Reel Critics:

One of the joys of the “Harry Potter” films is watching the screenplays mature along with the characters. As Harry and his pals grow older, the writers take the events of each tale and make them relevant to their current age. The twists and turns of each plot reflect the changes in attitudes and hormones that confound wizards and Muggles alike in their teenage years.

The latest installment features the search to uncover the identity and purpose of “The Half Blood Prince.” The minions of evil Lord Valdemort continue their assault on the students, teachers and allies of Hogwarts School. Harry and Professor Dumbledore seek to unravel the dark plot clearly aimed at them. As always, top-notch special effects highlight the mysterious events that threaten the heroes.

But Harry has to deal with the tribulations of young love along with the treacherous forces that seek his ruin. Young actors Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, with Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as his best friends, are very well cast. They steadily grow into their roles as magical young adults. With two more episodes yet to come, this film points to the next level, but ends without final resolution. But the craft and artistry of the entire production team make it a movie worth seeing.

‘Truth’ is movie ain’t so hot

A sneak preview of “The Ugly Truth” revealed that romantic comedies are becoming as sexy as a hot air balloon — pretty to look at but quite empty.

Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a TV producer for a little-seen morning show. She’s portrayed as a beautiful control freak so anal, she lectures her dates on their choice of bottled water vs. tap. And then wonders why she’s so desperately lonely.

But that’s where the larger-than-life hirsute hunk comes in to shake up her world and make her feel like a “real” woman. In this case, it’s Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), host of a small cable show called “The Ugly Truth” who brutally tells it like it is — men are hot for good-natured women with big hair and big chests.

It’s only a matter of time before these two realize they’re meant for each other. Along the way there are some goofy, good-natured laughs, mostly at the expense of Heigl’s dignity.

“The Ugly Truth” of this movie is that the far-from-ugly Butler is the best thing in this film.

His naughty charm is a breath of fresh air and makes his leading lady’s mannerisms less annoying. Like Abby on her dates, this is a movie that tries too hard to please.

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office. SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.