By CARSON HUFFSTUTTER

ceh017@latech.edu

 

J.K. Rowling has cast her spell over readers and viewers of all ages with the popular “Harry Potter” series, and she is sure to continue with the Nov. 18 film premiere of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

With the sales and success of the books and movies the author has captured many imaginations with a fantasy world full of wizardry, potions and magical characters. 

“The fourth book, [“The Goblet of Fire”], is my favorite; that’s why I’m so excited about the new movie,” Alicia Comeaux, a sophomore education major, said.

Comeaux said she read all of the books the day they came out and was glad to see the latest “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” arrive at her doorstep this summer.

“[J.K. Rowling’s] writing is challenging, but you can understand it; it makes it interesting to read it,” Comeaux said.

Comeaux said she thinks the books are popular among all ages because of the issues Rowling addresses.

“A third grader reads it, and they just see the magic, but an older person reads it and sees the deeper struggle that Harry goes through with other people,” Comeaux said.

Clair Little, a junior family and child studies major, said although she has only seen the movies, she can understand why the Harry Potter series is so popular.

“The plot and scenery are appealing to any age,” Little said.

Little said the movies can be confusing at times to those who have not read the series, but it does not take away from the entertainment.

“Some of the language was confusing because I had not read the books, but I got the general idea,” Little said.

Little said the hype for the Harry Potter series is everywhere.

“I was in Memphis this summer and noticed kids dressed up at local bookstores to get the new book at midnight,” Little said. “I think it’s neat that kids get so excited about a book.”

Jennifer Kuhnell, a senior medical technology major, said she was so impressed with the books that she has read some twice.

Kuhnell said “Goblet of Fire” was her favorite book and hopes the movie will not disappoint her.

“The movies have been a little disappointing because there is so much in the books, and they can’t do it all,” Kuhnell said.

Kuhnell said she recommends the book to anyone and calls Rowling’s talent and series “a literary work of art.”   

“[Rowling] is extremely descriptive, and she knows where every point is going, she said.

“It drives you nuts, but it’s also what you love about it.”

Kuhnell said she is excited about “Goblet of Fire” coming out and is probably going to pre-order tickets.

“I have been excited about this movie since the book first came out,” Kuhnell said. “The book came out, I read it and said OK, now the movie.”

A total of six books now make up the Harry Potter book series.