Movie Preview: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

It’s Friday; the weekend is upon us. What to do? What choice of entertainment for the family?

 

My goodness, Harry is back! Opening today we have part 1 of a 2 part movie which represents the final instalment of J. K. Rowling’s beloved children’s books. Part 1 is being offered in 2D and IMAX with part 2 due out on July 15, 2011 in 2D, IMAX and 3D. For those true movie lovers, don’t forget the Scotiabank theatre downtown and the Colossus theatre in Woodbridge out by highways 400 and 7 for the IMAX experience.

 

Harry Potter is the highest grossing film franchise of all time. All 6 films are on the list of the 30 top grossing films.

 

Harry Potter as a brand that is the books and other tie-ins including merchandise is worth billions of dollars.

 

The books have sold over 400 million copies and been translated into 67 languages. J. K. Rowling is the best paid author in the world. In 2010, Forbes magazine estimated her worth at $1 billion.

 

Wikipedia covers the religious debates about the Potter books. [sigh] Somebody always has to be a spoilsport. Apparently some Christian groups have protested against the supposed occult or Satanic themes in the stories. Even witchcraft has been brought up.

 

The final instalment: it’s hard to believe we’ve arrived at the end of the series. Not only have we been witness to Harry growing up, we have watched the actor Daniel Radcliffe grow up. Mr. Radcliffe was just 11 years old when he auditioned for Harry and now he’s 21. Yes, we all age but the transformation between 11 and 21 is going from a child to a man and that change is quite dramatic to follow throughout the film series.

 

The entire series has fared well with the critics however I note as per the following chart that this latest outing for Harry is not considered one of his best but it is certainly better that many other films on the marquee right now. Let’s not forget though, if you’re a true aficionado, you will not be able to stay away!

 

 

Don’t forget to brush up on your Potter terminology. It’s important to understand what people are saying ad what’s going on.

 

So, for all you muggles out there, look over your newspaper, locate your theatres and plan out your weekend according to the show times. Harry is back and is not to be missed!

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Rotten Tomatoes: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010): 76%

 

Wikipedia: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

 

Wikipedia: Harry Potter film series

 

Wikipedia: Highest grossing film series

 

Mojo: Highest grosses