Nice article - almost evokes a nostalgia for something that hasn't quite ended yet, and I've felt that about other things in my life. I haven't kept up with Harry Potter after devouring the first few books and couple of movies, but one thing I admired about it is that while it's a marketing juggernaut now, it started as largely a word of mouth phenomenon. It's long since lost that, but there was something like pure joy of discovery fueling the initial success rather than crass commercialism.

This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net , which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States, and to Boston.com. Nice work!

Lovely piece, Kati. It mirrors almost completely my initial reluctance about Potter and subsequent adoration, my disappointment in the film and most of all the incredible stew of feelings about the end of the series. Thanks!

Funny. This latest film was my favourite by far.

It may be because I read the book years ago, and so didn't have annoying comparisons blocking my enjoyment of the film. It may be because the acting of the three leads has improved immensely. It may be because the subject matter was darker, more political, and the movie reflected that in its cinematography -- the magic in this film was grounded in the prosaic (and was, therefore, all the more threatening and/or powerful), rather than cutesy flourishes, as was so often the case in the earlier films.

I know it had its problems, and I definitely don't begrudge people their opinions or disappointment.

But I, for one, liked the film. So much so that I will probably go and see it a second time.

(Great piece here, by the way. I will be looking forward to reading your review of the final book.)

Oh I will be in line with other Potter freaks waiting for the stoke of midnight too. I'm so upset it's over, and yet happy all the same. It will be good to finally know the ending, and if J.K. Rowling is as good in this book as she has been for the last, I don't we'll be disappointed.