Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows : Part 1

I read today in the LA Times that Disney is super excited about their new movie "Tangled", which is an animated film loosely based on the fairy tale Rapunzel. The reason for the flush is the film's take over the weekend; just over 48 million, which is very close to the weekend take of the newest Harry Potter film; just over 49 million. As I read it, I chuckled, because apparently the staff at the Times not only have a problem with writing, but also a problem with mathematics.
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows : Part 1, grossed 24 million from it's Thursday midnight showing alone, the third most successful such showing ever. It went on to gross over 125 million over the opening weekend, the sixth most lucrative opening weekend. All in all, the series has made over 1.82 billion, and the next installment looks to overtake the current record of 1.9 billion, set by the "Star Wars" films. No, really, "Tangled" has a great chance.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all back, and with the evil Voldemort and his death-eaters hot on their trail, they hurry to locate and destroy the remaining horcruxes in an attempt to weaken the dark wizard before the eventual showdown comes. If you're a fan, you're a fan, and no other background info is necessary. If you're not, you must at least have an understanding of who the good guys are and who the bad guys are, and may I recommend that you set aside a day to catch up on the films. They are all available.
These movies appeal to audiences because we have grown up with the characters for the past ten years. Save the loss of the original Dumbeldore, (of which I do prefer the original, may he R.I.P.), every major character has returned in every film. We, as viewers, respect that. It shows us that the film cares, and (obviously) we respond in kind. (Wink to "Lord of the Rings")
Most people say the same thing when I discuss the film, 'They've gotten so dark'. With all due respect to my acquaintances,... freaking duh! If you read the books or even follow the timeline with a bit of common sense, you would know that as you follow young wizards, eventually, they become adult wizards, and the danger gets more intense, the bad guys more scary. It was a great movie, and I can't wait for the finale. The ultimate showdown is next, good vs. evil. Unfortunately, we're going to have to wait until July 2011 to see it.