also not good. the last couple of movies have been really just terrible, cheesy, and totally ruining the best parts

Without reading the books these movies are hard to follow and tediously paced. The action doesn’t really build from start to finish. It’s hard to really care about the characters. Maybe there’s just too much in the books to incorporate well into a film.

I think I keep watching them because I’m trying to figure out what the point of it all is. At least there will only be two more.

I actually didn’t see the DVD version, but I couldn’t find the 3D-IMAX version listed on All-Consuming, so I am posting here.

Half Blood Prince is yet another chapter in the HP saga, and it continues the tradition of darkly filmed sequences and lots of special effects, with the same trio of once-young actors. Romantic interludes punctuate this installment (some of which are quite funny) as the forces of evil gain sway over Hogwarts. Without giving anything away, it has its surprises, and sets up the 7th and last episode very well.

I’m sure the special features on the DVD will be worth watching, but I was disappointed (again) in the use of 3D at the theater. Only the first twenty minutes were filmed for 3D viewing, hardly the height of action. Also, the full IMAX format wasn’t employed.

Nonetheless, this is a good movie to see on the big screen if you have the option. It had me jumping out of my seat with a start on at least two occasions, and laughing out loud on several others. Quite entertaining.