A Fond Farewell to the Harry Potter Movies

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Although I saw Deathly Hallows II last weekend, I went again today, this time to see it in 3D, something I rarely do. With the cost of movies nowadays, I've cut way down on movie going. However, I realized I had to see Deathly Hallows II again as I was reluctant to say goodbye to the movie franchise. Hallows II had given me everything I'd hoped for in wrapping up the journey...I simply didn't want it to end.

Ten years ago I went to see The Sorcerer's Stone to see what every was talking about. A little red-haired boy sat next to me in the theatre and proceeded to tell me he'd been told that he looked like Ron Weasley. Aghast to hear I hadn't read the books yet, he gave me a quick overview. When the movie began, I too became enchanted and began a love affair with the wizarding world.

Every year for a decade, I, like everyone else, waited anxiously awaited for the next movie installment. I watched Harry, Hermoine and Ron grow up along with all the other Hogwart students. Tales of growing up, courage, friendship and eventually love played against the theme of death.

What was noteworthy about the series was that so many actors continued to play the same characters throughout the years. They too were familiar faces and had character arcs winding and twisting with the main ones. Who would have thought Neville Longbottom by standing up to his friends in Sorceror's Stone would foreshadow standing up to Voldemort in Hallows II?

While I have all the DVD's and can watch the series whenever I want to, what I can't do is see a new movie in theatre [unless they decide to make movies along the lines of Pottermore].

As an author, I can't imagine the relief and yet sadness J.K. Rowling must have experienced when she wrote 'The End' on Deathly Hallows. As a movie goer, I am sad I can't follow new adventures and I don't know what will have the 'legs' to fill the void.

I still haven't read the books, holding that pleasure out for another day. I have to have something to look forward to. :) Carol