Mugging Muggles For Maltesers

We went to the movies this evening, to see the final installment of the Harry Potter movies.

Now, I know, these are movies that divide the thinking populace, based on books that did the same. For the longest time, I refused to read the Potter books because having read a few pages of the first one, I could see what the writer was trying to do, and that turned me off. At d's enthusiasm for them though, I tried them again, and read them all, watching the movies as I went. I think they're hyped more than the imagination behind them is actually worth, but - and this is crucial - I do recognise there's an active imagination at work, which if you don't get carreid away with your expectations, will work its way in and charm you into giving a damn. There is also - and here I apologise for trotting out a cliche - a solid moral principle running through the series, which is pleasing to note (as is the fact that Rowling often doesn't make it too easy for her characters - sometimes, she hits them where it really hurts. Any writer who isn't afraid to do that, you have to respect, because the natural instinct is to make your characters as brilliant as you can, and give them a good time of it).

I read a quote from Stephen King a few days ago, and it really appealed. The Harry Potter books are about the importance of doing what is right, rather than what is easy. The Twilight books are about the importance of having a boyfriend.

So - as I say, we went to see the final Potter movie. Pretty faithful to the book, as many of them are, and an enjoyable climax to the series.

Interesting too from a Disappearing Man point of view.
Went in, and of course there was the option of the popcorn, the nachos, the sweets, the whole thing...I gritted my teeth and got a couple of bottles of water.

Sitting in the dark, there were a handful of kids two rows ahead. I couldn't stop a small growl coming out of me.
"Honey..." murmured d. "You cannot mug small girls for their Maltesers."
"But whyyyy?" I whined softly.
It wasn't exactly that I wanted to mug the little girl with her family size bag of Maltesers. I just think that maybe, Disappearing people should be allowed a threshold of muggery in times of severe calorific of chocolate-based stress. Y'know, like women have been known to get off murder charges if they can prove they were in the throes of harsh PMT (or PMS for my American friends). How about that? DCS - Disappearing Chocolatey Syndrome - as a get-out-of-jail free card when slimming people are feeling desperate?

On the broader scale, it was an interesting reminder of how much food is an inherent part of the cinematic experience. How much we've grown to connect eating certain types of food with enjoying a trip to the movies. Does that mean that, while Disappearing, one should steer clear of the flicks? Hell no - just be aware that you're in the lion's den of sweet and salty joyful goodness. And apparently, because of our Liberal pinko laws, you can't - yet - mug children for their chocolates. So much for taking candy from a baby? Humph.