Computer blemish eraser, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

Of all the threats wizard-in-training Harry Potter must face, from dragons, to ghosts, to his nose-free nemesis Lord Voldemort, the most terrifying may be that age-old adolescent adversary: acne. Published reports confirmed that all three of the series' teen talents, Daniel Radcliffe, 15, (Harry Potter), 17-year-old Rupert Grint, (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson, 15, (Hermione Granger) are undergoing bothersome bouts of pubescent pimples.

How would this impact the franchise? Would the unstable complexions be used to heighten a sense of dread pervading Hogwarts Academy? Or would the intrusive zits (a genetic response to adolescent hormonal flux) merely distract the audience from the trios' thrilling travails?

When makeup tests failed to conceal the kids' cysts, producers ordered blemish banishment. Yet since no magical potion was available for spot removal, cgi wizardry intervened to save the day. An "insider" reports: "We have had to employ a special effects man to go through every frame clearing up their complexions."

Though mostly concealed, occasional congested pores made it into this publicity photo. Click for a closer look.

From our perspective, it would certainly be cheaper to hire a dermatologist to clear the acne in the first place. Between antibiotics, forms of topical Retin-A, and hands-on treatments (such as microdermabrasion & dilute cortisone injections), even severe acne can be controlled to make these young actors ready for their close-ups. These therapeutic options are also available for muggles. As it is, it seems time to update the Hogwarts Textbook of Dermatology. Sigh...

Runner-up, Technologic breakthrough:

Concealing Angelina Jolie's many tattoos, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"

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