Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Harry Potter is a success because it symbolises a world that we wish was real, but isn't. Or at least that's my view of it.
The latest movie Harry Potter - the Half-Blood Prince, had the usual elements of adventure, action, mystery, suspense, fear, anger and humour with a new addition, romance.
The graphics were wonderful, especially in the beginning when Potter fans felt their heart beats quicken as the death eaters flew onto the screen.
I actually found myself tightly gripping the seat, because it was almost as though I was actually flying.
As the story unfolded, one thing I couldn't help notice was that Harry seemed to be at peace and not as aggressive as he was described in the book.
According to the book, having lost his Godfather Sirius Black, Harry was devastated and his silent crush on Ginny Weasley made him very grumpy.
The movie however, showed him to be laid back and calm and not as angry with life as really thought he should be.
My favourite parts of the film were the scenes between Ron, my personal favourite, and Hermione. Their hidden affection and chemistry made me smile every time they appeared on screen.
Since the movie showed a taste of Ron's love life and his Quidditch game fears, it also proved a lot funnier than the previous titles.
The new arrival, professor Horace Slughorn, was another riot. From his introduction until his last scene, his antics made the crowd laugh uncontrollably.
What I find very interesting in the Potter movies is that, true to the books, the boys have grown at different rates with Ron becoming much bigger than Harry
The girls, Hermione and Ginny, have developed into fine young ladies and very attractive too, just as JK Rowling describes them, and even dark character Draco Malfoy has turned out to be quite good looking and I found his scenes oddly, sympathetic ... unlike his earlier years at Hogwarts.
For me, the last bit, was probably the worst, where professor Dumbledore battles the death eaters. I won't reveal what happens but something in the scenes didn't fit the role as Harry's reaction just didn't fit the bill.
Also, the death eaters were supposed to create massive havoc at Hogwarts and I think that was missing in the movie.
Well, all said and done, I enjoyed it because of Ron and Hermione and am controlling myself to await the next and final Potter movies.
Personally, I would give the movie four popcorns (owing to my title as the 'Potter fan') but since this is a review and we must keep in mind all the factors leading to a good movie, worth the money, time and effort - I would give it three and a half. l Showing in: Saar Cineplex
