Honestly, I was never a fan of the wider Harry Potter universe.
I do recall when the original book -- the very first Potter adventure -- was making waves in the literary community. As a response to all of the good news, I went out to a local bookstore and picked up a first edition of the U.S. printing -- not the British one or import -- and read it with some interest. Sadly, it just didn't do anything for me. It felt a bit too -- erm -- proper. A bit too forced. A bit too 'staged' magical. While I can appreciate that it struck a chord with younger (and young-at-heart) readers, it just fell flat with me ... but I did end up selling that first U.S. edition for a pretty respectable price on the ol' eBay back in the day. I'll never pass up the chance to make a decent buck, that's true.
In any event, I still thought it might make for an interesting cinematic property. I welcomed that news with some curiosity, and I remember even dragging my wife to see the film during its first week in theaters. Alas -- much like the book -- it just didn't work for me. In fact, I thought the entire first film was damn near boring -- if I'm being perfectly frank with readers -- and my wife felt much the same. Again, I'm glad that it was so warmly embraced by millions upon millions around the world. All I can really say is that I -- for whatever reason -- just don't share what you see in it. Things like that can happen.
But I'll always appreciate the efforts of talented souls who helped to bring that world to life for so many, and the fabulous Robbie Coltrane enjoyed his own corner in that cinematic universe. Though I'll likely remember him for his contributions to ther properties and franchises, I think it's grand that so many know him for this project. Hopefully this interest will someday encourage others to seek out what the talented actor did elsewhere, as I think his performances deserve wider study.
Alas, none of us live forever: word reached my desk just this morning via the Information Superhighway that Mr. Coltrane has left us once and for all. Thankfully, we'll always have his screen work to remember him by.
As always, prayers are extended to the fans, family, and friends of Mr. Coltrane in their time of need.
-- EZ
I do recall when the original book -- the very first Potter adventure -- was making waves in the literary community. As a response to all of the good news, I went out to a local bookstore and picked up a first edition of the U.S. printing -- not the British one or import -- and read it with some interest. Sadly, it just didn't do anything for me. It felt a bit too -- erm -- proper. A bit too forced. A bit too 'staged' magical. While I can appreciate that it struck a chord with younger (and young-at-heart) readers, it just fell flat with me ... but I did end up selling that first U.S. edition for a pretty respectable price on the ol' eBay back in the day. I'll never pass up the chance to make a decent buck, that's true.
In any event, I still thought it might make for an interesting cinematic property. I welcomed that news with some curiosity, and I remember even dragging my wife to see the film during its first week in theaters. Alas -- much like the book -- it just didn't work for me. In fact, I thought the entire first film was damn near boring -- if I'm being perfectly frank with readers -- and my wife felt much the same. Again, I'm glad that it was so warmly embraced by millions upon millions around the world. All I can really say is that I -- for whatever reason -- just don't share what you see in it. Things like that can happen.
But I'll always appreciate the efforts of talented souls who helped to bring that world to life for so many, and the fabulous Robbie Coltrane enjoyed his own corner in that cinematic universe. Though I'll likely remember him for his contributions to ther properties and franchises, I think it's grand that so many know him for this project. Hopefully this interest will someday encourage others to seek out what the talented actor did elsewhere, as I think his performances deserve wider study.
Alas, none of us live forever: word reached my desk just this morning via the Information Superhighway that Mr. Coltrane has left us once and for all. Thankfully, we'll always have his screen work to remember him by.
As always, prayers are extended to the fans, family, and friends of Mr. Coltrane in their time of need.
-- EZ
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