Arts & Entertainment

Harry Potter Ushers in Midnight Magic

Hundreds of Harry Potter fans attended the movie opener at Snellville Oaks.

Whether a wizard or a muggle, Thursday night was a chance for Harry Potter fans to say goodbye to their beloved world of magic.

Anxious moviegoers arrived shortly before 10 p.m. for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at Regal Cinemas Snellville Oaks Stadium 14.

Twelve of the theaters 14 screens were airing the film, with showtimes lasting from midnight to 2:45 a.m. Throughout the area, other theaters also offered midnight showings. For many moviegoers, the evening wasn't just the ending of a film but also an era.

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"The movies started when we were in the third grade and we just graduated from high school this year," said Holly Belcastro, a Lilburn resident attending the midnight screening with her friends, who were all wearing Harry Potter costumes. "It's like the end of our childhood."

It has been nearly 14 years since author J.K. Rowling introduced the world of wizadry to audiences. Since then the book series has consistently remained a New York Time's best seller and has spawned a billion dollar movie franchise. Aside from its financial success perhaps the most fascinating result of Pottermania is it's ability to span across generations.

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"We've read all the books and seen all the movies," said Trish Feeney, who has attended every Harry Potter film with her father, Mike Feeney.

As Potter lovers waited to be let into the theater many exchanged hugs and shared their excitement and sadness about the film's final installment. Almost everyone in attendance donned some form of a costume, and within the group of mostly strangers there was a sense of community.

"The midnight showing is the best one to go to," said Kylie Fernandez a resident of Lilburn. "The crowd is so quiet throughout the whole movie and then at the end everyone claps."

The film is already project to break box office records and perhaps become the highest grossing opening weekend film of all time.


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