Blind Prophecy

My first full weekend in the city was less than eventful. I spent some time wandering around the Upper West Side, jogging along Riverside Park, and generally getting to know my neighborhood better. I stopped in a dive-y gay bar I doubt I’ll be checking out again and I treated myself to a trip to the movie theatre to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Everyone told me it was a filler movie, meant to move the plot along to the coming finale. Everyone was right. I’m not sure you can say anything else about it without understanding that point. The plot was less traditionally structured, more character-driven, and the resolution was entirely a build-up to the last two movies. There was a lot less random magic than earlier movies, and the magic that did permeate the school seemed darker and more menacing than previous years. I miss the moving stairways, playful creatures, talking paintings and classroom adventures, but the tone is becoming more serious and adult, and magic either becomes wild and dangerous or utilitarian. I also don’t know how two hours and 45 minutes of movie can still feel rushed and cruel in the cuts to the source material, but it happened.

Anyway, there’s no class next week and I’m not sure how I’m going to occupy myself. I’m too poor to keep going to shows or shopping. I think next week is going to be free museum and city wandering week.

Filed under: movies by Jere Keys