In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man.

Midnight premieres.

I have been to many midnight premieres in the years that I have walked upon the earth.  I revel in the atmosphere of a midnight premiere.  I rejoice in the opportunity to interact with my people.  The true believers, not just in the content, but in the medium itself, make themselves known.  This is the ultimate movie-going event, save one.

Advance screenings.

The advance screening, while less likely to equal or surpass the feeling of comradery and pride one finds at a midnight premiere, offers one thing - one wonderful, amazing thing - that goes beyond these lost experiences, and transcends to a level of movie-going that the midnight premiere can not match: exclusivity.

Let it roll off your tongue.  Say it slowly; pronounce each letter.  Is it not intoxicating?

At this point, you may be asking, “Chris, this is all well and good, but what does this have to do with your blog’s title, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Advance Screening?  I mean, you haven’t even posted any pictures related to Harry Potter!”  As for the pictures, you’re absolutely right!  Allow me to rectify that:

As for the relevance, well, I’m glad you asked!  On July 2, 2009, the Fresno Beehive (@FresnoBeehive) started a giveaway contest for tickets to an advance screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this Monday, July 13th; two days before the premiere.  The requirements for entry were very simple; merely comment on the post.  The winners would be randomly picked from the comments.  I immediately commented to enter myself for a chance at an advance screening of a movie I have highly anticipated.  My hopes, however, were low.  I am not generally what one would call a “winner.”  Victory does not, for the most part, lay itself at my feet.  In fact, just yesterday morning, I mentioned to Lindsey that I doubted I would win the tickets, so we would have to settle for a matinee showing on the 15th (we have urgent business on the morning of the 15th, so unfortunately, a midnight premiere was out of the question).  Imagine my surprise when, on a whim, I checked my email before bed to find that I had indeed won a pair of tickets for the advance screening!  I informed Lindsey and immediately (after a victory jig) responded to the email indicating my acceptance.

If you are one of the select few attending the advance screening with us, congratulations.  We shall see you on Monday.

If you are not, our review will be up on Tuesday.

-Because I said so