J.K Rowling’s kid-hero returns for a darker tale in Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince, the sixth film in the Potter saga.

Although Harry Potter is the kind of sci-fi pulp more suited to those with learning difficulties, The Half Blood Prince looks like a hell of a ride. Director David Yates brings you back to Hogwarts where a new professor, Horace Slughorn, begins teaching innocent children how to concoct napalm and ‘obsession’ potions which will do their adolescent relationships plenty of favours.

Meanwhile Harry receives words of wisdom from Professor Dumbledore, has a fixation for his friend’s sister, captains the Quidditch team and attempts to foil Voldemort and the plotting Draco Malfoy.

Meanwhile, the real world is in serious trouble but Harry is happy to prance about in magic land and dally with intoxicating ‘potions’. The city of London is beset by dark and destructive forces and only a geeky magician can save it. Love or hate the kiddie franchise, this film begs a sitting from fan and cynic alike.

[story by Alex de Moller]