Leaky News Archives for Opinion
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" Nominated for Broadcast Film Critics Award
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” has been nominated for an award given by the Broadcast Film Critics Association. Nominated in the category of “Family Film (live action),” OotP is recognized along with “August Rush,”... MORE
"Lord of the Rings" Tops "Harry Potter" in New Book to Film Poll
There was yet another poll released in the UK asking people to vote for their favorite film adaptation of a beloved book series. The winner of the poll was Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Lord of... MORE
Newsround Reviews the "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" DVD
CBBC Newsround has now posted their review of the of the Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixDVD. Presenter Lizo gave the latest DVD a 3 out of 5 rating, noting the best parts included "seeing some of... MORE
Live "Call-Out" PotterCast Tonight
It’s Deathly Hallows reaction time on PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, which means we’re having a call-OUT show at 8 p.m. EST. If you would like us to call you to talk about Deathly... MORE
JKR Gives New Epilogue Type Information During "Today Show" Interview
In the first of a two part interview seen on NBC’s the “Today Show,” author J.K. Rowling gave some wonderful new “Deathly Hallows”epilogue type information, where she revealed jobs and more for certain characters in the... MORE
Leaky to Ask First Question at J.K. Rowling Web Chat on Monday
As many of you have noted, you can currently submit questions to J.K. Rowling for a live Web chat the author will be doing on Monday. This morning, Jo and Bloomsbury invited Leaky to ask... MORE
First Newspaper Review of "Order of the Phoenix" Film
The Times newspaper in the UK has published what they are calling the first review of the “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” film. Giving it 3 out of five stars, the review was based after seeing... MORE
USA Weekend Article on NBA Star and <em>Goblet</em> DVD
The April 16 edition of USA Weekend, a magazine found in many Sunday newspapers here in the States, will feature the fourth Harry Potter film in their DVD Insider column. This column has celebrity opinions about... MORE
Editorial: Stanford Daily Invokes Jo Rowling in Appalling Piece of Satire
This is a rare editorial piece here on Leaky; as such, a few warnings apply. Parents, the discussion material contained in the quoted article is not suitable for young children. Kids, if you have questions about this you should go... MORE
Christian Science Monitor: Harry Potter and Good and Evil
The Christian Science Monitor has an interesting article on Harry Potter, and the influence of J.K. Rowling's books on millions of children all over the world. The piece alludes to the continuing debate over the morality... MORE
Sue's Top Ten Leaky/Harry Potter Moments of 2005
2005 was a difficult year for many. We saw unparalleled global disasters; a suffering, sadness, and life altering events with such scope and scale that our world was forever changed. There were political, ecconomical, social ,and a host of other... MORE
<em>Half Blood Prince </em>Ranks on Stephen King's List
Potter fan and best selling author Stephen King has posted his 10 Favorite Books of the Year list for his Pop of King column he writes for Entertainment Weeklymagazine. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is ranked at number... MORE
Harry Potter: Good vs. Evil, or Intro to the Occult?
News agency AFP is running a story outlining the positions of the proponents and the critics of the use of magic in the Harry Potter books and films. One camp, represented by Christian preacher Steve Wohlberg asserts that... MORE
How Much Constant Vigilance Should Parents Display?
The Salt Lake City Tribune spoke to a few parents about whether they will allow their children to see Goblet of Fire, which has been rated PG-13 in the United States. One parent said, that knowing that Harry... MORE
Sunday Mail Columnist: "Grown-Up Harry Fans Are Potty"
Sunday Mail columnist Elaine Smith fires the newest salvo against adult Harry Potter fans, deeming them "potty" and claming that the books themselves "books are great for kids but asking me to read them for my own pleasure... MORE
"Professor of Brooding" - a Teacher's Take on Professor Snape
MSNBC has an amusing essay on the classroom stylings, behaviour and attitude of Professor Snape. Contributor Mary Beth Ellis writes that he is
a man who dressed for occult success; you can’t swing an appointment as an instructor... MORE
"Times" Has Mixed Review of GoF
The Times today published its review of Goblet of Fire, and gave the film only three stars. While the spoiler-tinged review feels more like a summary of the film than a critical analysis, critic James Christopher notes one... MORE
Harry Potter and the Infrastructure of Government
A columnist for the New Hampshire Union-Leader has been musing on the role of the government in the HP series.
The Department of Magical Law Enforcement acts as a sort of KGB, rounding up citizens... MORE
The "Nature" of Harry Potter
The current issue of "Nature" magazine has a short feature on wizarding genetics and their use as a teaching tool for kids learning about heredity and alleles.
MORE
Joss Whedon, Veronica Mars and...HP
Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Serenity mastermind Joss Whedon - who has been a very vocal supporter of HP in the past - waxes poetic about his love for the TV show Veronica Mars in... MORE
Zogby Poll Places Politicians at Hogwarts
An interactive survey of 6,819 adults across the United States have determined that President George Bush and New York Senator Hillary Clinton would both land smack in Slytherin, while the US's First Lady, Laura Bush,... MORE
Harry Six Goes 'Into the Gloom,' says The Guardian
In a review published Saturday by The Guardian, reviewer John Mullan says HBP leaves readers with "a gloom not to be dispelled."
The odd glumness of this novel is partly a consequence of its loss... MORE
NYT on the Continuing Love for Harry
Harvard sophmore and soon-to-be-published novelist Kaavya Viswanathan writes in today's New York Times about first reading Harry Potter just before begining eighth grade, and her continuing love for the series.
Harry is an endearingly normal hero, enduring the... MORE
The Appeal of Harry
The Guardian has a look at the strong appeal of the Potter books for readers of all ages, as well as at others series often classified as 'children's books':
Although we can measure the size of the phenomenon... MORE
Vatican Radio Broadcast Addresses Papal Opinion of Potter
Many Leaky readers have forwarded us links to reports that Pope Benedict disapproves of the Harry Potter series, based on two 2003 letters supposedly authored by Pope Benedict (then Cardinal Ratzinger) to German Gabriele Kuby, author of Harry... MORE
More Harry-Fan Bashing by Disgruntled Muggles
The Sydney Morning Herald's Emma MacDonald joins Joel Stein from the LA Times in criticizing adult fans of the Harry Potter series. One of her "criticisms" is interesting, because JK Rowling herself has said that she never intended... MORE
Harry Potter: The Times They Are A-Changin'
Joel Garreau of The Washington Post (free registration required) offers up an interesting look at the impact of Harry on today's generation:
So I found myself looking for the muse of my daughter's generation, for its Bob Dylan... MORE
Scotsman: HP Books Instigated Adults Reading Children's Fiction Trend
The Scotsman reports that a survey by Waterstones shows that there are more adult HP book readers in Edinburgh than in any other British city, and that the HP books have instigated a trend of adults reading children's fiction,... MORE
Scholastic.com: New HBP Poster, Updated Poll
Scholastic. com has updated their Harry Potter section with a new unique poster for the Half-Blood Prince book. It features a montage of all the five previous book covers by Mary GrandPre, and has a picture of... MORE
2004: The Year in HP: A Leaky Cauldron Review
Happy New Year everyone! Because 2005 is going to be such a big year for Harry
Potter fans, we thought now was a good time to look back at 2004, which
wasn't too shabby either where we're concerned.... MORE
Stephen King: <em>Azkaban </em>One of Year's Best Films
Many readers have let us know in the December 24th issue of Entertainment Weekly author Stephen King, in his Pop of King column, lists his top ten movies of the year. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban... MORE
"Rowling should receive the Nobel."
Prolific, best-selling Chilean writer Isabel Allende, author of Daughter of Fortune and other books, said in a November 25th interview with Spanish newspaper La Razon that JK Rowling should receive the Nobel Prize.
"I admire immensely the... MORE
Harry Potter Lecture, Notre Dame
Jean Bethke Elshtain, Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Ethics at the University of Chicago's Divinity School, will deliver a lecture, "St. Augustine, Harry Potter and the Confrontation with Evil", at 4 p.m. Nov. 3 (Wednesday) in... MORE
Harry Potter: Meek?
James Cook University PhD student Natasha Giardina says most modern children's literature promotes the idea that kids should listen to their elders, and be "meek, mild and obedient":
On the surface the text seems to say, 'Look kids!... MORE
Orson Scott Card on Prisoner of Azkaban
Hugo and Nebula award winning author Orson Scott Card had this to say in his comments on Prisoner of Azkaban:
This is a wonderful movie, richly imagined and beautifully performed. The Harry Potter franchise has grown up into... MORE
Finally, Sue's Review
Last and probably least, comes this review. I've only today watched the film , and these are my immediate thoughts. It was a very fine film, not the greatest ever, but the best of the Potter films to date. Be... MORE
Of course, it's not perfect...
MovieMistakes has a list of continuity errors in PoA - vote, and if you see one, you can add your own. Thanks to the many readers who sent this in!
MORE
The Fat Lady and JKR - Role Models for British Teens
ITV reports the results of a recent poll of girls aged 16 to 18. Comedienne Dawn French, who'll be playing the Fat Lady in PoA, is the celebrity young British women most admire, and J.K. Rowling is listed second.
... MORE
Le Guin - No Fan of JKR
In an online Q&A, author Ursula Le Guin was asked for her opinion on JK Rowling's writing style. Quote: "I have no great opinion of it. When so many adult critics were carrying on about the "incredible originality" of... MORE
'Kids' Stuff' or Good Entertainment?
Newsweek is the latest in a long line of articles to speculate as to why adults are increasingly drawn to children's literature. One opinion comes from Brand consultant Rebecca Hamblin, who attributes adult interest with childhood to... MORE
Harry Potter and Human-racism
Betterhumans.com has an opinion piece on Harry Potter, Hermione and, "human-racism".
MORE
Harry Potter
The Washington Post has an article on Harry Potter commentary:
As author J.K. Rowling has built her fantasy world to the extent of thousands of pages, and disseminated it in hundreds of millions of books, she has become... MORE
Adults and Children's Books
The Telegraph has an opinion piece on the "phenomenon" of adults reading books aimed at young readers:
Until recently adults were assumed and even expected by publishers and bookshops to stick to their side of the fence. But... MORE
Fanfiction Profiles Making the Rounds
The award-winning Silver Chips school newspaper in Maryland profiled Harry Potter fanfic writers from among the student body, saying:
Die-hard sports fans paint their stomachs blue. Groupies scream their lungs out and flash the camera at rock concerts.... MORE
Movie Biz Editorial
Chris from Filmjerk.com offers his thoughts on how the movie industry markets movies, with specific discussion of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films.
MORE
Response to Harold Bloom
This Bangor, Maine editorial considers Harold Bloom's criticism of Stephen King. There's not a mention of Harry in the article, but it's an interesting follow up to yesterday's post.
Thanks to Belinda for the link!
Harold Bloom
Yale professor, literary critic and author Harold Bloom on his issues with Harry Potter, and on why Stephen King was a poor choice for National Book Foundation's annual award for distinguished contribution:
The publishing industry has stooped... MORE
A Commentary on Potter and Religion
A commentary by Daniel Drezner discusses a new Potter/religion argument currently being waged by an Islamic fundamentalist group...that Harry is part of a missionary plot to spread Christianity.
Thanks, Roni!
Harry Potter and the Plot to Spread Christianity
Political Scientist Daniel Drezner comments on accusations that Harry Potter is intended to spread Christianity through out Islamic cultures.
Thanks to both Veronica and Abigail for the link!
Harry Potter and the Libertarian Party
A review/commentary on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix from the LP News Online.
Thanks, Norman!
Eastern Influences on Harry Potter
Ahmed Fadl Shablool of Egypt speculates as to the possible eastern influences of Harry Potter.
While we recognize that there are a few translation misspellings in this article, it's still an intereresting read.
The Americanization of Harry Potter
Kimberly Noles of Oklahoma State University thinks Americanizing the Harry Potter series was a missed opportunity:
Most adults know that other countries spell words differently, but children don't. Seeing the words like colour, favourite and honour spelled differently... MORE
Liberal Leanings?
From the American Prospect:
Although some reviewers have inexplicably branded the books "monoculturalistic" and even "sexist," Rowling has admitted to being "left wing" personally and hoped that "every reader will bring his own agenda to the book." Rowling... MORE
Harry Potter 'Lame'
In an editorial from the University of Southern California, creative writing senior Craig Stern attempts to educate adult readers of the Harry Potter series:
I'd like to take this opportunity to provide a little reality check for USC... MORE
Harry & Spirituality
Rabbi Richard Eisenberg of Connecticut remarks on what he thinks is important about Harry:
These volumes, like so many other books of fantasy, stimulate us to look beyond life as we know it. They remind us that the... MORE
The Hogwarts Diet
UK's Telegraph comments on the book that toppled Order of the Phoenix from the #1 spot on the best seller's list, as well as on a new diet plan:
Some of you might be wondering by now... MORE
On Being Silly
From the San Francisco Chronicle, an article on the joy of acting young, and of sometimes being silly. While not a Harry-centric article, perhaps it is a good response to the Esquire Magazine post from earlier this week:
It's All About Harry
Commentary on the series from an English major and teacher:
Adult readers empathize with Harry as they remember all too well not being invited into conversations even though they had much to offer. Olivia however, as an 11-year-old... MORE
The Career Track
Ron Wolfe of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette notes that Harry Potter has changed what kids dream of growing up to be:
" In stories, most wizards are born with the gift of magic. Every child wishes to be that... MORE
Men Over Thirty
Fashion experts from Esquire magazine offer their list of inappropriate behavior for men over thirty, which includes staying in bed past 11 AM or wearing a watch costing less than £100. Says fashion editor Simon Tiffin: 'We were inspired... MORE
And from Neil Gaiman ...
The just posted commentary from Stephen Price notes that Gaiman hasn't commented on similarities between his work and the Harry Potter series; this August 2001 January Magazine interview with him includes questions on the subject.
Thanks to wharfle... MORE
Talent Creates, Genius Borrows?
An article from Stephen Price on similarities among literary works, imitation as flattery, and plagiarism, with discussion that includes the Harry Potter series:
A boy with glasses and black hair grows up with a foster-father, in a setting... MORE
Harry Potter: Pop Culture?
Not according to Denver Post Critic-at-Large Kyle MacMillian, who quotes one of the top op-makers at the New York Times, Frank Rich:
"The children entranced with Harry don't need a fast cinematic cut to whip them to... MORE
Harry Potter for Academics
The Kansas City Star offers up this article on scholarly analysis of the books, while noting that many Potter professors are from - Kansas.
MORE
Latin in HP
A short article from Fredricksburg, Virginia's Free Lance-Star on the use of Latin in the Potter series.
Editor's Note: Probably nothing here new for TLC readers who regularly comb the Lexicon, but possibly something you didn't know if... MORE
'Phoenix' a Success
From the Tampa Tribune, a short review plus commentary from readers, including fifth-grader Austin Sigl, who finished the book the Tuesday following its Saturday release:
``I would've finished sooner, but my mom made me put it down and... MORE
'The New J.K. Rowling'
A children's author reveals what it's like to be hailed as 'the New J.K. Rowling' - even for a short time:
Apart from a simple-minded desire to be your own self rather than a new anyone else, the... MORE
HP, SW, & LotR
From Reason Online:
When the current generation of American children looks back on the first decade of the 21st century, it is possible that the three names it will most readily recall will be not Saddam Hussein, Osama... MORE
POTTER STINKS
Paul Sheehan of the Sydney Morning Herald appreciates what J.K. Rowling has done for children's literature, but he really wishes she'd tell Harry to take a bath.
MORE
Myth and Meaning in Harry Potter
Psychology professor Don Morgenson is the latest to try to understand the draw of Harry, in an article that compares the series to Lord of the Rings:
Frodo's Middle-earth, much like our own world, is not filled with... MORE
'Imagination Drives Potter Stories'
An English professor offers his thoughts on what Harry's about, and the issues that make "many Christian parents distrust the Potter series.":
As only the child at heart can enter Lewis's Narnia, Hogwarts is invisible to outsiders. Looking... MORE
Church of Ireland on Harry
The Church of Ireland Gazette has good things to say about Harry:
...we can acknowledge that the Harry Potter books teach young people (and some older ones, too) many important realities about the world we live in: goodness,... MORE
Is Harry Jewish?
This Jewsweek commentary considers the possibility, with mention of Nimbus 2003 presenter Amy Miller's paper on the subject.
Thanks to the Amy for the link!
Remembering Harry Isn't Real
An editorial in The Beacon Journal examines the controversy surronding Harry Potter...a fictional character.
But the parent must still be the parent. If a book is responsible for a child's moral development, there is void that needs... MORE
Responding to A.S. Byatt
David Rossie of the Ithaca Journal offers his commentary on A.S. Byatt's recent commentary:
I thought I had myself figured out after all these years. Then along comes A.S. Byatt to identify the real me. Turns out my... MORE
Comparisons to Umbridge
Dave Kopel of the National Review begins an article on training pilots to carry handguns by comparing the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to Harry's latest Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Thanks to Jim for the link!
Discussion: Harry Potter and Higher Education
A group of fans is working on a presentation for a national higher education conference on what Harry Potter teaches about administrators in
institutions of learning. I thought this sounded interesting and figured I'd solicit some other references beyond... MORE
Where are our reviews?
A lot of you have asked on comments and email why we haven't yet reviewed OotP, so I thought I'd address it.
The simple answer: Time. Our lives have not calmed down as much as we expected them to... MORE
On Harry Potter
Constantine Pleshakov, a freelance writer living in Moscow and a former member of the Russian Academy of Science, comments on what is wrong - and right - about Harry Potter.
MORE
The Problem with Harry
The National Conservative Weekly weighs in on what's wrong with Harry.
MORE
A Rebuttal To the Halo Effect Essay
In an essay for How Books Sell, Teresa Nielsen Hayden shares her opinion on Harry Potter and the Halo Effect.
Thanks, Jean!
Summer Reading
The Washington Post's Bob Levy comments on a summer of reading that starts with Potter.
MORE
What is it with Harry?
College senior Natalie Burg offers her thoughts on why Harry is so gripping, and blames him for a less than stellar performance on her math final:
Had I not spent the last three days before my final at... MORE
Card on Rowling
Hugo & Nebula award-winning author Orson Scott Card briefly comments on the latest Harry Potter book, and its non-appearance on the New York Times bestseller list.
(Editor's Note: This editor very much recommends Card's novel Ender's Game.)
Thanks... MORE
Countering Byatt
Charles Taylor for Salon.com comments on the A.S. Byatt New York Times piece we linked to earlier this week. Says Taylor:
The problem is that her argument has nothing to do with the experience that anyone I... MORE
A Commentary on Rowling & Tolkien
A Commentary by Malcolm Burgess in the Evening Standard compares JK Rowling and JRR Tolkien.
MORE
Evil Harry Potter
Christopher Smith of Tennessee's leafchronicle.com offers an amusing take on just how addictive the Harry Potter books can be.
MORE