THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE #3, Monday at the Movies, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER by KM Wilsher

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Trailer

BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER
MONDAY at the MOVIES
-Count them down with KM Wilsher
NUMBER THREE MOVIE OF SUMMER 2009
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

I truly expected TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN would take third place this summer. But no, TRANSFORMERS 2 is a sellout. Sold out to what you ask? Instead of trusting in its compelling characters and strong story, this group of creators sold out to obscene humor, lewd images, and fraudulent action scenes. I cannot endorse it -- I sat embarrassed in the seat between my teen nephew and my dad wishing I’d gone to see ICE AGE with my niece.(Tell us how you really feel, KM. hee hee)

Ok, THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, was not one of my favorite sections of the JK Rowlings’ Harry Potter series, and so I didn’t know if it would be one of my top movies this summer. Not because the story is awful, or the characters are not adorable, but because it is dark. Not scary dark, I can handle that, but emotional dark. I will never forget my heart ripping apart as I closed the book version of THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, and so I did not look forward to seeing it on screen. Can poor Harry lose anything more without losing everything he holds dear?

But to my delight, Harry’s sixth cinema installment was thoroughly entertaining. The colors and style of the cinematography were delightful. Sitting in the theater, it felt like a reunion of old, dear friends.

What did I love about HARRY POTTER THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE?

The characters for one. I feel like I’ve watched these kids grow up. Their first day at school, first kiss, their first final exam week. Their developing friendships and shocking discoveries that all in life is not fair. I’ve watched their doubts and fears grow into strengths -- only to uncover new weaknesses to overcome.

The big picture for two. This world that JK Rowlings created is fascinating and believable. Enough real mixed in with fantasy to delight even the most negative of viewers. The fight between good and evil is addicting. I want to see the guys in the white hats win, despite the ground the guys in the black hats threaten to gain.

If this is your first Harry Potter story, don’t judge the whole series by it. Go back to the beginning and watch/read them all. As in life, there are seasons that are not fulfilling. Whole years that seem like “all is lost”. Thus is the content of THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE. You have to see it to appreciate Rowlings’ saga.

So at number 3, I say, “If you haven’t given JK Rowlings’ world a taste, dive in.”