Harry Potter and the Last Hurrah

Editorial

Maybe that's because I still haven't seen Part One of The Deathly Hallows. I've read the book; knocked that over back in 2007 when it was released, but somehow I haven't had time to fit the film in. Is it denial, not wanting the series to end? Or is there a touch of ennui in there as well? Has my enthusiasm for Hogwarts and Muggles run its course? Am I just over it? Am I alone?

In a peculiar way that fits well with the Harry Potter stories, it's hard to believe it's been ten years since the boy wizard made his cinematic debut. Yet, looking back at Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and comparing it to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, it's all so young and fresh and innocent. And that is half the point of the whole Harry Potter Cycle.

One of the defining qualities of both the books and the films is that it was about a young boy starting school at Hogwarts, to learn how to be a wizard - and deal with his arch nemesis Voldemort (yes, I'm using his name) - and following him as he grew up, from an 11-year-old filled with wonder and awe, into a mature, confident 18-year-old. Over those seven years, we grew up with him, and his friends Ron and Hermione, as they dealt with adolescence, first love, bullying, and everything else that goes with it. For many children - and a whole lot of adults - it reflected their own school experiences, made more accessible and engaging with its fantasy setting.

Yes, it was about growth and development, and not, like many other stories, set in a world where the characters are unnaturally ageless and unchanging (I'm thinking of The Simpsons here). Kids do grow up, life and death happens around us, and we must adapt - it's called life.

We've also watched the young actors grow up as the movies have continued. Daniel Radcliffe, most notably, started out as the cute 11-year-old boy, and has grown up into a handsome and surprisingly unaffected young man. He's also done other films like December Boys, and more notably, appeared a couple of years ago in a stage production of Equus, naked. A bold, but clever move. Here's someone who's not going to be relegated to future 'Whatever Happened To?' articles and TV shows. Let's hope the same for Rupert Grint (Ron), whose film career hasn't been as diverse as Radcliffe's - yet, and Emma Watson (Hermione).

We've also seen the films themselves evolve as they've continued. From the wonder and magic of Chris Columbus' touch on the first two films, to Alfonso Cuarón's darker-edged third film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, Mike Newell for The Goblet of Fire and then onto David Yates, who has directed the final four films with a wider scope and an understanding of the increasing gravity and seriousness of the stories told.

So, all over the world, Pottermania is taking hold again. Celebrations, marches, midnight screenings, marathons; it's all going on whether you're ready - or over it - or not. For me, I think I'll just watch The Deathly Hallows Part One on DVD, rediscover the magic, and finish what was started ten years ago. Bring on your worst, Voldemort!

Tim Hunter, Citysearch

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