story.
   Please, let’s hope the next one isn’t so LAME and disappointing.
6. Dennis Ryan 10.20.09 / 7pm

   I like the fact that you are knowledgeable of the different directors in the Harry Potter series and I agree with you completely that David Yates is best for the job. I like the view and mood of the film, as you described; I think it compliments the overall theme very well.
   As a kid I remember when the book first came out and my Mom had bought me it. I could not make it through the first chapter; it just simply wasn’t for me (the book and reading in general). However when the movie series took off, my interest and passion for both the books and films took off with it. It is amazing to see how Harry Potter attracts such a wide audience.
   I have since become a little lazy with my reading, and like you, have not read the past two books, so my interest in this film could also be because I do not have the comparison in mind.
   I thoroughly enjoy the Harry Potter series and I will also be sad when it eventually comes to an end.
7. Sarah Malina 10.26.09 / 4am

   Being an avid Harry Potter fan, I don’t think I am alone when I say that I was very disappointed with the sixth HP installment. Was The Half Blood Prince an entertaining film? Yes. Was it accurate according to the book? Definitely not. I probably made a huge mistake because in anticipation for the midnight showing of the sixth Harry Potter film, I reread the book to refresh my memory. This kind of ruined the movie for me because the film leaves out numerous scenes from the book. The film makers missed key scenes like the end battle scene. I realize that if they included everything in the book that the film would be over several hours long, but I don’t think they’re doing J.K. Rowling justice if they cut out parts of her incredible stories. I know they making the seventh film into two installments, so why couldn’t they have done this for the sixth film? I think this would have made HP fans a lot more satisfied with the film product.
8. Zi Huang 10.29.09 / 11am

   I agree your opinion that the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the finest one in the series so far, although some people think it was boring and making them lost. I had the similar feeling when I watched Harry Potter II, III, IV, V. I thought the Half-Blood Prince would be boring as well, but it was not. However, there is not a final fight we desire to see happening at the end of the movie. That might be the restriction for the film because the filmmakers have to follow the original story.
9. Ping Gong 11.08.09 / 3pm

   It is probably fair not to compare this film with the book. Although adapted from the book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as a film is essentially different the book. There are details that are talked about in the book but not shown in the film, while the film also creates its own effects that the book can not.
   I personally do not like this film as much as the other Harry Potter films. This long film is simple narration, and it lacks an obvious conflict and a resolution. The end of the film seems to try to make the audience curious about what is going to happen in the next film of the series so that the completion of this film itself is paid less attention—I feel that it lacks a satisfactory ending. In addition, this film is too “dark” overall. I think this perhaps will result in a shift in the audience of the film from children and teenagers to an older population.
10. Michael Kessler 11.30.09 / 8pm

    I really liked this review, it was done well. I think Conlin might have had extra favoritism towards this movie than the first five because he hadn’t read the book – the Harry Potter books are my favorite which totally creates this huge bias toward the movies, I despised the first one because there were differences and things left out – but I have to agree that Yates did an excellent job on “The Half Blood Prince.” It was even more different from the book than the first one which just gets my goat but Yates managed to make it compelling. Conlin was smart to have mentioned that he did not read the book because then I would have had to criticize him for not mentioning the differences. Over all, the books are better but Conlin reported well.
11. Briana Kelley 02.08.10 / 1pm

    While I have enjoyed all the Harry Potter movies, I found this movie to be the best of all the installments so far. Most of the movies have left out major parts of the books, or changed things to better fit the movie into a period of three hours, but The Half Blood Prince was very loyal to the book, more so than any of the other films have been. The film evokes emotions, as the review says, which helps keep viewers connected. Also, a lot of the Harry Potter movies try to be more comedic than they should be. The books have a darker and mysterious undertone that is often overlooked in the films for a more comedic feel. The Half Blood Prince kept the serious mood from the books.
12. Sarah Nadel 03.22.10 / 12pm

    Harry Potter is such a magical world and the director’s ability to transport us all to Hogwarts was incredible. This film truly inspired me and all the scenes were impeccable. The actors did a brilliant job. Being an actor in this film must of been very complicated. It takes true talent to act out such complicated scenes and not be in the setting at all. Most of this film was done in front of a green screen and so the actors had to imagine everything happening around them. This takes true imagination. My favorite actress is Hermoine. I feel that many girls can relate to her character and many girls wish they could possess a lot of the same characteristics. The editing of this film was beyond brilliant. The director really did create an imaginary world and he did it brilliantly. It was as if you were in the film. I am hoping that the next two films are in 3-D considering all the recent films that have been in 3-D. Harry Potter will forever be a classic and a series of films and novels that everyone will continue to talk about.
13. Gabrielle Diaz 05.07.10 / 6pm

    Harry Potter is one of the most well known series that has attracted people of all ages. Harry Potter and the Half Bloode Prince had many great action scenes along with the special effects. There are many different views that people have taken on this movie. While there are some who say this movie was one of the better Harry Potter movies, there are still about the same amount of people who say it was their least favorite movie. In my pinion although the acting was great and there were a lot of interesting scenes, I happen to think that this was the worst of the Harry Potter movies especially compared to the books. When the series let out the first Harry Potter book I had a lot of interest and I was hooked to the Harry Potter series. I happened to go to this premier and I was so surprised to see how many people showed up and waited hours before the movie theater even opened up. Every one was dressed up and so excited to view the sixth Harry Potter movie. I think all the hype may have been the reason for all the disappointment.
14. Lauren Miller 05.07.10 / 9pm

    I am a fan of the Harry Potter series of books and of the movies that go along with the novels. I loved this film and thought it was absolutely fantastic. I have heard that many think this was the worst of the films compared to the books but I happen to disagree and I think that all the films and the books were amazing. The acting was great and the special effects were captivating, I could not take my eyes of the screen and was so excited to find out what was going to happen next. The Harry Potter series is of course a classic and the films just add to the popularity of the series. Overall this film was wonderful as were the previous films and the novels that are the base point to the films.
15. Zack Naour 06.27.10 / 11pm

    Through-out my childhood I have been around these books/movies. I remember the days when my mother would read them to my sister and I every night before bed. She would get so into them herself that she would not notice her two children passed out on the floor. As far as the movies go I think this is the best one yet. All the actor and actresses have grown so much professionally, with each movie their ability to play the characters increases a thousand fold. I could watch these films over and over again without getting bored. It will be a sad but good day when the last of the Harry Potter movies hits the theatre. Aren’t they splitting the last book into two movies?
16. Brandon Westemeier 02.16.11 / 6pm

    When I was a child my mother would always read me the harry potter books. As a kid I liked them a lot and I would use my imagination to create the special world of harry potter. After the movies came out it gave me a different perspective because the film makers were making the image for you. Personally I never really minded the movies because I though they were doing a really good job. When this movie came out I was disappointed because there is so much that happens in the book that the film maker never put in the movie. I enjoyed this movie because it was very interesting. I cannot wait until they can finish the whole series.
17. Natasha Austere 02.21.11 / 8pm

    Harry Potter changed my life. From the second I picked up these books i truly fell in love with this whole new world. “Harry Potter and the Half Blooded Prince” was my favorite Harry Potter so far. It was thrilling, exciting, fresh and creative. Watching the cast get older and growing up with them is one of the most exciting parts. These movies are well written and directed and i think they really captured the enchanted wizarding world well.
18. Jacquelyn Lowe 07.06.13 / 11pm

    This film is one of my favorites in the Harry Potter series, I also really enjoyed reading the book. The cinematography was darker than the earlier films, I think that this began in the Order of the Phoenix. I agree with you that the film had a very dark tone to it and an eerie feel as you stated. I think that this is because it is a type of foreboding of what is to come. Harry was so moody in this film I guess it is just teenage angst, hormones and the fact that he has a tremendous responsibility that can only be done by him. Harry Potter the boy who lived and the only one that can stop Voldermort. I have to say I really do not like Harry with Ron’s sister. It is the only part of the film and book that I really do not like. Many people complain about things that were left out, but peeves was left out and no one seems to complain about that. Every time I watch a film especially The Order of the Phoenix, I wait for him to come on screen and he never does. But I got over it.
19. AlexandraAbbott 10.09.14 / 6pm

    I am a huge fan of not only the Harry Potter movies but also the books. I think you did a great review of this film. Especially your insight on the different directors. To me I feel as each one brought something different to the films made it unique. You are quite right when you say the film had a dark note about it the whole time. Personally I liked this aspect because it really emphasized the seriousness that was ahead of him and his friends. For me I grew up right along with each book/ movie. This series will forever hold a piece in my heart.
20. Gerardo Alvarez 06.29.18 / 8pm

    I first watched the Harry Potter movies about three months ago. I know it is very late to have watched these movies. I think it might have been something about everyone watching them and me not wanting to be a follower, but I was finally talked into watching them by my roommates and I absolutely loved them. I think that the half blood prince might be my favorite, it is tide with the goblet of fire. I think that everyone has to watch these films at least once in their lifetime. Overall I thought that your review was great and I completely agree with you.
21. Sierra Turk 10.19.18 / 9pm

    I really enjoyed your response! I grew up reading the Harry Potter books and I loved them! I also love the movies though and feel as though they are just as good as the books. I never say that about movies, but Harry Potter is just too good. This movie isn’t my favorite out of the series because it has a darkness like you mentioned, but is still a great movie. I tend to enjoy the first movie the best. Overall great response!
22. Laura Kernan 03.08.19 / 6pm

    William Conlin’s review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (David Yates, 2009) provides a nice overview of the film, though particular attention is given to what Yates brought to the series of films as a director. Overall, I agree with Conlin’s assessment of the film. Of all the Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is my favorite. The narrative in this film brings the whole story of the fight against Voldemort into focus. We learn for the first time in the film Voldemort’s secret to is ability to cheat death and we learn what must be done to defeat him. I also particularly liked the way in which revisiting memories was done in the film. I thought this effectively allowed backstories and insights to be revealed in a unique way. Additionally, I think that the mise-en-scene of this installment of the series is probably its finest. Although the lighting is dark, this is important and captures the mood of the narrative. Many of the characters in the series acquire new depths as the realities of Voldemort and what is transpiring takes shape, and the acting was extremely well done. I was particularly impressed by the believability of Dumbledore and Snape.
23. Melia Amble 02.17.20 / 12pm

    Your review of this film was very well put. I agree with your points about the director setting a dark stage from the beginning and carrying it throughout the movie. There are few happy and light parts of this film because of all the horrible things going on in the wizard world and at Hogwarts. I am also a big fan of this series like your friends and totally agree that the director made the perfect changes for the audience to enjoy the film. In addition, I believe the director kept the key points from the book the same in the film which made the movie just as enjoyable, if not more than the book. Overall great review on this amazing movie!
24. Antonna Mollo 06.05.21 / 2pm

    I really enjoyed reading your review for this film! I think you described the scene layout very well. The movie does have a gloomy yet strong intro. I also agree that the transition to David Yates was the key to the films success. The comparison from previous films quality to this film is dramatically impressive. The cinematography is clearly improved.
25. Riva Lewis 10.12.21 / 10am

    I have to agree with your final statement, this is the best Harry Potter film so far. I truly appreciated the composition, such as the darker lighting with higher contrast indicating low-key lighting use. There were often color tones, such as a deep green, red, dark purple and silver. There is a uniformity to the character development, however in this movie we get to see the characters experience both the normality of being a young adult and the reality of fighting for their lives. I really appreciated the scenes with Luna Lovegood, she is a relatively new character throughout the series and yet you can already tell she is a fierce and loyal ally to Harry. The mise-en-scene throughout this movie resembles that of the book description. This movie is very emotional and uses the mise-en-scene to convey the dark and serious tone.
26. Caitlin Neri 11.10.21 / 12pm

    Hello Willian, I enjoyed you review on the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! I like you have not read the Harry Potter books however I really enjoy the films and the series. This film uses low-key lighting and night shooting to maintain its style of editing. This film uses cause and effect throughout the film as a form, an example of this pattern is when Professor Dumbledore brings Voldemort to Hogwarts after already expressing his need to hurt those who make fun of him. With Voldemort becoming a student at Hogwarts the effects is Voldemort becoming obsessed with power and doing everything possible to achieve the unachievable.
27. Kylie Hanson 03.07.22 / 5pm

    I have seen Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince several times and have read part of the book. I thought that your review depicted this movie correctly and very well! The director did a fantastic job creating the dark ambiance of this film. At the beginning of the Harry Potter series, the ambiance is bright and exciting. It isn’t until the fourth film, that the darkness begins to spread. I have never seen a movie where the directors had such successful use of mise-en-scene. In each of these films, you can tell the mood and progression of evil just by the setting. As the golden trio grows up the mood and experiences have become more serious and darker. The mise-en-scene in this film is so superb that it allows many viewers to believe that what is on screen is real. Overall, great review!
28. Arwin Sabaghan 03.11.22 / 4pm

    I watched the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince a couple times. I think the review about the film is very good. In the beginning of the film series it’s more bright and thrilling. But later on in the film series you notice that it begins becoming more darkness. I think the mise-en-scene in the film is one of the best. The film is emotional and the use of mise-en-scene is very well done.
29. Elizabeth Troyer 11.02.23 / 5pm

    I thought that this review of the film was very well constructed. I liked the way that everything was clear and explained well. The film really is the start of the darker side of the Harry Potter series, one of my favorites of the entire series. It really popped out to me compared to the other films. It was really well put the together, and the visuals fit extremely well with the atmosphere of the movie and everything that was going on.

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