(US/UK, 2009, d. David Yates)With the sixth installment of the series, all potential audiences know what they want out of the film version of J.K. Rowlings' novels. The millions of fans want to see on screen what they have read and imagined (and that is always a risk with an adaptation which devotees often don't realise has to be different in many ways from their beloved book – it is a version and an interpretation). Those who have enjoyed the films will naturally want to catch up with the latest. Anyone who has not read the books and decides to chance buying a ticket will probably be quite bewildered by what is going and, indeed, who is who – and why!
The other group comprises the adult group who have had to see it out of duty, with their children or for professional reasons. Many have declared that during this 153 minute film, they were bored, with not enough to excite them or keep the interest. Which means that the makers seem to have set their eyes and their screenplay on the target audience of fans, especially the teen fans and the young adults who grew up with the books and films. There is a great deal of attention to the feelings and budding romances of Harry, Ron and Hermione, even a kiss or two.
It is probably important to note that this episode is very much an interim film. It presupposes all that has gone before and it ends with the characters on the verge of a confrontation between Harry and Voldemort – Voldemort does not appear in this film. With the attempt on Dumbledore's life, revelations about Professor Snape, flashbacks to the schooldays' memories of Tom Riddle (who became Voldemort) and Dumbledore's preparing Harry to confront his nemesis, the main action will take place in the two-part film version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, due for release in 2101 and 2011.
There is a new character in this film, Professor Horace Slughorn, a past professor at Hogwarts whom Dumbledore lures back to the school because he has special knowledge of the young Tom Riddle. He is played with great verve by Jim Broadbent and makes a lively impression. So does Michael Gambon's Dumbledore with his own magic and two dramatic climaxes as he seeks out Voldemort's soul and faces his attackers.
The other members of staff, Hagrid, Professor McGonagle, Professor Snape, Professor Flitwick and the caretaker (now security guard), Argus Filch, all have their moments on screen. So does Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy who is set up to be a villain after his father's heart and who has received a commission from Voldemort. His deranged aunt, Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter at her most deranged) is there to create mischief and death.
So, what about Harry,Ron and Hermione? This time they are like the three musketeers though Harry still acts fairly independently of them. It is the friendship which counts. The three actors have grown with the films. Daniel Radcliffe this time is stronger and more assertive. Rupert Grint's Ron is still Ron, though he is in the throes of first love (though he is still very good at Quidditch in two all-too-brief effective games). Emma Watson's Hermione is rather nicer and sweeter than previously.
On the extra plus side are some excellent special effects, especially the opening as black clouds of the Death Eaters swoop destructively over London. There is some excitement as Dumbledore and Harry search for part of Voldemort's soul in a crystal cave.
Entertaining for its target audience – with the proviso that it is an interim film and is setting us up for the finale.
