Harry Potter Is Evil!!

Harry Potter is evil, right? I mean, didn't we come to that conclusion years ago when the first movie came out? Sure, we may not have actually seen it or read the book, but did we really need to in order to pronounce judgement on it?!! After all, it's about a school that teaches MAGIC, for goodness sake!

So, am I really writing about the controversial HP? Can it really be? Yep, I just got back from a screening of "Goblet of Fire" and felt compelled to jot down a few thoughts . . . But I'm an outsider looking in - a muggle of you will - and I'm certainly not an expert. So I'm going to steer clear of some of the finer points of "Potteranics" (the art of either lauding or destroying all things Potter) and just make a few general observations as an interested passer by down the lane that is Hogwartsville.

(Before my little review, just one point . . . Cell phone guy, pleeeease don't take photos of the screen in a movie theatre with your camera phone!!! And if you MUST please limit it to one or two - not 25!! Everyone behind you can see the little light going on and off and it's kinda distracting after we paid to see this story!! If you want photos, the internet is full of 'em and I'm betting they are better resolution!! Ok, cell phone guy - end of rant . . . On to the review:)

1) First of all, this is NOT a little kids movie - If the book is anything like the movie it's intense, clever, funny and imaginative (I'm guessing some will stop reading at this point, since it appears clear what my "side" is on the Potter issue) but definitely too intense for little ones! There is a GOOD reason this is PG-13, but what a ride! I've not been a big fan of anything Potter up to now, but this one was . . . well, different.

2) The world it immerses you in is brilliant, imaginative, epic in scope . . . There were several moments of awe, and the illusion is almost perfect - For the TWO AND A HALF HOURS it runs, you are definitely "in".

3) The story is classic GOOD vs EVIL. It is NOT a glorification of all things witchy, but rather a hero myth in which the unwilling Potter is met with trials and plots of the enemy to draw him down paths on which nothing good can happen. Our protagonist can only succeed in as much as he depends on friendship and a higher power. PLEEEEASE note - the story EXPLICITLY stated that the source of this higher power is "Love. Nothing can beat the love of a person willing to sacrifice themselves for another." (My paraphrase until the DVD comes out)

In summary, the worldview is this: We live in a natural world where forces can break in - They can be both good and evil, and can manifest in natural and supernatural forms. One is clearly occult and evil, whilst the other is defined as "Love", which overrules all the evil. That Harry is kept safe in his darkest hour by this and not by a spell is clear, and powerful. Sounds like a good worldview to me . . .

I am not a master of Potteranics. I do not understand the various nuances and strategies employed in the ongoing debate. All I can say is that:

• YES, there is magic in this (as there is in Lord of the Rings and the Narnia Chronicles)
• The forces of good and evil are very clear (as they are in LOTR and NC)
• The protagonist is dependant upon a higher power for victory (as they are in LOTR and NC)
• Redemption comes through sacrifice.

Sound familiar? Is Harry Potter evil? I really just don't see it. Certainly, any path into the occult is bad, but are these stories really bringing folks into the occult? Again, I just don't see it. But as a casual onlooker, I'd have to say that the story was gripping, full of truths, the worldview accurate, and the message powerful. And what is the message? Well, that's for you to figure out after seeing/reading. Trust me though . . . It's good!!

And author JK Rowling? She was interviewed in "Faith" magazine and asked about her faith . . . She gave a reason for not talking about it too much. And what is that reason? -

Well, it certainly makes me interested in seeing where she is taking this series . . .

HP - I'm giving him 9 licorice snaps out of 10! Good one, Harry!