I have to admit it felt good to see Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. Revisiting the Potterverse felt like visiting with good friends after a long absence. Best of all, it’s been so long since I read the book that I really dunno what was missing or what was changed.

Based on the sixth book of the extremely popular book series, Half Blood Prince is a major turning point in the life of our favorite Hogwarts students. I think the book was darker than the movie, since the movie was only PG as opposed to PG-13. But that’s OK. I do hope the next movie (which will actually be split into two movies) The Deathly Hallows, is indeed a dark rated PG-13.

All of the principal actors are back for this movie, and it’s kinda cool to see “how the kids have grown!”. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are still lovable, albeit…slightly awkward actors. Getting a bigger role this time is Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley. She’s been there from the start, too, and fits in perfectly.

I congratulate director David Yates and screenwriter Steven Kloves for doing there best in bringing JK Rowling’s magical world to the screen (again). I know purists are saying this and this and that about the movie, but I’ve avoided the reviews and forums so I’m not sure their exact complaints. In my world, ignorance is bliss.

I think it’s safe to say that if you’ve seen and enjoyed the previous films, you’ll enjoy this one just as much. I have a couple of complaints, but they’re minor and not worth listing. I will happily await the next and final installments. And when they’re all said and done, they will be missed.