It is now July 31st in the UK so it is time to wish Harry Potter and JK Rowling a Happy Birthday!
Harry is celebrating his 31st birthday with his wife Ginny and children James Sirius, Albus Severus and Lily Luna! Harry currently works as an Auror at the Ministry of Magic and successfully defeated the Dark Lord 13 years ago!
JK Rowling is celebrating her 46th birthday with her family. She is married to Neil Murray and has three children; Jessica Isabel, David Gordon and Mackenzie Jean.
We wish them both amazing birthdays and many more to come!
Wiley, a book publisher, recently sent me a copy of Harry Potter and History to review for the site. The book gives you “the historical backdrop to Harry Potter’s world, covers topics ranging from how real British boarding schools compare to Hogwarts to how parchment, quills, and scrolls used in the wizarding world were made” AND includes a timeline comparing the history of the wizarding world to Muggle “real” history. If this sounds interesting to you, you can head over to Barnes and Noble to purchase the book, it retails for $17.95 but B&N has it for $12!
I am not normally the type of person to read history books but I do enjoy watching those random history shows on television when they are on an interesting topic so I knew that I would enjoy this book. It was great to learn the history behind some of the themes and objects in the Potter books. This book is a wonderful learning tool because you are learning history but it is also fun because it is being related to the Potter series.
It was very cool to learn the history of bezoars and how they were prized possessions long ago because of their value, they also believed them to have healing powers. Some more interesting things you will read about, if you haven’t researched them already on your own, include the history of Nicholas Flamel, The Malfoys and the class system, the oppression of witches and wizards throughout history, how Voldemort and his Death Eaters are like the Nazis and so much more!
I encourage you to pick up this book and dig a little deeper into the series that we all cherish and love to read over and over. It will give you a whole new understanding of the history of the wizarding world.
In a new interview with RTE Alan Rickman discusses playing the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. A selection of questions may be read below:
You have some terrific scenes with Ralph Fiennes in this last film. Can you talk about working with Ralph?
AR: Ralph is a very good friend of mine, and, of course, somebody I respect hugely as an actor, not just on film but the way he also keeps going back to the stage and testing himself in huge and difficult roles. He never takes the easy path. It’s just great to play a scene with somebody who has that much courage in his work, and rigor, and although I know him as a good friend, you are also just working with a fellow actor, so there is no quarter given. It’s absolutely coming out of the red corner and the blue corner ready to spar, but in the best way.
What do you think of the legacy of these eight films, or the film series’ place in the history of cinema? It has had a huge impact on British cinema, British filmmaking, but in general, what do you think the legacy will be?
AR: Well, I hope ultimately its legacy is to make people cherish the notion of telling a story and not trying to do it by committee; that it is possible to trust a true storyteller’s imagination and then serve it as honorably as possible, and that you might just wind up with something that’s entertaining on the one hand, makes a load of money on the other, and gives enormous silent and not so silent pleasure to children and grownups. It’s just a validation of something that we need. It’s a human need to be told stories, and I don’t think it can be done by committee. I think it has to be one person’s imagination. So, here’s to Jo Rowling and all who may sail in her.
The WB Official Youtube has been updated with a clip from their upcoming film, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song, which is a direct to TV/DVD film that will be released on September 6th. The film stars Freddie Stroma as Luke, also known as Prince Charming. The film will also air on ABC Family, but the premiere date is still unknown. I assume it will air before the DVD is released. You can pre-order the film by heading to Barnes and Noble.
Cyrano De Bergerac meets Cinderella. Over-worked, harried and terrified of being put back in foster care, 17 year old Katie (Lucy Hale) does her stepmother and step-siblings’ bidding without complaining. Vocally gifted, Katie feels particularly upset when forced to lay down singing tracks so that her untalented stepsister, Bev Van Ravensway, can hopefully win a recording contract from Massive Records – who’s company President, Harvey Morgan, is scouting for new spectacular talent at a talent showcase for the Performing Arts Department at a prestigious private school.
Thanks SS!
There is also a fun behind the scenes video that you can watch below:
TotalFilm has published their list of the 50 Greatest Harry Potter Characters and why they believe those characters are the best. The list includes the likes of Firenze (50), Minerva McGonagall (14), Ginny Weasley (30), Neville Longbottom (13), Luna Lovegood (16), Horace Slughorn (28), Oliver Wood (39), Cedric Diggory (45), Filch (36), Gilderoy Lockhart (22), Peeves (37), and even The Sorting Hat (46)! The top 10 characters (in order from 10-1) are: Remus Lupin, Hagrid, Sirius Black, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Tom Riddle, Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, and finally, Severus Snape! Visit TotalFilm to see the full list!
Dobby (22) The Character: The self-lacerating House Elf (witness the moment when he irons his hands as penance for disobeying the Malfoys) with an abiding love for Harry Potter, Dobby is something of an acquired taste, his constant clowning taking him perilously close to Jar-Jar territory in Chamber Of Secrets. However, his bravery at the battle of Malfoy Manner is enough to redeem him in our eyes, and anyone who wasn’t choking back a sniffle at his eventual death clearly has a heart of stone. Key Quote: “Dobby has no master… Dobby is a free elf!”
Lucius Malfoy (18) The Character: The elder Malfoy was one of Voldemort’s closest supporters first time around but managed to wriggle his way out of a spell in Azkaban when the Dark Lord was defeated. It’s that slippery nature that best sums him up, alongside his snobbery and cowardice. Indeed, it’s no surprise to see him and his wife down tools once the final battle begins to swing away from Voldemort… although their desire to find Draco should probably be flagged as another contributing factor. Key Quote: “Potter, your race is run. Now hand me the prophecy like a good boy… ”
Fred & George Weasley (12) The Characters: Mildly irritating in the big-screen version (largely thanks to the wooden delivery of the Phelps boys, who appear to have bagged the roles largely by virtue of being twins), Fred and George provide many of the books’ funnier moments, as well as supplying one of the major emotional hits of the final battle. The scene in which they escape Umbridge’s regime by flying their brooms over the school wall is a punch-the-air moment of pure teenage rebellion. Key Quote: “George? I think we’ve outgrown a full-time education…”
Severus Snape (1) The Character: The saga’s tragic hero, Snape has lived a profoundly unhappy life, watching his beloved shack up with the man who made his school days a misery, before eventually giving his life to protect the couple’s son. Once the story’s revelations have been made in full, his character takes on a whole new complexion, demonstrating just how selfless a man he really is. As Harry puts it, “he’s probably the bravest man I ever knew.” Key Quote: (On Harry) “Mediocre, arrogant as his father, a determined rule-breaker, delighted to find himself famous, attention-seeking and impertinent.”
