Movie Review- Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince

This film could have been a lot better. Not that production values were low or the special were weak. Neither of those is true. But in terms of plot and adding to the storyline, much more could have been done.

Harry Potter, since his debut in the novels, has created quite a stir both in popular culture and in Christianity. This post will address that second aspect. Though some would disagree, there are many Gospel handles throughout the books and films. This is particularly strong in this film. Harry is asked to trust Dumbledore's judgement and plan, even if it looks like evil is winning or will cost Dumbledore his life. That should strike a very familiar chord with Christians.

Why is this important? There are those who believe that children who are exposed to Harry Potter will take an interest in neo-paganism, witchcraft, or any number of other occult concerns. Oddly, these same people generally say that children should be exposed to "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "Lord of the Rings", which are just as (or the case of LOTR, more violent) and have just as many wizards or just as much use of magic. But, they argue, those writings have Christian imagery and allegory in them. To that I say, Harry Potter does as well. Besides, find me a seminarian who doesn't secretly fantasize or pretend that their seminary is Hogwarts.

I would recommend this film only if you've seen the others. If you haven't it won't make much sense. But the Harry Potter phenomenon is alive and well in our culture, and thus some familiarity with it is advisable.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The theme of trust is huge in this film. Trusting even when things look bad, or when judgement is clouded strikes to the heart of our relationship with God. Beyond this are values such as friendship, the nature of good and evil, divine protection, and purpose are illuminated as well.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy to speak of in the film.