Quote of the Week: August 16

"Harry Potter is all about confronting fears, finding inner strength, and doing what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend."
— Stephen King on the two series

Harry Potter 'Obliviates' the Competition

I honestly was fully committed to not posting anything on Harry Potter again for a long while (well, at least until Pottermore launched) but, as it turns out, I've come back to gloat. ;)

The latest installment in the Potter franchise has already set the following records:

* Highest Midnight Gross - $43.5 million
* Highest Single-Day Gross - $92 million (Friday, 07/15/11)
* Highest Domestic Opening Weekend - $169.2 million (U.S.)
* Highest global opening weekend - $478.2 million.
* Highest IMAX opening weekend - $15.2 million (a $55,000/theater average)

There's more where that came from, however, because on Wednesday Potter became the highest grossing franchise ever with $2.223 billion in sales worldwide, just surpassing Star Wars (though the latter remains the most attended franchise).

More random HP stuff . . .

Check out this creepy Parseltongue Translator from Warner Bros.

Did you know? A Michigan effects company was employed to help make Deathly Hallows — Part 2 transform into 3D.

I Just Watched: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2

This final Potter film is pure perfection. The attention to detail in the surroundings alone is marvelous (and includes the return of Devil's Snare and Cornish Pixies!). Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is brilliant and has truly shaped into a phenomenal actor. That said, just about every single person in these films is brilliant and I must give shout outs to my other personal favorite characters/performances: Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy). To have turned one of the most (if not the most) beloved book series into films this wonderful is a true accomplishment. The outstanding score, plot, action, special effects and set design of these movies is Oscar worthy in and of itself and I would be shocked to hear of one person who doesn't enjoy watching the conclusion of Harry Potter's story in all its glory, where once and for all good triumphs over evil. I must be sure to say, however, that you should not see this movie without having at least watched Deathly Hallows — Part 1 because it jumps right in (and if you haven't read the books or seen any of the movies please do me a favor and have a marathon of one of the two).
Best on-screen moment: Hermione takes polyjuice potion to become Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham-Carter) in order to break into Gringotts Bank and find a horcrux.

In Honor of Today . . .

Since "it all ends" tonight, I wanted to share two of my favorite Harry Potter-related videos and three that are equally great, so please enjoy "Harry Potter in One Word," "The Mysterious Ticking Noise," "American Talk 2" and Jimmy Fallon's "Pros and Cons: The Last Harry Potter."

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

StyleWatch: Final 'Harry Potter' Premiere

I know you're probably thinking, "Enough with her Harry Potter love/obsession already." This next week is pretty much my last chance to truly flaunt it (at least until I can enjoy the new site, pottermore, privately), so please bear with me.

The following are my style picks from yesterday's London premiere for the final installment in the Harry Potter franchise. The event wasn't quite an award show but was incredibly star studded, especially when it comes to the cast, and was an emotional and exciting landmark for everyone involved, including JK Rowling and an entire generation of readers.

Ladies

It's pretty much a given that Emma Watson made the list. That aside, Watson's gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown fits the tone of the films perfectly through its whimsical, fairy-tale style. The neutral gray and beige tones look great with the actress' newly darker 'do as well.

Clemence Posey, who plays Fleur Delacour, went for a similar style to Emma's but with a much more summery feel (and some truly stand-out footwear). The dress is lovely and she really owns it.

Gents

Many of you may be thinking, what the heck is Glee's Darren Criss doing in this lineup? Well, I'll tell you. It just so happens that Criss rose to stardom not long after starring as the boy wizard himself in A Very Potter Musical at University of Michigan. So, naturally, the hunk has been on hand at a few of the premieres since and manages to look incredible (and crazy energetic) each time. I just love his patriotic (USA) attire in lieu of the recent festivities across the Atlantic (he's wearing head to toe Tommy Hilfiger).

Last but not least is Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy!) looking quite dapper in an amazing suit. His character is one of my faves and I can't wait to see some of his big scenes in the finale.

Why isn't it July 15th yet?! (Side note: Daniel Radcliffe and everyone else looked wonderful as well!)

Quote of the Week: July 6

"It seemed like the most unnatural thing to do, to kiss this person I'd known since she was nine. ... We laugh a lot and it took us a while to concentrate. We did it four times."

— Rupert Grint on kissing Emma Watson in Deathly Hallows to Attitude





(Side note: Werk it, Ron! Ha)

Do we really have more Harry Potter in store?

Heck yes! And I am thrilled.

JK Rowling announced her new project, Pottemore.com (no, sadly, it is not a book) recently and revealed on June 23 that the website will be a revolutionary online reading experience shaped by the imagination of fans, allowing a unique experience for the digital generation. The site opens in October and interested parties can sign up for email notification now.

Yay.

For even more Harry Potter goodness check out the final trailer ever below. Simply epic.

PR Word of the Day: One-Sheet

One-Sheet (n.): A single document that summarizes a product for publicity and/or sales. Used most often in the entertainment industry.

What spurred my sudden interest in one-sheets might you ask? Well, Harry Potter of course (because let's face it, I'm such a nerd that if there's a Harry Potter article floating around the Internet, I will read it). To the right is the just-released official one-sheet for the final installment of the Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2. Chilling, no?

For other Deathly Hallows promotional posters click HERE.

Harry Potter 7 Part I Promotional Posters - Incredible!

The promotional campaign (poster-wise) for Harry Potter's newest installment is simply amazing. I am itching for this to just get to theatres already! Check out my favorites below. (There are so many, trust me, this is only about one third of the total.)

LOVE the three different taglines, as well. So subtle. (i.e. "Trust No One," "Nowhere is Safe," and "The Hunt Begins")