So, I saw the latest Harry Potter. I liked it a lot. It's loads better than the craptastrophe that was Potter 1, it has more action than Potter 3 (though not a cooler twist), and Potter himself kinda ups the badass quotient by flexing his magic muscles more often (literally, in an awkward bathtub scene).

I was also impresed by Radcliffe's comedic chops. He's going to be a pretty good comic actor one day. His scenes dealing with a bitchy (i.e. maturing) Harmione were funny.

Some issues I have with the Potter movies, though.

1. I hate the episodic nature of them all. As Asa might complain, "They're all structured like video games."

2. The only stupider wizards are the Jedi in the SW prequels. Seriously, when are they just going to shut Hogwarts down, or at least remark, "We should be extraordinarily cautious this year, because for the last four years the school has been nearly destroyed." I hate how at the end of every Potter, they hit the Cosmic Reset Button of Forgetful Characters and everyone prances off, forgetting what a dangerous place Hogwarts is.

3. And if it's so dangerous, how come Harry doesn't carry his broom with him AT ALL TIMES, so he can fly away from danger, or save people?

4. For a universe that seems to be built on ancient grudges, blood feuds, and intricate, generation-spanning plans of reprisal, why enroll people like Snape, or allow Drako Mallfoy to attend? Why risk having anyone who's remotely dangerous (or connected to dangerous people) show up?