After much anticipation, I finally got to watch the latest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, last Tuesday. Many say this is the darkest movie of the series so far, and I can’t help but agree. Gone are the days of child-like innocence. No more childish “play-magic”, which is now replaced by dark spells and potions (such as those named “living death” ).

On a slightly lighter note, the kids have all grown up to beautiful young men and women. So naturally, amidst add that teenage angst, is romantic feelings beginning to sprout. It is obvious in this movie that love is in the air. The youngsters begin to pair up, and I’m are still left wondering why Harry and Hermione are not an item. Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels this way. Steven Greydanus of DecentFilms.com shares my sentiments too.

Heck, I’m not sure I buy Harry not taking a pass at Hermione (or at least thinking about it) while their respective romantic interests are both snogging others, with her vulnerable and them both available.

Voldemort does not appear as Voldemort per se in this movie. Instead, we get a peek into his younger days as Tom Riddle. And we see hints leading to the next book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

One particular theme of this movie that struck me deeply was Dumbledore telling Harry that “he’s older and less important“. That had me squirming in my seat. The ending in particular, hinted at euthanasia or mercy killing. I didn’t like it.

Overall, this is more of a linker between the previous Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the next book. I personally preferred Order of the Phoenix. This one is a little too dark for my liking. particularly the ending. Looking forward to the first of the 2-part Deathly Hallows movie that’s tentatively coming next year.

Meanwhile, I’ll like to point you to a very well-written article I read on CatholicExchange.com, titled Harry Potter and the Terrifying Order to Obey.

Tags: Harry Potter, movies, Reviews