Opened: July 15, 2009

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Afshan Azad, Helena Bonham Carter, David Bradley, Jim Broadbent, Scarlett Byrne, Jessie Cave, Shefali Chowdhury, Robbie Coltrane, Louis Cordice, Warwick Davis, Frank Dillane, Alfie Enoch, Tom Felton, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Michael Gambon, Josh Herdman, Ralph Ineson, Gemma Jones, Dave Legeno, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Helen McCrory, William Melling, Devon Murray, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Geraldine Somerville, Timothy Spall, Natalia Tena, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, Jamie Waylett, Mark Williams & Bonnie Wright

The sixth installment of the Harry Potter franchise is a dark turn that sets up the final story, but also is an entertaining teen romantic comedy.

Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) urges Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) to get close to new Potions Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) in order to gain a key memory about Tom Riddle (Frank Dillane). Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ginny (Bonnie Wright) navigate their love lives.

With the main trio getting older and the main events building, it’s the perfect time to develop their characters as humans beings. Radcliffe, Grint and Watson all have emotionally erratic performances that make their characters feel like real teenagers.

David Yates continues to establish his directorial style and creates a visually stunning film.

Final say: Tension is built leading to the final films. ★★★★★