I believe I'm beginning to detect a hint of a formula with the Harry Potter franchise. Don't get me wrong, they're still strong films. But with Half-Blood Prince, I found myself a little more restless than in previous entries. Much like the last few films, the movie tries to balance its focus on our young heroes getting older, noticing their personal feelings a little bit more, and their relationships getting stronger. While this is happening, we keep on getting ominous signs that "something is happening" behind the scenes. Dark clouds loom, and even darker figures lurk in the shadows. Even the cheery halls of Hogwarts don't seem quite so cheery anymore. I remember the first time I saw the grand dining hall in the original film, and thought it was so whimsical and inviting. Now, not so much, and I don't think it's because the wonder is wearing off on me.

As just about everyone knows, the story is starting to wind up for the ultimate showdown by this point. Half-Blood Prince exists almost solely to set up the last installment, which will be divided up into two separate films to be released in 2010 and 2011. Fans of the books obviously already know how it turns out. But those like me who mainly know the Potter saga from the films will no doubt be intrigued by the possibilities this movie promises at. And yet, that's what this movie seems to be most of the time. Promises, and lots of 'em. They are intriguing promises, no doubt. We are learning a little bit more about Harry's true destiny, about what really happened in the past, about how a seemingly innocent young wizard named Tom Riddle (Frank Dillane) became Voldemort, the most feared wizard in existence, who seems to be on the verge of staging a major comeback tour, that will probably spell the end of wizard and Muggle kind. The past few films have been leading up to this, and the latest one certainly lives up to our expectations, and creates more than a few new ones. It may have held my interest, but I couldn't help but get the feeling that it was all one big tease for the grand finale, which of course it is. Give the viewer just enough to want to come back for more.

As Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) enters his sixth year at Hogwarts, he is immediately approached by the wise old headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) to earn the trust of a professor by the name of Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent). Horace was previously a recluse, but has been convinced by Dumbledore to return to the school and be the professor for the potions class. Dumbledore's reason is that Horace apparently knows some information that would be useful for the impending return of Voldemort, as he apparently held an important private meeting with the young Tom Riddle at a crucial time in his path to becoming the "Dark One". Horace is not willing to share the information he knows, but if Harry can earn his trust, they just might be able to fight back with their knowledge. There's more at stake, obviously. The Death Eaters, loyal follows of Voldemort, are increasing their attacks (they destroy the Millennium Bridge in an impressive opening scene), and Potter's long-time bully and nemesis, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is acting a lot stranger and more aggressive than usual.

It all builds, quite successfully, to a climax in an underground cave where dark secrets are hidden and revealed. It's all very strong and engaging stuff, and it's equally engaging to see the characters whom we have known from the first film have changed, and how the upcoming events will effect them. What's not so strong and engaging is the film's secondary storyline, which unfortunately seems to hijack a large majority of the story's middle section. This involves a complex love triangle/feud that revolves around Harry, his two best friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), and the young women and men who walk in and out of their lives. The screenplay by Steve Kloves (who has written most of the Potter adaptations) seems to be spinning its wheels during these segments. Yes, it's nice to see the familiar faces, and also nice to see a full game of Quidditch again, which hasn't made a real appearance in the film franchise for a while now. But, many of the returning characters don't seem to play a very important role in this entry. Dumbledore aids Harry in his investigations into Voldemort's past, but the rest of the returning Hogwarts staff seem to be reduced to mere cameos, while Ron and Hermione's love-related subplots just don't have that much punch.

I still found myself admiring the film, though I was not quite as involved as in the past. A lot of this has to do with the formula I mentioned earlier. It's getting easier to predict the movies, even not having read most of the original books. We get more ominous foreshadowing, Harry learns a little bit more about his destiny, Ron and Hermione show up for comic relief and romantic tension, but have little actual bearing on anything that's really going on, and we get a few tantalizing tidbits near the end to make us anticipate what's coming. It's the same stuff that's been happening for a while now, and while it still works, it's staring to look the same to me. I have a feeling that the next two films might break with tradition. At least that's my hope. The movie still looks as wonderful as ever, perhaps even more so with its dark tones. The performances are still at the top of their games, and the characters are as likable as they were since Sorcerer's Stone.
Maybe that's the problem. As much as things are beginning to change, they are also remaining the same. Please don't read this as a negative review. Fans are sure to like it, and those who have found something to like in the past films will find something to like here, as well. If this review seems a little less enthusiastic than in the past, maybe it's just because I'm waiting for something to come along that really shakes things up. I know it's coming, and while I'm enjoying the set up, Half-Blood Prince seems to drag its feet just a little. This is just as strong a film as the earlier installments, I think I'm just ready for the big showdown already.

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