 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Review Date: July 14, 2009
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Terrific but intense mix of love, friendship, fear, sorrow.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is no PG movie -- in all ways, it's very similar to the previous two movies, which were rated PG-13. This film continues the series' trend toward darker, more intense material. For young children, the death of a major beloved character could be extremely upsetting. Other characters are bloodied, kicked, and cursed in frightening ways, and a very scary scene involving scary, skeletal characters is sure to scare the pants off of little kids. There are also some big emotional upheavals and scary attacks. And there's notably more sexuality -- albeit playfully depicted -- than in the past movies. Because the characters are now teens, much of the interaction between them and their friends centers on getting a boy or girlfriend, and there's plenty of snogging (making out). While Harry and his friends continue as strong positive role models, other characters' motives and plans become more ambiguous. And there are also a few scenes that include alcohol consumption -- including one in which a professor serves his students.
What's the story?
In the face of Lord Voldemort's growing power, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) asks Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) to help convince retired potions professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) to return to his old teaching post. Once back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore tasks Harry with befriending Slughorn -- who plays favorites -- in order to recover a crucial memory of former student Tom Riddle (who grew up to become You Know Who). Meanwhile, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) deal with their growing attraction to each other, and the Death Eaters enlist Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) to assist Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) in carrying out the Dark Lord's evil bidding.
Is it any good?
Director David Yates, who took over the franchise with Order of the Phoenix, has created a mature, relationship-focused installment that masterfully sets the stage for the high-stakes final installments (Deathly Hallows was so epic that it will be split into two movies). Hardcore Potterphiles should know by now that not all of their favorite characters or scenes will make it into the film adaptations, and even movie-only fans will have to deal with no scenes set in Defense Against the Dark Arts class (Snape is finally the teacher), hardly any Neville or Weasley twins, and a bit too much foreshadowing.
What Yates does offer is an incredibly human look at how adolescent wizards deal with their burgeoning hormones: "Won Won" lands his first girlfriend, Hermione acknowledges the extent of her undeclared feelings for Ron, and Harry realizes that his best friend's kid sister, Ginny (Bonnie Wright, who really comes into her own this time), just might be his match. It's adorable -- and spot-on -- that even during the darkest times, teenagers still want to snog. Meanwhile, Broadbent is great as snobby, tipsy Slughorn, who still harbors kind thoughts for his once-favorite pupil. It's that empathy for the promising young wizard that Tom Riddle once was that makes it possible to connect the dots between Harry, Tom, and even the enigmatic Snape. As emotional as the film's climactic scene is, there's a small sense of relief in knowing that Harry still isn't alone. He has loyal, unconditional friends ready to risk their lives so that light can prevail over darkness.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the best age for kids (and eager parents) to start getting into the Harry Potter series. Is it OK to read all the books (and see all the movies) at the same age?
What do you think of the way the movie depicts the teens' romantic relationships? Are they believable? Is the story too hormone-filled for younger viewers?
What do we learn about Voldemort's past in this movie? Does that change the way you feel about him?
If you've read the book, what parts of the novel were left out? Which were faithfully adapted? How does this movie compare to the earlier ones as an adaptation?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Adult
July 15, 2009
AGE
Clearly Should Be Rated PG-13.
I do not know why the MPAA found it fit to rate this movie PG, when it is parallel to Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. Parents, do not be fooled, this movie is very deserving of a PG-13 rating, but somehow did not end up with it.
The opening scene, along with the ending ones (where somebody is killed) maybe be too intense for kids -- specifically the opening one, which involves the collapse of a bridge. This movie also focuses on who is dating who and relationships, where the others don't touch on it so much. There is some kissing and a double line about "doing" something with someone in one scene. Characters are also drunk around teenagers and teens appear to be drinking (wine, but that is still not acceptable).
This is a much better movie than the others, stayed more faithful to the book (except for one scene...) and was still a good watch. Just be careful with the rating.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 8 and 13 year old
July 23, 2009
AGE
PG-13 not PG
Not too sure about the amount of drinking going on. Whether the drinks were alcoholic or not, the word "beer" occurs and thats enought to get the message across. I get that teenagers are practicing at being more adult through kissing... then the rating should be PG-13, so my eight year old doesn't need to watch young people doing what adults do. I would think strongly about taking children under 12... their minds should be somewhere else.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
April 19, 2010
AGE
Sixth Harry Potter installment excells in effects, falls flat on storyline
Whether you love them or hate them, the Harry Potter books and movies have become a part of today's culture. The latest installment to the Potter series, The Half-Blood Prince, excells in visual effects, script, and even offers a few laughs. But it falls face-flat on storyline and plotting. There are quite a bit of plot holes, random sub-plots, and problems with pacing. So this will probably disappoint newbies. Diehards will love it though, and I highly recommend it to them only. Content issues are noticable. Scary scenes, drug use, making out (snogging) and blood make up this installment. My little sister, who is 10, was scared at a scene with zombies, so this is best reserved for older preteens and up, depending on your family. One more grumble: Witchcraft never exactly shows up in the Half-Blood Prince, but the fact that there are "good witches" in the Potter films make me a bit uneasy. If you are an adult with children, make sure to talk to your kids about what witches are really like.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
April 26, 2010
AGE
Okay movie, extremely overrated
It was a decent movie, all in all. It followed the book (more or less) and has reasonable acting. The scene where Dumbledore and Potter are traversing the lake with the ghouls could be scary for younger children. Also, usually in movies like this, the bad guys eventually become better. Not in this. The antagonists in this movie are cruel, unchangeable, and definitely not poster children for kindness. If your kids want to see an exciting movie with great effects, but you don't want to expose them to something like "Clash of the Titans", this is a good choice.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 2 and 4 year old
July 15, 2009
AGE
Should be PG-13
Good movie but definitely deserved a PG-13 rating. Numerous violent and scary parts.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
June 27, 2009
AGE
NO
so bad
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
July 14, 2009
AGE
Not a review but an Warning for parents out there with kids ages 6-11 This movie is not for that audience
i belive that this film has gone darker than the previous, Ever since the 4th film its been going dark and dark and this film should not deserve a PG Rating. You need to know your kids, When i steped into a theatre once in a PG13 Movie i saw too many kids, Parents you are falling for the wrong things and not taking reviews seriously, this movie is not a ovie you would want to take your 10 year olds to, This is a dark PG, on the border of PG/Pg13, in britan it is 12a (Same thing as PG13 Here) Our MPAA did not do this rate this right. Later kids will get night mares and it is too scary, the inferi,Dumbledores death, Tom riddles horid past, Destruction of the borrow and ECT before you watch it i suggest you know your kids and know the movie. This is sad.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 10 and 16 year old
July 21, 2009
AGE
Another great installment in the epic drama of Harry Potter
Perfect for kids 10 and up. I think there wasn't really anything scary until the skeletons in the lake near the end of the movie. If you read the book, it was expected and not that shocking. I can't wait for the next two movies.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 15 years old
August 15, 2010
AGE
Best Movie in the Series So Far
I think this is the best Harry Potter movie yet. I am dedicated to the books and I was extremely disappointed with "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This movie lived up to my expectations and then some. I love the scene when Harry, Ron, and Hermione enter Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. It's truly magical. This movie is a must see. There is some violence, but nothing to be concerned about. It stays true to the book plot and only adds to your suspense if you haven't read the novels. SEE THIS MOVIE :)
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 10 and 13 year old
July 17, 2009
AGE
PG rating is spot on.
I am still digesting the movie after having seen it only hours ago, but I thinki the PG rating is spot on. I don't feel the "snogging" was anything to worry about as you the camera doesn't really stay on the scene long. The one close up kiss was short and sweet. As for the violence, most is suggestive and also brief or the camera cuts away quickly.
I think though for content I would recommend reading the book which is the best possible way experience the magical world. There is just so much that can't be condensed into 2 1/2 hours.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, book characters, friendship, great boy role models, great girl role models, monsters, ghosts, and vampires |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | David Yates |
| Cast: | Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Rupert Grint |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 153 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 15, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | December 8, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
