It started in 1997, when the book, “Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone,” hit the shelves in the U.K. (and in 1998 in the United States, as “The Sorcerer’s Stone”).
Author J.K. Rowling had really stumbled across a playground when she tapped into the magical world of Hogwarts. Her creation, Harry Potter, that young orphan boy from England, enraptured both children and adults. Children who had struggled with reading now had a new love for it, if only for Harry’s sake. Each and every page brought some new, exciting adventure into the lives of readers across the world.
And it didn’t stop with the books. In 2001, the world welcomed the first “Harry Potter” movie to the big screen, and those who hadn’t read the books now became engulfed in the “Harry Potter” phenomenon. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint became household names.
The story, which stretches out across seven books and eight movies, focuses, of course, on Harry Potter (Radcliffe). The Dark Lord, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), murdered his parents when Harry was just a baby—the only reason he survived was because his mother’s love protected him.
It is not until Harry is 11 years old, living with his horrible aunt and uncle as far away from magic as they can muster, that he realizes that he is a wizard. Harry is invited to attend Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and, suddenly, his entire world changes. He befriends Ron Weasley (Grint) and Hermione Granger (Watson), and the three spend each school year learning spells, encountering mythical creatures, and roaming the hallways after dark—while Voldemort’s return slowly becomes more and more of a reality.
It isn’t just the magic that keeps “Harry Potter” fans enthralled even 20 years later, but rather the themes of love, friendship and understanding. An entire generation was shaped by this franchise and learned empathy and tolerance from Harry and his friends.
The “Harry Potter” series is something that fans will remember for the rest of their lives. That’s why Midtown Cinema is putting on a 24-hour “Harry Potter” marathon. Fans who buy a pass to this shindig will get to see all eight movies in one day, with butter beer and free coffee available. There will be food trucks during meal breaks, and costumes are highly encouraged—oh, and there will be prizes!
Mark April 22 on your calendars. It will be just as exciting as your first day at Hogwarts!
Midtown Cinema: APRIL SPECIAL EVENTS
“1984”
Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Down in Front!
“Care Bears II: A New Generation” (1986)
Friday, April 14, 9:30 p.m.
3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“The Never Ending Story” (1984)
Friday, April 21, 9:30 p.m.
“24 Hours of Potter”
A “Happy Potter” Marathon!
Saturday, April 22, all day
Faulkner Honda Family Film Series
“The Never Ending Story” (1984)
Sunday, April 23, 12 p.m.
Monday, April 24, 7 p.m.
Children ages 12 and under get in for free when accompanied by an adult
National Theatre Live
“Twelfth Night”
Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Tarantino Collection
“Reservoir Dogs” (1992)
Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
Saturday, April 29, 2 p.m. with talkback after screening
Sunday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.
“Kill Bill Vol. 1” (2003)
Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.
Author: Sammi Leigh Melville
