Harry Potter reunion is here! The essence of nostalgia is genuinely understood when you see your fantasies manifest in some form. Dwight Schrute put it aptly when he said, “Nostalgia is truly one of the great human weaknesses. Second only to the neck”. We all wish we “knew we were in the good old days before we left them.”
Okay, I will stop with ‘The Office’ references right here. Or will I? There is an acute human yearning for good things never to end. Let us be honest. We can’t all be as pragmatic as Dwight and live up to his standard of indifference. Although, at this time of the year, we usually say, ‘tis the season of Christmas. But, the recent trend suggests ‘tis the season of reunions!
Big franchises like ‘Friends’ and ‘The Matrix’ have already developed a new product to fascinate and enthrall its worshippers. The former was styled in a special interview, while the latter was released in a film. But, it does not stop here.
‘The Office’ is planning for a reunion or more reboot; ‘How I Met Your Mother’ is coming up with one soon; ‘Game of Thrones’ is coming with a special AND a prequel television series. But the imminent, most epic reunion of all time is none other than the Harry Potter reunion! Releasing on the New Year, the special has got Potterheads excited all around the globe.
Throwback Before the Harry Potter Reunion on the Movies
Warner Bros. has been surreptitious with the details, not giving much away. The surprises packed for us will have to wait to be unpacked until next year. All we can reasonably assume right now is that because the special was shot on the Warner Bros. set, some nostalgic recreation of iconic scenes might just happen. According to the WW website, the set contains popular locations such as Diagon Alley, The Great Hall, Platform 9 ¾, and the forbidden forest. Now, who can resist such a winning deal!
We have decided to make the reunion even unique for you by looking back at all the movies in the Harry Potter franchise. So read below to be taken back to the memory lanes where each moment was perfect! Happy reading.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
IMBD – 7.6/10, Reviews
The very first Harry Potter film introduced us to the magical world of Hogwarts and our main protagonists. We saw the school we wanted to go to for the first time, standing magnificently on its hallowed grounds. The grandiosity of the building was immersive and made us feel even smaller than we were (well, some of us, at least).
The story begins with Harry and his dreadful house. His torturous uncle and auntie do not let him read the numerous letters he starts when he turns eleven. Finally, Hagrid, Harry’s protector and close friend, personally picks him up and takes him to Hogwarts in the series.
Harry forms a quick friendship with Ron and Hermoine and a lasting rivalry with Draco Malfoy. In the film, the key mystery – one of many that Hogwarts, Professor Snape, and Albus Dumbledore will unravel – was the Philosopher’s Stone. The three musketeers discover a giant three-headed dog protecting it and set out to find the secrets it hides. The film also features the first faceoffs that Harry will have with his arch-nemesis, Lord Voldemort.
‘Philosopher’s Stone’ is only the second franchise film that garnered more than a billion dollars at the box office. Compared to other HP films, the genesis is primarily mild in terms of the intensity and extent of the cinematic universe. But as they say, there is nothing like the first time, right?
Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secret (2002)
IMDB – 7.4/10, Reviews
It is this film where the Harry Potter universe truly takes off. The unimaginable scope of its magical landscape finds an apt direction with Tom Riddle and his basilisk. After another summer at home, Garry is set to return to Hogwarts for another adventure-filled year. The seemingly brilliant Gilderoy Lockhart is assigned the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Our lovely trio’s doubts about him aside, the school experiences strange incidents involving students who are found in a petrified state. The mystery behind these events once again takes Harry, Ron, and Hermoine on a dangerous and exciting path to discover the true depths of the unknown world.
I remember seeing the basilisk as a kid and remaining fascinated with it. The big snake and creatures like Aragaog, Fawkes, and Dobby catch the imagination. ‘Chambers of Secret’ was more grandiose in scale than its predecessor. However, the film also introduced vital parts of the larger puzzle that make sense as you watch more parts. The history of Tom Riddle and his connection with Voldemort is among the most important.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
IMDB – 7.9/10, Reviews
The decorated, albeit unknown then, Alfonso Cuaron helmed the third part. Not only does this film seem like the most complete of the lot in hindsight, but it also features Sirius Black, played by Gary Oldman. Compared to its predecessors, ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ has a darker tone. It also has more pronounced horror elements in the form of macabre dementors. The plotline follows Black, who has escaped Azkaban and kills Harry.
The Ministry takes extreme measures and appoints guardians of the prison, Dementors, to catch the escaped convict. However, Harry becomes involved when he learns that Black betrayed his parents to Voldemort. Invariably, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Remus Lupin plays a pivotal role in Harry learning the truth about his past.
Emotionally, this movie is the most challenging of the three. ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ deals with many characters on a personal level. It opens the door to the past and its accompanying unresolved issues. There is so much ground that it covers in terms of what comes in the following films. The balance between adventure and grounded storytelling sets this apart from the other installments.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
IMDB – 7.7/10, Reviews
The fourth Harry Potter film sees the eponymous wizard being ordained to participate in a tournament. The Triwizard games see many wizards of different backgrounds and ethnicities come to Hogwarts worldwide. There is a certain festive and carnival-like mood to the film because of this detail. Harry’s arc continues to expand in this film.
The resurrection of Voldemort is imminent and dark forces see the games as the perfect opportunity to draw Harry into a trap. However, along with other champions, Harry’s participation in the games gives a great opportunity for us to see a unique element to tournaments.
The success of the Quidditch tournaments prompted a strong response for the ‘Goblet of Fire.’ Unfortunately, this part also marks one of the few occasions in the entire franchise where a film does not end happily. Watching Cedric Diggory die was tragic and heartbreaking. However, the movie also has another exciting outcome: Voldemort appears in flesh and blood. The villain’s rise sets a grand showdown between Harry and Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
IMDB – 7.5/10, Reviews
Dolores Umbridge might be one of the most hated characters in the HP franchise. However, the fifth film saw her installed as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Her growing presence comprises the core conceit for ‘Order of the Phoenix.’ The school and its students are broken into factions.
The one with Umbridge tries to spy on and prevent those closer to Dumbledore from learning defensive spells after the former bans them. Dumbledore is soon found out and flees the school after the Ministry wants to arrest him.
Umbridge becomes the new headmistress. Soon enough, the trio tricks their way through the red tape and land at the Dept. of Mysteries. The prophecy that Voldemort is after rests somewhere in the room, and an intense duel breaks out between his and Dumbledore’s army to make for an exciting finale. As is natural with any oppressive political regime, an underground group is bound to emerge.
‘Order of the Phoenix’ uses real-life political imagery to create compelling tension. The focus in this installment shifts from Hogwarts to the Ministry and the Order. This new element is essential as it gradually becomes Harry’s own family.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
IMDB – 7.6/10, Reviews
‘Half-Blood Prince’ continues the expansion of the story outside Hogwarts. What was supposed to be a gala final year for Harry, Ron, and Hermoine, turns into a living nightmare. The most expensive film in the franchise follows the quest of Harry and Dumbledore to destroy Horcruxes, little parts of Voldemort’s soul. Dumbledore and Harry seek out these little pieces before Voldemort finds them. The semblance of order that existed before because of the Ministry is disrupted, and the universe is thrown into chaos.
This part also has one of the most shocking moments of HP history involving Severus Snape and Dumbledore. There is a strong undertone of politics and a balance of power between various factions. ‘Half-Blood Prince’ is more mature and less fanciful than the other films in the franchise. The unraveling of different plot points is poignantly constructed in the most enduring way possible. Do yourself a favor and rewatch this part after the ‘Deathly Hallows Part 1’. Your appreciation will increase manifold.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1 & 2)
IMDB – 8.1/10, Reviews
There is a weird sense of discomfort when you get to the final two parts. Then, finally, something so valuable and dear to us is ending for good. The magical world of Hogwarts will forever remain a memory in our minds. But the makers give the franchise a hero’s send-off. After Dumbledore, it is our beloved Snape’s chance to tip his hat.
What turned out to be a resentful, jealous, and aloof character becomes a hero in a matter of minutes. The first part ends on a scary part, as Voldemort finally lays his hands on the Elder Wand (with a particular twist). The tide seems to be entirely against Hogwarts. Facing guaranteed defeat, the silent and slumbering voices of the remarkable institution rise to meet the expected enemy together.
The goosebumps that you feel when McGonagall cries for the community to come together is the defining moment of the final chapters. Hogwarts turns into a battleground, and the key to survival is Harry himself. The forces of the good rally around him and his courage is severely tested. But the bespectacled hero lives up to his name and, with the help of others around him, restores the status quo.
By the final film, the Harry Potter franchise established its status as the most momentous achievement in filmmaking in modern history. The balance between fantasy and theater is emotionally and visually satisfying.
Harry Potter Reunion Special
So, finally, the Harry Potter reunion. The WB studios will again see the trio and many other memorable cast members reunite to commemorate the franchise’s completion of twenty years. The special has already been filmed and will be available to watch on New Year’s Day on HBO Max. It was announced by WB back in November, and since then, the excitement has run unabated.
Of course, it would be bizarre seeing all of them back again, older and wiser. But, for die-hard fans, the feeling of nostalgia would be overwhelming as the memories come flashing back.
The creator of the novels, JK Rowling, will also be present at the event. There will be a lot of secrets spilled, feelings of cast members about the films and their journeys, and discussions around the franchise.
What to Expect?
Try to sit down before you start watching it. As a precautionary measure, keep a box of tissues beside you. If precedent dictates proceedings on the day, there will be a lively mix of both emotions. In addition, the New Years’ gift from Warner Bros. will be yet another opportunity for all of us to start a rewatch of the films beforehand. So get your horses ready and start the festivities for the Harry Potter reunion!
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