Wizards and Chum

It's been a great week for TV and movies, as far as I'm concerned... Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince made its big debut just a few days ago. Other movies worth seeing include Transformers, which I saw a week ago, the Proposal, Ice Age 3, and My Sister's Keeper. I have heard that the movie Bruno was, quote unquote, 'disgusting, do not waste your time seeing it'. Hm. Not entirely reassuring.

Being a devoted Harry Potter fan, I of course saw it the day it came out, and overall it was pretty good, but it could have been a lot better;

**Spoilers! For those who do not know the plot... you have been warned!**

a) Relationships:

Harry and Ginny- What slowly developes into a beautiful relationship in the book is sadly portrayed as awkward and random in the movie. The first time we see Ginny and Harry together, at the Weasley's over the summer, it is obvious that they already like each other as more than friends, but the googley-eyes and comments are just plain, well, random. There is no build up, and fans who haven't seen the book would not understand where this relationship came from.

Ron and Hermione- These two don't get together until later, of course, because of Lavender (or -ar?) Brown, and though it is a bit smoother than Harry and Ginny's relationship, it is still a bit random, especially when Ron unconsiously breaks up with Lavender in the hospital wing in front of Dumbledore, Slughorn, Ginny, Harry, etc.

b) Acting:

Harry- I think Radcliffe did a fair job, better than the previous two films. He was funny, convincing, and passionate.

Ginny- Wright did a fair job also, but was pretty expressionless, and less witty and bold than the loveable Ginny we get to know in the books. However, I am glad they gave her some lines, for once.

Dumbledore- Gambon did a great job, and was very convincing as he lead Harry through the life of Voldemort. I was dissapointed in the way that Dumbledore was portrayed; he was almost too harsh and a lot less funny and charming than the Dumbledore we've known so far.

Snape- Once again, Rickman did an outstanding job as Snape; this is the first movie where Snape really has a major role in the plot, and Rickman definetly pulled it off. He was creepy and managed to play Dumbledore's pet and Death Eater all in one.

Bellatrix- In my opinion, Carter as Bellatrix was the best actor these films have seen. She was just down-right creepy and scary, perfecting that little whisper as she put her chin on people's shoulders. You have to see it to know what I mean. And she REALLY pulled off that horrifying love for destruction and evil, as she set things on fire, ran up and down tables and helped Draco perform 'the deed.'

c) Effects:

The effects were amazing, from the Weasley's Wizard Weezes, all the way to the cave. One of the best scenes for effects is in the beginning, as we see the death eaters destroy shops, streets, and even bridges. The most intense came at the end, however, when Harry gets attacked by the inferi. I almost peed my pants!

Well, that's all I'm gonna say on Harry; don't want to give too much away!


Last, I was watching TV, and was very happy when I saw the 'Spongebash' on Nick. Yes, I may be a little old for Spongebob, but really, who doesn't love that little sponge? Tonight they were showing some new episodes, and any who saw them will know what I mean when I say my new favorite slogan is "Chum is Fum!"

That's all for now,