First of all, let me dispel the ridiculous media hype about the sexy vampires of the Twilight series taking the bite out of Harry Potter. They are two distinctly different franchises taken from two wildly distinct book series, and there’s plenty of room in the hearts and minds of young teens and tweens for both. Most theaters goers attend more than one film per year, and have a whole host of favorites stars, films and books. But what can’t be denied about the comparison between the two franchises is that both the books and the films in the Harry Potter series are far better written and produced. While Twilight is highly entertaining, engaging and captivating, it’s like comparing a Mini-Cooper to a Mercedes. Both have their places and their fans, both are extremely popular, one is more substantial than the other, one is more cost-effective.

If Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were a Mercedes, it would be big, black, brooding and powerful Maybach. It’s distinct yet comfortable, expensive, luxurious, and you know when you slip into it that you’ll be getting the best ride on the road, the best bang for your buck.

That being said, the film is not perfect. In most of the previous Harry Potter films, even if you haven’t read the books you won’t feel left behind. This one, however, will confuse and puzzle you, maybe even confound you, and leave you considering finally a Harry Potter tome or two. And this one is even darker than its predecessor, with none of the whimsical magic or humor to illuminate the dark shadows, at least momentarily. Young love and romantic foibles are meant to lighten things up, but even Harry’s budding romance with Ginny Weasley, Ron’s sister, has very serious portent. It seems he’ll need more than a girlfriend, but a powerfully magical ally in his upcoming ventures.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, you see, is what I like to call a bridge film in a series. It gets you from the last film to the next, with the characters’ true colors and potential beginning to show, but without strong resolution, only promise. Yes, a major character meets his demise, and the future of Hogwarts, at least for our heroes, is in question, but it’s all just a set up for Harry’s eventual confrontation with the evil Lord Voldemort, which we know won’t happen until two films from now. But it is indeed an intriguing and highly entertaining pit stop. Stellar performances from the best in the business, including Michael Gambon as Dumbledore, Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn and Alan Rickman as Snape, are always a treat to watch. And “the kids,” Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, are maturing nicely and coming into their own. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a dark, smooth, elegant ride on the long super franchise highway.

--Rated PG

--Lisa Johnson Mandell