I like books. There are many different elements and story arc running through the book that I could not help but wonder how the director [David Yates] will do it. Well, this movie certainly much quieter than its predecessor, both in effect, the violence, the use of magic, even the color palette is muted for most of the movie, convey a sense of threat and the possibility of punishment in a confrontation between good and evil.

As an enthusiastic fan of books, and movies, I find this installment a tad underwhelming. First, I was upset that the scriptwriters feel they must include scenes that do not need that are not even in the book [servants and Harry make a date at the beginning, the burning down of the Burrow, etc.]. Instead they left out the actual bits in the books. Even the important story arcs, such as the use of the Pensieve is not given enough screen time, and seems almost rushed.

One of the enduring appeal lies in the film franchise's curiosity, and capable of transporting the audience into a magical world where evil forces under the supervision of the dark Lord Voldemort tried to defeat the forces of good as described by Harry Potter, the Chosen One and also Order Phoenix. In this latest installment of the film, I feel that the magic ingredient was missing. Much of what is described is presented as it is, and if it is supervised by someone new to the world of Harry Potter, people will be confused and lost. At least in the other installments, especially in the first four, a lot of background information provided [that even my husband, who has not read the books in this series can follow the story]. For example, there is no indication at all why Bellatrix Lestrange has a venomous hatred like Harry, or why Harry tends to catch up [and I did not say why here either, for HP virgins].

I think part of the problem is that HP & the Half-Blood Prince gives a catalyst for events to transpire in the last book, Deathly Hallows, and the film version will be played in two parts. So, to understand, a lot of ground work put in here, so that in a dialogue heavy film, and less than spectacular special effects [Quidditch scenes underwhelming really in my opinion]. The main characters, like Harry [Daniel Radcliffe], Hermione [Emma Watson], and Ron [Rupert Grint] is also facing some serious hormonal problems and relationship problems, then a rather weak tone. Gone are the days of easy jokes and friendship ... dynamics between the three has shifted to one of awkward discomfort, when Ron and Hermione try to reconcile with changes in their friendship, and Harry dealing with a strong attraction to Ginny Weasley. In this case, I felt the actors did a great job - all three have been away from their first year at Hogwarts, and has truly embraced these roles, they illustrate the depth and insights.

Draco Malfoy's role as portrayed by Tom Felton, eventually will be more visible. Draco no longer just staring at all times, but related to the real problems that can be paid with the soul, and Felton did a credible job of describing her inner conflict. Michael Gambon as Dumbledore is very good, relying more on Harry in this story, when he was trying desperately to uncover Potions Professor Slughorn's [Jim Broadbent] one of the important memory of Tom Riddle [Dark Lord] who can assist in fighting the Prince of Darkness .

Others such as Severus Snape [Alan Rickman], Minerva McGonagall [Maggie Smith], & Hagrid [Robbie Coltrane] has less visibility this time. This is really focused on only a few central characters, even if Snape did not play an important role here [just saying that he did not get as much screen time I would like]. In connection with Snape, I must say that I am a huge fan of Alan Rickman's acting - he brought great depth description of the teacher at Hogwarts, bringing reactions varying from disgust to anger and even sympathies over the course of six installments. He was impressed even in small scenes. I was hoping for more of Snape in two installments as an important role for the series! The firm but kindly Professor McGonagall, I have read several reports of Dame Maggie Smith's ill health and pray that he is well enough to finish the two films, because I can not imagine another actress in her role.

All in all, it was still a fun story, and the reason I only gave three stars is because they do not live as faithfully as the book I expected, and does not have a sense of wonder & magic I've come to associate with the series. This has become the darkest installment in the series so far - so I can understand the sad tone that underlies the film, but, I still feel the director could use a better color and more relaxed some aspects of the movie where necessary. Btw, I found the score completely underwhelming, and I really miss the beautiful values in previous films [except Section 5]. Here's hoping the Deathly Hallows Part I and II will fare better [also directed by David Yates].