I think the problem with that argument, though, is that, because we haven't seen many of her outlines, you could still make the claim of it being an ass-pull that she made look good, no matter how detailed her planning was, unless she were being incredibly obvious with her foreshadowing. The whole point of good foreshadowing is that it isn't obvious the first time around; if it were, it would be clunky.

I think the simplest answer was said during the LotR commentaries (you guys were referring to that universe, but it still applies here): the books created a world more beautiful than our own. The Harry Potter books are the closest I've ever read to something that can truly be called "magical". I can't think of a single person who wouldn't, deep down, want to live in the world where Hogwarts is a reality, and be able to live as part of a secret world full of good friends and adventure.

Praise be.

Is The Dark Knight Rises included in that lineup? I'd be really curious to hear your guys' thoughts on how it holds up.