Harry Potter actors review the Half-Blood Prince

15 July (Cert 12A)

Put back seven months from its original release date, the wait is finally over.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince see the team attempt to work out what Draco Malfoy is up to as well as investigating what secret Professor Slughorn has squirreled away in his mind.

Oh, and there's a BIG, BIG death. If you've read the book you'll know what I mean!

If Order of the Phoenix was a bit the dark - the Half-Blood Prince is a bit, well, light.

Ricky meets Harry Potter stars

Our threesome have grown up together and this time round they're falling in and out of love.

In parts it feels a bit like a romantic comedy and I guess that's no bad thing if that's what you like.

A lot of work has been done to develop the characters so expect more words than action. Expect tears too - there is no happy ending!

The stand-out performance is from Jim Broadbent who plays Professor Slughorn. He's just like how you'd imagine in the books and is clearly having a great time playing the part.

If you've not read the book you're going to find the plot pretty tough to follow at times. If feels a bit thin on BIG action scenes.

There's a lot of story to cram in here so you're really going to need to concentrate.

It's another Harry Potter film so it's obviously going to be a summer smash. Just like the stars, this episode feels a lot more grown-up.

It's probably a bit too thin on the action but as a well-crafted film it works well.

For the first time a Potter film goes beyond the magic and gives us all something to think about.

This reviews page is now closed. Here are some of the reviews you sent in.

"It is great! But I need to say that it's not the best Harry Potter film I've ever seen, although it was still pretty good."

Emma, 10, Rome, Italy

"When we went to see it, we could not believe it when we saw it! It was so good - didn't want it to end!"

Michael & James, 10, Belfast, N. Ireland

"I haven't seen the new film yet but I want to. My friend has, and she said it was good (she's mad on Harry Potter), but I think Rupert is the best myself."

Holly, 11, Norfolk, England

"I went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the cinema with my mum, dad and sisters. I thought it was really good and I loved it."

Dara, 11, Belfast, N. Ireland

"One of the worst Harry Potter films. I was amazed at how much was left out from the book. I know it's hard to fit it all in, but the film was hardly true to the book at all! I love the book though, it's great! Hope the next film is better!"

Max, 12, London, England

"I went to see this for my birthday with my friends. I am a big Harry Potter fan so I absolutely loved it. My favourite character is Ginny."

Katherine, 11, Belfast, N. Ireland

"HBP was amazing. It was worth the wait and the action and drama scenes in it were AMAZING. I can't wait for the next one!"

Hannah, 12, London, England

"It is a five-star movie and you do not get better than the Half-Blood Prince!"

Daniel, 11, Hertfordshire, England

"I've watched the film and I found it very good, definitely a five-star rating and way better than Order Of The Phoenix. I suggest if you've not seen it yet, then go and watch it!

Fiza, 13, Bolton, England

"Great film... but if anything, a bit too long. This film is jumpy and exciting but in sections boring, so overall I would give it a 6/10."

Olivia, 12, Derbyshire, England

"I thought the movie was really great. I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it. The great thing about it is that there are loads of twists to it and I think most people will love it."

Ara, 11, Edinburgh, Scotland

"Harry Potter was the best - so much better than the rest! This movie was SO cool, the best one yet! They all look so much older! Luna looked loony in that dress and Lavender looked a lot different than what I had imagined. I love Harry Potter SO much and started watching the films when I was only two!"

Violet, 9, Surrey, England

"I personally loved the movie, but my sister (who has read the book) did not enjoy it as much. I always like to watch movies first, before I read the book, that way I am never disappointed.

Lowri, 12, Barnsley, England

"I loved the book and I loved the film just as much. I'm really looking forward to see the seventh film."

Connie, 10, Surrey, England

"Harry Potter was so boring! I am never going to see this film again!"

Sarah, 9, Stockport, England

"It is the best film ever! It is really funny and if you hate it, then what is wrong with you?!"

Jarod, 10, Dunbartonshire, Scotland

"I have seen all the Harry Potter films and have read the last book, but this film is my total number one so far!! I love Harry Potter!"

Katie, 11, Stornoway, Scotland

"When I went in to watch it I thought it was going to be good, but then when it started it wasn't good... it was brilliant!"

Hannah, 11, Preston, England

It's brilliant! The best one yet - you have to see it!"

Alex, 10, Derbyshire, England

"I thought the film was awesome! I loved the part where Harry was getting the water for Dumbledore and those creatures came out of the water! I'll definitely see it again! 10/10!

Rosie, 11, Manchester, England

"Absolute rubbish, I can't believe I paid £20 for a cinema ticket to be bored out of my head!"

Jacob, 10, Middlesex, England

"The best Potter film yet! An engaging story and for anyone who hasn't read the book, a climatic ending - and not only that, but an interesting twist on the book."

Alex, 13, Leeds, England

"I am a huge HP fan, I thought it was absolutely fantastic and if I could, I would go and see it again!"

Nadine, 12, Milton Keynes, England

"The new film is wicked. I can't wait to see the next film even though it's a long wait, but I've read the book and I'm so excited!"

Katie, 14, Birmingham, England

"I thought it was a great film, but it was a little bit scary in some bits. I can't wait for the next one."

Laura, 10, Cambridgeshire, England

"I thought the acting was OK, but the storyline was really boring!!"

Fiona, 11, Armagh, N. Ireland

"I must say it was an amazing film. I give it five stars!"

Sophie, 9, London, England

"I loved the film! It was thrilling, scary and a bit romantic at some parts. It was better than the other films!"

Bethany, 9, Ayrshire, Scotland

"Five stars. This movie is so good and it made me want to cry at the end. Daniel is so good at what he does and he makes you feel like you're right there, in the scene. Well done Daniel and the rest of the cast! Can't wait for the next movie!"

Kate, 11, Hampshire, England

"I think the film makers made it a set up to the next film. It was so sad when the big character died, but I was so annoyed when they forgot to put in a very important battle scene and instead made a scene that wasn't in the book at all!"

Jojo, 13, Scottish Borders, Scotland

"I like the books, but this film felt like they were trying to cram in too much, without having enough time. It feels slightly rushed and hyped up too much."

Laura 12, Glasgow, Scotland

"I've seen Harry Potter and I thought it was great, but I wish it had a better ending."

Jody, 10, Conwy, Wales

"I have got all the books and all the films so far. I went to see this for my birthday party this year and I loved it! I can't wait for the Deathly Hallows to come out! Also, I went and saw Hagrid's hut once (but no-one was there... shame!)."

Loren, 12, Sheffield, England

"I went to see it with my Dad and it was awesome!"

Ciaran, 12, Leicester, England

"I don't like it as much as the books and I definitely liked the first film more than the rest. It's still pretty good though."

Georgina, 12, Kent, England

"The Half-Blood Prince is ace and I can't wait for the next Potter film."

Kai, 11, Ayr, Scotland

"This film is much funnier, scarier and better than all the other Harry Potter films!"

Megan, 11, Devon, England

"The film was amazing but I reckon the books are better because the films missed out a lot of the good bits. And what is with the waitress in the cafe bit about?! Isn't that a bit mean to Ginny?!"

Karl, 14, Bristol, England

"I love all the Harry Potters... and this one is the best!"

Ria, 10, Norwich, England

"I just love the Harry Potter books. I just want to give some advice to Miss JK Rowling; write another Harry Potter book called, 'The Secret Of Hogwarts School'."

Maya, 8, Chongquin, China

"One word. GREAT!"

Louis, 9, London, England

"I loved Harry Potter, it was so cool. I can't wait until the next one comes out!"

Angelina, 10, Dorset, England

"Amazing, loved it!"

Victoria, 13, West Midlands, England

"Harry Potter is an amazing film and I LOVE it.... the Harry Potter series is exciting and out-of-this world. I can't wait for the next one to be released! Five stars!"

Jemima, 11, Inverness, Scotland

"I think it's really good if you like romance, but not much action."

Daniel, 11, Lincolnshire, England

"It's absolutely brilliant. It's the best one yet!"

Sarojani, 11, Belfest, N. Ireland

"I loved this movie and I thought it was cool. It was the best movie I have ever seen! I give it a 100 out of 10 and I recommend it to ages 10 and up, but some parts are scary... and he doesn't die! Two more movies to go!"

Pearl, 10, New Zealand

"I thought it was great. It could have had more of the memories in it, but Jim Broadbent, Tom Felton and Evanna Lynch were fantastic. I can't wait to see it again!!!

Laura, 13, Guildford, England

"My sister has seen it, but not me. She says not to watch it with my friend and her sister because it is boring and now I don't know what to do?!"

Nitish, 11, London, England

"I really liked the film but I thought so much was missed out. My mum re-read the book and she said there was so much missing."

Megan, 10, Hampshire, England

"I think it was TERRIFIC! It was the kind of film that kept you on the edge of your seat! Once again, it was BRILLIANT!!!

Lizzie, 10, Northampton, England

"I thought it was great - but the end was rushed..."

Edward, 11, Northamptonshire, England

"I think Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a great film, although it was sad..."

Louis, 8, Dorchester, England

"When people say it's fantastic, I think they're exaggerating... It was much funnier, but it wasn't great."

Ella, 14, Exeter, England

"I thought HP6 was ace! I've been a Harry Potter fan all my life and this is one of the best films they have made! 10/10!"

Kate, 11, Isle Of Man, UK

"I really enjoyed it, even though they missed out bits."

Conor, 11, County Down, N. Ireland

"I saw the film the weekend it came out and it was OK, but it could of had a bit more plot."

Pahul, 10, Solihull, England

"Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince is the best!"

Katie, 8, Flintshire, Wales

"I think Harry Potter was an amazing film and I would love to see it again. It has some bits of love, adrenaline and adventure - absolutely brilliant!"

George, 12, Surrey, England

"Well, I thought it was good, but some of it was well, light, but otherwise, it was great!!"

Nia, 9, Middlesex, England

"This film is amazing. If you like the books you must see it - if you don't, you really don't know what you are missing. All the actors are very convincing especially Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson) Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and Snape (Alan Rickman). The special effects are really amazing. I won't spoil it for you but it is pretty scary."

Emily, 11, Gloucestershire, England

"I thought the film was great. I even jumped at the part where all the creatures come out of the lake. I can't wait till the next film comes out because I'm sure it will be even better."

Clare, 11, Argyll, Scotland

"I went to go and see this movie and I cant stop thinking about it. It was excellent, and I'm definitely going to get the DVD!!"

Joe, 12, Taunton, England

"I think Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the best film ever!"

Katherine, 8, Essex, England

"I thought that it was the best one yet. But I feel sorry for Malfoy!"

Annalise, 8, Weston-Super-Mare, England

"I thought Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was very good and Harry, I'm a big fan!"

Amy, 8, Essex, England

"The movie was really great. The best one yet I think."

Melissa, 13, Angus, Scotland

"HBP was amazing! I loved the whole movie. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and this movie did not disappoint. It was so funny and I was laughing practically the whole movie! Best HP film yet!"

Molly, 12, Essex, England

"I saw Harry Potter on its opening day. The line was absolutely massive! You may not believe it but there's a really unexpected death of a really cool character. I thought that Helena Bonham Carter did a great job and really fit the part of Bellatrix Lestrange. I also thought Emma Watson did a great job playing Hermione Granger. I really enjoyed the movie and thought they did an outstanding job. There were no downsides in this movie for me and I can't wait for the next one to come out!"

Emily, 10, Philadelphia, USA

"I loved it. My last name is Potter!

Alice, 9, Chichester, England

"HBP is amazing! It can't compare to the books but still, I think Newsround should have given it at least four stars!"

Murron, 11, Edinburgh, Scotland

"Awesome, awesome, awesome. Harry Potter is fantastic. I love this film and when it's out on DVD I'll be the first in line for it. It's so good - it's a must see I think."

Lizzie, 13, Newcastle, England

"To be honest it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. There wasn't as much detail on the magic at Hogwarts - which we all love so much. The storyline was a bit confusing as well - the way it just popped to different scenes all the time. You have to read the book to really understand it."

Danielle, 12, Chester, England

"Excellent. Scary in places but the end was the greatest and very shocking."

Charlotte, 12, London, England

"I'm one of the biggest Harry Potter books and films fans and I think the films get better and better all the time."

Melissa, 12, Glasgow, Scotland

"HP6 was amazing! I loved it! It was really funny but it still included a lot of dark and scary stuff which was good. The acting was great and the whole thing was really magical! The end was really sad but everything was brilliant! It was way better than everyone was saying and I could watch it again and again!"

Pavi, 12, London, England

"Absolutely brilliant. I loved it so much and I want to watch it more!"

Tayla, 9, Kent, England

"I think that they left out lots of important bits like the battle at the end and I think some of the acting was a little bit fake, but overall it was good. PS I have read all the books so I know the story inside out!"

Philomena, 9, London, England

"I think that the Harry Potter film is the worst film I have ever seen. I have read all the books and the film is really boring (I nearly fell asleep watching it). The jokes aren't funny and it is way too long. I would rate it two out of 10, only because the special effects are good. Also, the film doesn't really follow the book, except the ending."

Hinna, 12, Woking, England

"The film was quite good but the action was a bit slow to kick in. Also, I think that the very exciting (and sad) part at the end was not really obvious with what had just happened and it wasn't built up to, like it was in the book. Despite that I think it was a good film overall. Keep it up for the last two films, HP!"

Lucy, 10, Tunbridge Wells, England

"It's such a cool movie. You have to see it and there are so many adventures and cool magical fights."

Luke, 11, London, England

"Best Potter film yet! This one was more like a romantic comedy I think. Laughed a lot! Can't wait until the next film!"

Marina, 12, Leeds, England

"HBP is a great film. Obviously it won't live up to the books, because they're two different mediums, and you can't fit all the details into the film. Having said that, I think it was a fantastic adaptation. Jim Broadbent was near-perfect as Slughorn, and Alan Rickman portrayed Severus brilliantly (as he always does). I think Tom Felton really came into his own this time. Great acting from him, and from Evanna Lynch too. The opening scene with the photographers was really well done too, and unexpected as it's not in the book. Overall, an amazing film. PoA is still my favourite, but HBP is in close second now."

Alice, 15, Solihull, England

"Wow! I really enjoyed this Harry Potter! It was slightly slow and there was a lot less action, but it was interesting and funny. The most exciting bit was at the end."

H, 12, UK

"I think this movie was one of the best and the reason I loved it is I didn't expect all the scenes to be in it. At times it felt a bit dragged out but everything near the end was done perfectly."

Jenny, 13, Manchester, England

"I loved this movie! I was laughing quite a lot. It was the best yet by far! Bonnie Wright was really good and so was Emma Watson! Jessie Cave and Rupert Grint were funny!!"

Mia, 14, Glasgow, Scotland

"It's a good film but its not as good as number five."

Monki, 11, Scotland

"Saw it yesterday, it was great. One problem I know is that in the book Voldemort isn't in it but I think he should have been. It is worth a watch but I will definitely be getting it on Blu-Ray!!!"

George, 13, Middlesex, England

"It is extremely funny and adventurous. 10/10."

Alex, 11, Coventry, England

"When it was released I have to say I loved it!!! Jim Broadbent was simply amazing as Professor Slughorn! And the whole romance thing was amazing as well! Best film so far after Prisoner of Azkaban for me!"

Sahina, 14, Manchester, England

"Harry Potter was a great film , a bit thin on action but the scenes were great and so was the CGI. Certainly a movie worth watching. I rate this movie a 4 star for a great storyline even if it had a little romance. Spectacular."

Aaron, 12, Slough, England

"Woohoo I've seen it! It's great! See it, see it, see it!"

Alice, 10, Wales

"Newsround should have given it a four star. It was much better than I expected. Even though I'm a Harry Potter fan, I admit that it wasn't as good as the other HP films - but I still enjoyed."

Suzanne, 14, Hertfordshire, England

"Harry Potter was amazing. I loved every second of it. It's the best film ever!"

Zoe, 12, Manchester, England

"Dead good but not the the best one I have seen."

Baybutt, 12, Wigan, England

"It is fab! Really funny and is really well adapted from the book. It is an excellent movie and I highly recommend it."

Amy, 13, Bournemouth, England

"Good film, wicked and sad ending, could have had much more action!"

Saim, 10, London, England

"This was really good! It was a lot better than the last two Harry Potter films, a lot darker, really tense and exciting, but the comedy side was slightly hit and miss. Still, one of the better films this year!"

Graham, 14, Devon, England