The first thing you notice about this gigantic movie Harry Potter's sixth part, The Half Blood Prince, is how, as compared to the other Harry Potters, it's so much darker. But of course it's not quite dark in the intelligent Dark Knight sort of way.
Young Harry Potter is whisked away by Professor Dumbledore, from his one-minute crush at a cafe. At Hogwarts, Harry finds a new teacher. He learns new lessons. He also finds an old book on potions with notes and scribbles that belongs to a mysterious half-blood prince. It turns out Hogwarts itself is not such a safe place anymore.
You sort of know what'll ensue is a battle between Harry, who finally admits he's the chosen one, and the grand evil Lord Voldemort. The build-up to this climax is long way in the coming.
Another thing you notice is that the actors here, that is Daniel Radcliffe and his friends, are obviously much older now. They're pretty much nearing adolescence. The romance and girl-and-boy-talk is hence a lot more direct.
I'm not surprised this is the first Harry Potter film to get a PG13 rating in America. In India, that should mean a U/A certificate. So, parents should keep this in mind before taking their four-year-olds along.
By itself, the movie is an incredible visual experience. I watched its IMAX version that's but playing in one theatre in India, in Mumbai, with the first 13 minutes in 3-D.
Besides that, there is nothing in this film that will entice a non-Harry Potter fan. And I am unfortunately that non-fan. I never quite bought into the myth. But then again, there are millions in the world who are not like me. This makes the movie completely critic-proof. Enjoy as you will.
