Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

In the past 22 hours, I have seen Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince twice.The first was in the furor of a midnight showing and the second mere hours ago.

The film brings together the crew from Order of the Phoenix(who will also complete both parts of Deathly Hallows).

The film starts by showing the affect of Voldemort's return on the muggle world, and Harry's experiences in it. While his hitting on a waitress is comical, I felt really awkward at it. Harry is very much disappointed when his date is interrupted by Dumbledore's appearance to take him on a quest.

This is where we are introduced to Professor Slughorn played to perfection by Jim Broadbent. many reviewers have said that WB could earn a supporting actor nomination for Broadbent in this role, and I couldn't agree more. He is delightful and poignant at the same time. (As a side note, I think that the boy who played teenage Tom Riddle should be nominated. He was so creepy, and played the part to absolute perfection).

The trio of Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have never been better. The larger role for Bonnie Wright as Ginny is a welcome addition as well. The cast isn't lying when they say this is the funniest film yet, it most definitely is. Even though there are a few gags that have been overplayed in trailers, the film has many more laughs to be enjoyed.

Nicholas Hooper follows his brilliant score for Phoenixwith an equally-great score here. The music compliments all of the drama, laughs, and romance perfectly. Director David Yates knows how to work a camera, with amazing angles throughout. From the flight of Death Eaters through London, to a chase in a cornfield.

Michael Gambon and Radcliffe are amazing as Dumbledore and Harry. So much of this story hinges on their relationship, and the duo do not disappoint. Dumbledore's final scenes are as heart-wrenching as the book, and all thanks to Gambon.

There were some qualms. The color palate is incredibly blue throughout, which eventually turns to almost blue-and-white near the end, and is entirely distracting. The reprise of screenwriting from Steve Kloves is an unwelcome addition. The Potter fandom is very outspoken about it's dislike of Kloves's work, and this film only furthers their feelings. Matter-of-fact statements and observations of the obvious plague the film, as do jump cuts that make no sense and much that is not explained. As one who knows this book by heart, I was jarred with the plot of the film.

And the relationships. Many early screenings last year complained about the abundance of relationships, so the filmmakers rectified this. Well, now there is too little. Relationships pop out of thin air and end just as suddenly. Harry's newest relationship is never even confirmed, just by a "He's OK with it" statement by Hermione at the film's end. And the couple of Lupin and Tonks, who do not get together until the end of the book, are apparently together throughout, as Tonks refers to him as "sweetheart" out of the blue.

Overall, this is a great film. Most definitely the best of the Potter films. Like The Lord of the Rings before it, the Potter franchise improves leaps and bounds with each film. At this rate, the last two installments will be incredible. And with the expansion of Best Picture to 10 nominees, this film, while not winning the prize, has a definite shot at a nomination.