Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

"The magic has dimmed in Harry Potter’s latest adventure. Gone are many fantastical elements (dragons, house elves, shifting staircases) of previous instalments. The resulting film is more mature, more thoughtful, more brooding, but also more dull."

"Dazzlingly well made and perhaps deliberately less fanciful than the previous entries, this one is played in a mode closer to palpable life-or-death drama than any of the others and is quite effective as such."

"One of the Potter franchise’s breeziest entries yet offers flashes of darkness but lashings of teen tension. Less a movie than a set-up for next year’s epic conclusion. Bring on V-day."

"Although a touch ungainly, his film is solidly constructed, with lots of fine effects. If, as Potter approaches his final confrontation with Voldemort, the wizardly battles begin to resemble Lord of the Rings, it's hardly a handicap; this is tried and tested cinematic language, and does all it needs."

"I admired this Harry Potter. It opens and closes well, and has wondrous art design and cinematography as always, only more so."

"Admirable acting to be seen on the part of all, however the ending may not impress."

"A good solid effort from director David Yates, the perfect lead-in to a grand finale."

"The modern day JK Rowling legend is in good hands, with plenty more money to be made, and fans to please."

"This one-of-a-kind film cycle has become as comfortable and reliable as an old shoe, providing a degree of dependability that's becoming increasingly rare."

"A jerky start of exposition and backstory gives way to vigorous storytelling in the latest chapter of Harry Potter."

"We’re marking time before the final battle between Good and Evil, with the promised darkness sitting somewhat clumsily with teen romance and humour."