Behold, the moment fantasy-lovers have been dreaming about for the last fifteen months and four days: the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One.
Cue the fan girl and boy squeals and “Hedwig’s Theme.” The moment is here.
The last book in the series that changed the face of literature will finally hit the big screen in part one of an epic two-part movie, coming to theaters 12:01 a.m. Friday Nov. 19.
It’s difficult to give an accurate preview of the seventh movie’s plot, because it is unknown where the film actually splits into two parts. Simply put, it goes like this: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are on a mission to destroy the remaining horcruxes of Lord Voldemort.
Communication and journalism senior lecturer and die-hard Harry Potter fan Kelly Jo Wright said she was excited the film was to be split into two parts.
“[Splitting the book into two movies] means more detail,” she said. “One constant complaint that Potter fans have had is that the movies have to leave out so much and this [split] is an opportunity for them not to leave out so much.”
As a movie series many of us have grown up with, this film cues the end of an era. True fans should really consider treating this event with the dignity it deserves by planning their evening
in advance. Here are the steps I’ve taken so far to ensure the evening is a success:
First, I purchased a ticket early. The movie will be showing locally at Micon Cinemas in Chippewa Falls (475 Chippewa Mall Dr.) and at Carmike Theatres at the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire (4800 Golf Rd.). Tickets are 8 dollars at Micon and 12 dollars at Carmike, and can be purchased online (but hurry, they’re going fast). Both showings start at 12:01 am, but I would recommend getting there early for good seats. In the past, I have shown up with my group of wizards — I mean, friends — two and a half hours early and gotten fantastic seats, but even an hour and a half would do for
decent seats.
With my ticket secured, I sat down with Student Ministry of Magic members and sophomores Alie Bultman and Eric VandenHeuvel for their thoughts on the upcoming film as well as how to prepare for such an important day for Pot(ter) heads worldwide.
Both Bultman and VandenHeuvel suggested a movie marathon, watching both installments of “A Very Potter Musical” on YouTube and a power-read of the seventh book.
But what about dressing up? I have to pay homage to my favorite characters somehow.
“If you’re going to do it, go big or go home,” Bultman said. “There are a lot of people you see with bad costumes.”
Next Thursday, Wright will be dressing up for her first ever midnight premiere .
“I’m very excited! I will be wearing my Harry Potter costume,” she said. “It’s a big deal for me to go to this midnight showing.”
But one can only do so much preparation for the real thought in mind: this movie marks the beginning of the end. While bittersweet in many ways, there will always be a place for Potter fanatics to
geek out.
“I try not to think about (it ending),” Bultman said. “It’s hard for me to imagine something where there’s not going to be a new HP thing coming out.”
While I am on the same page as Bultman (and will probably be sobbing like a baby for no apparent reason besides the ridiculous gorgeousness of Daniel Radcliffe), VandenHeuvel and Wright see it a little differently.
“It’s not the end of Harry Potter infinitely,” Wright said. “I don’t really see (the movies) as the end. I’m (actually) very excited for the last chapter to unfold, so it doesn’t make me sad.”
VandenHeuvel used the words of Potter character Professor Dumbledore to say it best: “The series will live on as long as there are those alive who are still loyal to it.”
I would highly recommend going to the midnight premiere next week. Heck, It doesn’t matter if you dress up or not, go at midnight or go over the Thanksgiving break. Whether you’re a wizard or a muggle: seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One is something everyone should consider doing. Now go hop on your brooms and get out there!
