Local 'Pottheads' turn out for midnight opening
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Self-proclaimed "Pottheads" and first-time "Harry Potter" moviegoers descended Wednesday on Cinemark Theatre Victoria for the midnight release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
Muggles and wizards are no longer safe from the evil grasp of Lord Voldemort, the archenemy of Potter. This time, as the boy-wizard prepares to battle his foe, he and his teenage-band must battle something more powerful - hormones.
"It seems like it's a story of betrayal," said Victoria's David Baker, a fervid fan. Like most diehard Pottheads, he's read the book and knows the ending. He planned on watching the film for something the printed version can't offer - special effects.
"It's a different experience and it gives you a visual of what you imagine in your head," he said.
The theater opened three additional screens for the film after selling out the first screen in less than three hours on Monday. About 1,000 tickets were available and theatre employees suggested viewers arrive one to two hours before show time.
"We've been waiting on this since last year," said Amy Tramel, a Victoria resident. "I am totally stoked."
"Harry Potter" book fans were prepared for some exclusions from the 652-page novel, but were happy overall to see the two-and-a-half-hour story played out on the big screen.
"You see it in your own mind, but to see how the director puts it on screen ... " Tramel said. "It's going to be really cool."
Fans say the new movie, rated PG for scary images, violence and sensuality, has succeeded in drawing in older crowds.
"Romance is basically one of the main parts of this one," said Rachel Holmes, a fan from Maryland who bought tickets to a midnight showing and planned on attending with a Potter-style lighting bolt painted on her forehead.
"The first shows are more kiddish and the later ones are more adult-themed," she said.
Early reviews appear favorable. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a 98 percent and The Los Angeles Times called it a "well-crafted film that is faithful to its rambunctious book and deeply attached to its actors."
"The movies are very well done," said Tony Winstead, a Victoria resident who planned on watching the movie with his family. "They're exciting and they keep you on the edge of your seat. We're curious as to how it's all going to come to an end."
Two more films will follow "The Half-Blood Prince" in the next few years. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Part 1 is scheduled for release in 2010, and Part 2 is set for 2011.
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They are self-proclaimed Pottheads so who would the VA be apologizing to?
July 16, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.I was very disappointed in the headline for the Harry Potter article. The term "pottheads" was a very poor choice of words to be placed next to the citizens who were represented. I think the editor of our newspaper should apologize. It was not funny.
July 16, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.Yes, this was primarily written this way for the print version which will reach people Wednesday morning after the release. I agree maybe I could have worded this a bit differently. Thank you for the comment.
July 14, 2009 at 11:55 p.m.please i am still on tuesday night and already you have made out with the crowd at the cinemax wednesday at midnight.
Self-proclaimed "Pottheads" and first-time "Harry Potter" moviegoers descended Wednesday on Cinemark Theatre Victoria for the midnight release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
shouldn't this be released on thursday morning????
"desecended"
July 14, 2009 at 10:08 p.m.