Why I'm not a Harry Potter Fan

I know I'm going to get some flak for this, but I have to vent. This is a re-post of one of James' posts from almost exactly 2 years ago. I share his sentiment on the Harry Potter movies, and and I couldn't say this better myself.

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The New Harry Potter Movie

I haven't seen the latest movie, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" yet, but I don't really need to. I already know what's going to happen.

1. Harry goes back to Hogwarts.
2. There's a new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher who seems suspicious.
3. Malfoy is stuck-up and arrogant towards Harry & Co.
4. The Old Witch Lady gives Harry & Co. explicit instructions NOT to do something.
5. Hermoine tells Harry not to do it.
6. Harry does it.
7. Hagrid helps out.
8. The aforementioned DADA teacher is either Harry & Co.'s greatest enemy or their greatest friend. Either way the audience will act surprised.
9. The Old Witch Lady is initially upset that Harry & Co. disobeyed her orders. But since everything worked out ok, she just grins and gives Harry a trophy.
10. Harry & Co. humiliate Malfoy without losing the audience's respect.
11. End Credits.

Oops, I just spoiled the movie for you. Sorry. -James

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I just don't understand the fascination with these movies, because the all have the same plot! I have continued to watch them - after they make it TV, I'm not going to pay for it - just to see if anything changes, but I am always left scratching my head wondering why these movies aren't so transparent to everyone else. I will admit that I have not read the books, and maybe I would appreciate the movie better if I had read them. The thing that puzzles me most regarding these movies is the number of Christian parents who let their kids watch these movies. There is always a terrible problem brewing that Harry and company know about, but the adults either are oblivious to it or think it doesn't matter. The adults tell Harry not to worry, & are impotent to solve the problem in Harry's eyes. The kids disobey the rules, but solve the problem, making their elders look like fools. That is just telling kids, "Your parents are really stupid and incapable of doing anything when you have a problem, so forget listening to their rules, instruction, and wisdom. Have your own adventure saving the day." And you wonder why your kids don't take what you say seriously. . .