What started off as a mere fantasy novel for children has since evolved in to a global brand worth an estimated £7 billion. With 6 record-breaking best-selling books and 5 stellar-cast blockbuster movies to date, the "Harry Potter" franchise has taken the world by storm, endearing itself unlimitedly to any whose imagination has no bounds.

The latest addition to the empire, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", is undoubtedly the most ominous of the series with Voldemort’s return to power and the rise of the formerly waning Death Eaters taking its toll not only on the sparkling Wizarding World but also seeping inherently in to the Muggle domains. Harry is to begin his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, but not before putting his usually unwanted fame to good use by helping Professor Dumbledore recruit the new Potions Master, Horace Slughorn. His connection to the young Tom Riddle comes in the form of a vital personal memory that must be obtained in order to decipher Voldemort's grand plan and somehow stop the mayhem before it has time to seed.

Meanwhile other mysteries need to be unravelled. Draco Malfoy continues his role as arch nemesis with his strange behaviour and unusual interest in a bare cabinet, raising the question of how far he has been inducted in to the Death Eaters circle and for what heinous purpose. The appearance of a potions text-book with the necessary annotations on how to concoct perfect brews and master unheard of spells makes the identity of its previous owner, the Half-Blood Prince, an absolute must know. Toss in some unrequited love with all the glorious confusion of growing up and becoming aware of the opposite sex and you have a movie that not only has your synaptic nerves ever snapping but also your heartstrings constantly on pull.

The combination of playing to both the heart and the mind makes "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" a compelling and charismatic experience, for what would generally have been considered as a mere kid’s movie. J.K. Rowling's novel provides a well-structured plot which allows Steve Kloves' screenplay to be evenly paced while satisfyingly fleshed out. Unlike its predecessors, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is driven by the intrigues that take centre stage in the story. While before the revelations of fiends and intricate deceptions were simply a matter of due course, this time around we watch as Harry takes on a much more active role in the weeding out of necessary answers through his own form of manipulation and strategic thinking.

Four years is an unusually long time for an audience to have invested in to a single film franchise. Yet it is this very investment and intimate knowledge of the character’s personal journey, from neglected child to rebellious teenager to young man, who now not only accepts his seemingly grim fate but instead seeks to embrace it, that allows the viewer more than simply a point of entertainment but also, unwittingly, a greater matter of pride.

The stellar cast doesn’t hurt either. While the veteran actors, Micheal Gambon as the illustrious Professor Dumbledore, Robbie Coltrane as the beloved Hagrid, Alan Rickman as the complex Professor Snape and Maggie Smith as the motherly Professor McGonagall, bring to the screen their usual well-known flair and aptitude, it is the youngsters of the cast that really bring the story to life. Daniel Radclife, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson play with a subtle depth and inherent believability that portrays both their ease with the characters as well as their own personal growth as actors. David Yates plays the direction clear and concise, which does not mean to say that any of it is in anyway uninteresting. One truly does forget where the line of reality and fantasy lies as each scene blends in and out of both, seamlessly, weaving the actors and the action in to a cohesive storyline that is only aided but never over-whelmed or over-shadowed by those special effects used. There are some truly impressive scenes, from the mind-whirling game of Quidditch to the haunting sensation of the memory walks, which will completely satisfy the most avid of fans.

2010 will bring us the first part of the final instalment of J.K. Rowling’s inescapable fantasy. With David Yates continuing at the helm and the now house-hold name cast set to reprise their respective roles, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is being set up as a most spectacular finale. Harry Potter fans, world-wide, await with baited breath... Bring it!

Be a part of the Harry Potter phenomenol by winning free tickets for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince now screening at Liberty. E mail us at etvtcs@gmail.com to win your free tickets.