Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince A test screening experience and revie

[Carol]

Tiffany posted the following review:
> 
> Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
> A test screening experience and review by Eric Scull
<snip>
> First, let me explain that what we saw was a pre-release test
screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince <snip>

> We knew they had filmed a bridge collapse scene which in the book
> was mentioned during the first chapter, "The Other Minister." <snip>
Harry and Dumbledore Side-Along Apparate (the special effect, which
appeared to be completed, was perfect in matching the canon
description of the act) to the village where Slughorn is staying
<snip> I was surprised and delighted to see Couch-Slughorn put to film.
> 
> The events of "Spinner's End" take place also in the beginning of
the film. We've received a promo picture of Alan Rickman's Snape and
Helen McCrory's Narcissa doing the Unbreakable Vow, and that's why -
it's in the movie. Alan Rickman looks good. They've tailored his Snape
suit and he's got nicer hair, the full main villain treatment I
suspect. The scene is compellingly acted and doesn't feel out of place
with the many events of the start of the film. <snip>
 
> Also important to mention is that this movie is in NO way, at all,
in any shape or form, a children's movie. I've said that before
regarding the Potters, but this time it couldn't be truer. Everything
about this movie screams serious intensity, like the Katie Bell
necklace scene, <snip> But I think you should think twice before
bringing your kid brother to see it. <snip>

> There are many scenes with Draco. I'm surprised I haven't mentioned
him yet. From early on, Tom Felton has a lot to work with in this
movie and it's very pleasant to see him get to play his character for
a good amount of time. The movie is sympathetic – the story focuses on
his plight as a subplot, and we'll often see him lurking around the
castle in the backgrounds of other scenes. We're being "reminded" that
he's got his mission, without being told everything.
> 
> Michael Gambon, in this movie, has finally satisfied me. He has the
right inflection of the lines which is necessary for Dumbledore, and
altogether seems to be really with it. The climax of the film is very
wonderfully done, and throughout the film you are able to embrace his
Dumbledore quite nicely. <snip>

> The cave scene at the end of the book could have been messed up so
badly in the film, but it's not. It's amazing. It's exactly what I
imagined and conveys amazing emotional impact. The special features
are great. Watching Harry force-feed Dumbledore is just as raw and
scary as it was in the book. Dan Radcliffe's acting all throughout is
top-notch.
> 
> I forgot to mention the Half-Blood Prince subplot. With so many
subplots, it's a wonder how they all fit into the movie so well, but
they do! They weren't cut! <snip>

> Finally, the climax. It, too, is adapted very well. There is such
emotion behind it and, when the score is completed, I'm sure it will
be one of the defining moments of the series. I liked watching it
much, much better than Sirius' death scene. <snip>

Carol responds:

I snipped most of this excellent review (much more professionally
written than the one posted at Leaky) to emphasize the parts that are
important to me. Slughorn tranfigures himself into an armchair! (Well,
couch, per the reviewer, but that will do.) They kept side-along
apparition. The kept the Unbreakable Vow (as we knew from the photo)
and Snape is given "the full main villain treatment"--not sure what
that means, except that he should have a lot of scenes (and,
apparently, he looks great). A lot of viewers who haven't read the
books are going to think he's a "murderin' traitor"! Draco is treated
sympathetically. The HBP plot is not forgotten. The death scene and
cave scene are well done (despite some weird differences mentioned by
the Leaky Cauldron reviewer, such as Harry force-feeding the potion to
DD using a large clam shell). Gambon is finally becoming more like
Dumbledore (the Leaky reviewer disagrees). Still, given the
sophistication of this review, I respect his judgment and hope for the
best.

This review, BTW, can be found at Mugglenet:

http://www.mugglenet.com/movies/movie6/ejsreview.shtml

The Leaky Cauldron report is in two parts (major spoilers), but
unfortunately I can't get the pages to come up right now to provide
the links. The links can be found at HPana: 

http://www.hpana.com/news.20596.html

Spoilers can be found on this page if you scroll down and highlight
the gray spaces with your mouse:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=783561&page=190

The review that precedes them seems to be the same as the first part
of the Leaky review, but I can't access Leaky at the moment to be sure.

Anyway, if we put all the information from all the sources together,
it looks as if the chief liberty they took (other than the attack by
the DEs at the Burrow) is the omission of Kreacher. That may cause
problems for DH, but we shall see.

Carol, counting on lots of scenes with the quasi-villain, Snape!