Harry Potter And The Half-blood Prince

The legend of the Boy Who Lived continues to evolve. Anyone who was first enchanted by the series' newbie-wizards charms and has been following the films shouldn't be surprised by Half-Blood's keenest characteristics: It boasts mysteries, but little wonder. The kids -- predominantly Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) -- are no longer cute, but, like, *cute.* And the humorousness of magic-gone-wrong has been replaced by the broadness of hormones-gone-crazy. Of course, there are also darker matters, involving Harry nemesis Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), and their possible ties with the evil Lord Voldemort. There's more depth to J.K. Rowling's sixth Potter novel than is shown in the 153-minute film, but even in its simplified presentation, nonreaders may not grasp much beyond Dumbledore and Harry vs. Draco and Evil, with a couple of Quidditch scenes in between. Remarkably, this doesn't hinder the movie's pace; between the love stories and Harry's vague need to triumph, there's plenty to keep the audience interested. (TO)

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