Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

For me, the latest Harry Potter movie was the only movie worth waiting for this Summer. Sure, I was surprised by Star Trek and The Hangover, but Half-Blood Prince was the only movie I knew would deliver. After all, this series has a wonderful track record, and the movies seem to get better as they go along. This latest installment wasn't a disappointment either. This is by far the best since Prisoner of Azkaban, my personal favorite. As the story progresses, it becomes even more apparent how remarkable this series is. This is the sixth out of a proposed eight films and it's just amazing to see the characters (and actors) grow from one installment to the next. For optimal effect, watch this movie then go back and watch Sorcerer's Stone. Not only have the key actors grown from children into young adults, but the actual film making has improved by leaps and bounds as well, taking on much heavier themes and exhibiting more impressive visual effects. Outside of the physical metamorphosis of Harry and his friends, it's equally fascinating to watch their characters evolve. Even Draco Malfoy is going through his own agonizing growing pains, something that almost makes him a sympathetic character in this latest episode. When this series eventually wraps-up it will certainly go down as one of the most successful and beloved film series of all time. It just has that timeless quality, much like The Wizard of Oz. Those who haven't seen these films or have been avoiding them are doing themselves a great disservice. This is entertainment at its best.