The last film you watched....

[Narukami]

... but otherwise, I may be forgiven if I conclude that the magic is gone.

You are forgiven, Jona. I quite agree with your analysis.

I gave up on Harry Potter with the very first film when they cheated.

Cheated?

As you may remember,the various houses are engaged in a fierce competition to determine who will be the #1 house. Harry and his housemates forego much of the competition in order to battle and defeat the story's main villain (the name of which escapes me) and in so doing they lose the competition.

However... Deus ex Machina the Headmaster changes the rules, awards Harry and his house "bonus" points and they win.

Bah!

Harry and his mates should have lost, and the headmaster said to them that sometimes one must sacrifice the superficial for the greater good and take solace in the fact that sacrifice is often the only reward true leaders ever receive. For their sacrifice they have his thanks.

I know, I know. That was not the story JK was telling. Even so, I think she missed an opportunity.

:|

Narukami