The sixth film in the Potter series, much like the novel which provides its basis, gives us a sense that we are at the beginning of the end. Foundations are laid in this movie for things that will not be fully realized or resolved until this Friday in DH2. It is for that reason that some people may have found the Half-Blood Prince film boring or confusing (maybe both), but from the stance of someone who still has that book in a tie for her favorite of the series, it actually comes off pretty well.
Muggles and Magic
Now, this scene is actually a bit of a rewrite from what we get in the opening chapter of the book (which features a conversation between the Muggle and wizarding Prime Ministers), but I think in terms of translating from book to screen, showing the bridge collapse (which is mentioned in the book's version, just not shown), is actually a better choice. We get the message loud and clear: this wizarding war is getting out of hand, to the point where it's affecting the Muggles who aren't even supposed to know that magic exists. Plus, seeing the menacing steel of the Millenium Bridge (which I've walked on!) collapse into the Thames is just plain eerie.
Snape Weaves a Web
Snape has always been a complicated character, and one never very far from suspicion. Half-Blood Prince plays with this even more, from the first scene in which he appears (a very well-executed retelling of the novel's second chapter, made all the better by the brilliant acting of Helen McRory, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman), to the film's climax when he (SPOILER) fires the curse which kills Dumbledore. By the film's end, as in the book, we are more bewildered than ever as to where Snape's loyalty lies, and this is almost enough on its own to draw people in for the seventh film.
Meet Tom Riddle
An entire subplot of the sixth book is the history lesson/character study of the boy who would become Lord Voldemort, and has Harry struggling to understand what his weaknesses might be. Because a lot of what we learn about Tom Riddle comes through various discussions as well as peering into Harry's own mind, it is understandably difficult to translate to the screen. That said, the flashbacks we do get to see in the film are well-executed and definitely try (can't say for sure that they succeed) to effectively convey this part of the story. I especially like the memory of Dumbledore visiting a very young Tom at the orphanage where he lives.
Draco's Up to No Good
This part of the film is really well done, although that may be me still gushing over Tom Felton's impressive performance. He does a phenomenal job showing Draco's insecurity and uncertainty as he embarks on a secret assignment from Voldemort, which culminates in his attempt and failure to kill Dumbledore. Great acting and a very nuanced look at this character as he takes on new dimensions.
A Fitting Tribute
Now, the actual moment of Dumbledore falling from the tower onto the grounds felt a bit forced to me, as did some of the lead-up to his death. What did really get me, however, was the response of his students out on the Hogwarts grounds. There is a really fantastic moment where the music swells and, one by one, the students light their wands and raise them to the sky in silent solidarity with their fallen headmaster. Since they omitted the very poignant funeral scene that the book provides, this is our chance to let Dumbledore's death sink in, and I think if I can't have the closure I'd really like, this is a decent consolation prize.
Only one more film to go before the big finale! Excitement is building in every corner, and I'm going to have to start avoiding the internet soon to minimize the risk of spoilers.
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