Harry Potter: Simple Wizard or Just Whatever?

When I was younger, I lived for Enid BlytonEnid Blyton books. One of the more commonly used phrases across all her series’ was “simple wizard” used when a character had a great liking for something, much in the way that we would use “excellent”, “awesome” or “fantastic.”

Now is Harry Potter “simply wizard” or just a wizard with a long tale to tell? I went to see The Half Blood Prince today and as a non-fan of the general Harry Potter genre, I found it tiring, lengthy and walked away unable to explain exactly what happened in the entire 2 1/2 hours. I don’t have a great memory of the previous films and so struggled to keep up with the start of the film as I had no recollection of the previous one. Even the title evaded my memory. Very little seemed to take place as the story dragged on. It was definately a filler book between the exciting happenings in The Order of the Phoenix and the exciting happenings in the Deathly Hallows. The only defining incident in the film was the “big shock” roughly 10 minutes from the end of the film. Which I already knew was coming, so even that was unimpressive.

My honest general dislike of Harry Potter, films and books alike, begs the question; why did I choose to spend my Sunday afternoon watching yet another sequel? Because it’s Harry Potter. It’s a hard thing to admit to disliking and an even harder thing to avoid. I’ve found it easier to give in and watch the movies without argument at first so I have a grounding for my argument against the Harry Potter franchise at a later date.

It would be wrong of me to critise the films without critising the books as well, something I am always more than happy to do. In my humble opinion, J.K. RowlingJ.K. Rowling cannot write. Her characters are 2D, her stories are confusing and she seems unable to edit out the irrelevant drivel which makes more and more appearances as the books get fatter. But then again, she doesn’t have to. She created Harry Potter. She could re-write the Bible and people would buy it. It’s an ultimate shame because she hit on an incredibly idea. People like to hold on the impossible, they like to believe in the unbelievable and imagine the unimaginable. We are a creative race and enjoy looking beyond what is it front of us. The very idea of there being a second world lying on top of our own, one filled with magic and mystery and flying cars, it tantalising. It’s exciting and different and takes us away from our otherwise hum-drum lives.

J.K. Rowling created an amazing world. I find it such a shame that I, as a writer, am unable to look past the less than appealing writing she presents this world in.

The sixth book is the only one of the series that I haven’t read, so I this is the first Harry Potter film I’ve walked into without having a previous idea of the story. When I walked out, I could only wish I had taken the time to read the book. In reflection, it would’ve been better to have wasted £4.99 on the book than £14.20 in the cinema (the total of two tickets for my boyfriend and I.)

I something fear I am in a minority, but I see Harry Potter as anything but “wizard” and am more likely to re-read my battered copy of ‘Watership Down’ than I am to ever touch another J.K. Rowling book. As for the films, no doubt I will see the seventh both part one and two without too much resistance. For they are sequels, and like any other film loving individual, a sequel must be seen, the story must be finished. Even if I have very little faith in the value of the film.