HARRY POTTER: THE RETURN TO HOGWARTS
UK/US, 2022, 90 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Eran Creevy, Joel Pearlman, Georgio Testi.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the release of the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, here is an opportunity to meet Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, in conversation, reminiscing about the 10 years of their lives in making the Harry Potter films.
There is some complaint about the presence and non-presence of J.K.Rowling, especially in view of the more recent controversies and her views on gender. However, the filmmakers have incorporated some comments from the archives on the making of Harry Potter.
Interestingly, the four directors who participated in the making of the film is have significant interviews, especially American Chris Columbus, director of the first two films, in conversation with Daniel Radcliffe. There are clips of his direction. This is also true of Mexican Alfonso Cuaron, director of the Prisoner of Azkhaban, jovial interviews with Mike Newell and his humorous wrestling match with one of the Weasley twins and breaking his ribs, and rather more serious comments from David Yates, the Director of the final films. Also present is the producer, David Heymann.
Everybody will have hopes for who will be present and interviewed. Other characters, like the deceased Alan Rickman as Snape, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, are seen in sequences. However, there are substantial interviews with a very genial Robbie Coltrane, an intelligent Ralph Fiennes and his interpretation of Voldemort, Jason Isaacs on how to interpret Lucas Malfoy, the presence of Tom Felton in scenes as well as his reflections on his 10 years of filmmaking. Gary Oldman appears, in conversation with Daniel Radcliffe, remembering the making of the film as well as a plot developments. And Helena Bonham Carter turns up full of expected vigour and mischief.
Mark Williams is there commenting about the Weasleys, but only glimpses of Julie Walters, the twins who played the twins, Bonnie Knight who played the daughter. Some comments from Toby Jones and Ian Hart.
With the film going over the making of each of the films, the development of the plots and characters, the film serves as a happy reminder of the plot of the Harry Potter series. A chance to relive these stories, however briefly.
In reflecting on the Harry Potter films and their enormous success as well is the effect that they had on children reading in the 2000s, J.K.Rowling has contributed a great deal of imagination to a generation (and their parents and, to follow, their children).
Of the three central characters, it is Rupert Grant who comes across most effectively, pleasant, humorous, down-to-earth, most likeable. Emma Watson is, as might be expected, rather Hermione-serious. And Daniel Radcliffe comes across as might be expected.
With its comparatively brief running time, many audiences will be tempted to watch the documentary again – and again.
