AltWeeklies Wire
Split Ends: Harry Potter Lurches Toward The Final Curtain
A flawed decision to split the final installment of the Harry Potter books into two films results in a formless narrative that overstays its welcome.
City Pulse |
Cole Smithey |
11-15-2010 |
Reviews
Harry Potter's Sixth Installment is a Dull, Disconcerting Letdownnew
After watching Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, I'm worried that a franchise that was building up some significant steam could be heading for a disaster of Matrix proportions.
Tucson Weekly |
Bob Grimm |
07-23-2009 |
Reviews
Hollywood Product: 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'new
The script's use of potions and oaths speak to themes about choices, loyalty and trust, but the inconclusive ending defers resolution until the two films of the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. So don't make plans for Thanksgiving 2010 or the summer of 2011.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Curt Holman |
07-21-2009 |
Reviews
That Old Black Potter Magic Continues to Beguile in 'Half-Blood Prince'new
Going a few shades blacker than 2007's already funereal Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this penultimate Potterpicture includes the firebombing of a series regular's home, an episode of demonic possession that wouldn't look out of place in an Exorcist movie, and multiple attempts on the life of Harry himself. The greater threat, however, is those unseen forces that compete for the hearts and minds of impressionable boy wizards.
L.A. Weekly |
Scott Foundas |
07-17-2009 |
Reviews
'Harry Potter': There's No Place Like Hogwartsnew
Director David Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves occasionally coast on fans' intense familiarity with J.K. Rowling's novel, but for the most part they do well with Prince, a satisfying, somber yet funny story which carefully sets the stage for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Eugene Weekly |
Molly Templeton |
07-16-2009 |
Reviews
The Boy Magician Answers the Call of His Little Wand in 'Half-Blood Prince'new
We're still wild about Harry, even though this new adventure prefers to flush pink with its lovesick teens than forward-thrust toward the mammoth battle of good vs. evil.
Austin Chronicle |
Kimberley Jones |
07-16-2009 |
Reviews
'Half-Blood Prince' Follows a Harry Potter Who's No Innocent Kid Anymore
Half-Blood Prince is far less dense with magical action than its predecessors, and perhaps that makes it feel mostly like a stage-setter for the finale that will be Deathly Hallows. Yet it's so rich with characterization that it scarcely matters.
Salt Lake City Weekly |
Scott Renshaw |
07-14-2009 |
Reviews
Harry Potter Franchise Hits its Stride in 'Half-Blood Prince'
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the most balanced Harry Potter film to come along, perhaps because the right combination of screenwriter and director has been firmly established, along with an appropriate team of special effects wizards and talented production crew.
City Pulse |
Cole Smithey |
07-13-2009 |
Reviews
'Phoenix' Risingnew
Phoenix continues down Harry Potter's ever-darker path -- but not far enough.
Eugene Weekly |
Molly Templeton |
07-20-2007 |
Reviews
Welcome Back 'Potter'new
The Order of the Phoenix is the best installment yet.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Sean Burns |
07-16-2007 |
Reviews
Harry's First Snognew
Yes, it's true: Harry Potter manages his first kiss, in between all manner of expository storytelling, and never was a young man's wand more ever-ready.
Austin Chronicle |
Marc Savlov |
07-13-2007 |
Reviews
Hogwarts Has Been Taken Over by Republicans!new
Paranoia, alienation and angst abound. It appears that the bleak shall inherit the earth.
Fort Worth Weekly |
Ed Johnson-Ott |
07-12-2007 |
Reviews
Harry Potter's Freezing Spellnew
While the young wizard loses a loved one, his fifth movie loses something else.
Fort Worth Weekly |
Kristian Lin |
07-12-2007 |
Reviews
Gloomy Forecastnew
The Harry Potter series continues to get darker with the fine Order of the Phoenix.
Tucson Weekly |
Bob Grimm |
07-12-2007 |
Reviews
Puberty + Potions = Passionnew
It's like The Empire Strikes Back of the Harry Potter series, although if you haven't seen the last two movies, you'll feel in the dark without a magic wand.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Curt Holman |
07-12-2007 |
Reviews
