It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for: Nov. 18. At 11:59 p.m., movie theaters across the world will open their doors to screaming fans in robes, holding wands and brooms, casting spells and crying, sad that the series is approaching the end. For those of you who have been living in a shell the past 13 years, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” premieres tonight. I only have four reasons, because quite honestly, you don’t need explaining why you should see the movie. This is one of those things with only one choice: Go.
- To be socially accepted by the people you live with. My two roommates and I are huge Harry Potter nerds, but the other one, the one who has never read any of the books, seen any of the movies, the one who didn’t even know who Lord Voldemort was, has been disowned for the last couple days. That is until she wanted to watch all the movies leading up to the premiere (only because I didn’t want her asking me questions the entire time at the midnight showing). I’ll be honest, if you want to be my friend, you have to like Harry Potter or you don’t make the cut. Maybe that’s a little intense, but you definitely aren’t high on the list. While some people may not be quite like me, you should go see Harry Potter if you want to be accepted among your group of friends.
- Let your inner geek out. Some of us talk about Harry Potter all the time, but there are those who may hide their passion for Harry Potter throughout the year for fear of people laughing at them. If that is you, today is your day to talk about Harry Potter all you want, because you know thousands of others are doing the same thing. This is the one day where people talking about Harry Potter will not receive judgmental looks, but rather give them to others not discussing the books and movies. Take advantage of this moment.
- A chance to dress up, besides Halloween. Who doesn’t love being in costume? We all love it because it’s a chance to be someone we’re not. This is no different. It’s the one time when looking like a muggle–oh excuse me, non-wizard folk–is not acceptable. You will be out of place if you aren’t dressed like a wizard. Everyone can relate to one of the characters in Harry Potter so dress up like him or her. Plus, it makes the moment more “magical.”
- The end of an era. The first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” first appeared on bookshelves in 1997. Since then, there has been either a book or movie released nearly every year. Keeping people interested in the same series that amount of time takes a lot of work. Not all authors can accomplish that. Read the books and watch the movies, and take part in this worldwide phenomenon.
Stephen King said, “This is one series not just for the decade, but for the ages.”
Mataloni is a sophomore news/Internet journalism and music major and can be contacted at rebecca.mataloni@drake.edu
