But is it worth the bother?
Yet this is noThe Dark Knight, where six major sequences were filmed for the IMAX screen.
Here, once the opening is done and dusted, youre strictly back to normal.
That, for those looking for the IMAX-specific and 3D sequences, was your lot.
From that point on, it looks like the same film you could see down your local fleapit.
Not that the IMAX screen didnt help it.
Reason one was Imelda Staunton, reason two was director David Yates.
Hes in excellent form here.
Sadly, Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy isnt, though.
Feltons not a bad actor, he just doesnt seem to fit the world of Harry Potter anymore.
The rest of the regulars all know this stuff like the back of their hand by now.
Dame Maggie Smith is my usual favourite amongst the supportingPottercharacters, and shes terrific again here.
As too is Helena Bonham Carter, returning for the second time as Bellatrix Lestrange.
Jim Broadbent is the new face, as Professor Slughorn, and hes up to his usual high standards.
But its Yates again who deserves the credit.
He also managed to wring one hell of a jump out of the crowd I saw the film with.
Did the IMAX screen help it?
AndHalf-Blood Princeleaves things, as youd hope, nicely poised for Harrys final adventure.
Even if it is being released across two further films.
Sort the 3D thing out next time, though, eh?
Rating:
4 out of 5
