Why 2017 Is a Very Significant Year for Harry Potter

MovieWeb



With every new year brings a new beginning, a chance to wipe the slate clean and set some new goals to accomplish. Each year also brings new anniversaries and milestones that are passed with each coming day, and as we look forward to see what 2017 may have to offer, this year marks a very important milestone in the Harry Potter franchise, albeit one that may not be readily identifiable. While it isn't stated or confirmed anywhere in the Harry Potter books or movies, a deep dive into the franchise reveals that 2017 is the year that Harry Potter's son Albus first starts at Hogwarts.

The epilogue of J.K. Rowling's final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and the finale movie of the same name, features an adult Harry Potter, Hermione and Ron Weasley as they all take their children to Platform 9 3/4, as Harry's middle son Albus heads off to Hogwarts for his first year in this magical school. This epilogue is set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, and although an exact date is never given in the book or the movie, Cinema Blend's investigative work reveals that this important moment does in fact take place in the year 2017.

While the eight Harry Potter movies were released in a 10-year stretch between 2001 and 2011, the stories themselves take place in the 1990s, although specific years are never confirmed. However, there is one event that takes place in the second movie/book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which fans have used as a landmark of sorts to determine what years each book is set in. 

Early on in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter attends the 500th deathday celebration for the ghost dubbed Nearly Headless Nick, played by John Cleese in the movie. In the book, the deathday cake features Nick's tombstone, which reads, "Sir Nicholas De Mimsy-Porpington Died 31st October, 1492."

This means that his 500th deathday party took place in October of 1992, which means that the Battle of Hogwarts took place in the spring of 1998, specifically, May 2, 1998. In fact, on May 2, 2015, the 17th anniversary of the Battle for Hogwarts, author J.K. Rowling even took to her Twitter account to apologize for killing off Fred Weasley in the Battle of Hogwarts, adding that she will continue to apologize to fans for various deaths in this battle every anniversary. Last year, she apologized for killing Remis Lupin, played by David Thewlis in the movies.

It isn't clear if J.K. Rowling has any plans for new stories that may show what happened on the first day of school at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the children of Harry Potter and the Weasleys. The author often releases new Harry Potter short stories through the Pottermore website, including two short story collections that debuted this past fall, not to mention the hit play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is gearing up for its U.S. debut on Broadway in 2018, and the movie spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which hit theaters in November and kicks off a new series of five movies.

30 Jun

Gio Again @4GioGio4

What time period was Harry Potter's setting in

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AusTig @TigTailRamHorns

@4GioGio4 Book two. Nearly Headless Nick's 500th death day cake had this. pic.twitter.com/fsv0gLQWDj

2:12 PM - 30 Jun 2016

'American Gods' season 1 spoilers: New character not in book appears in series

International Business Times

British author Neil Gaiman talks to a reporter as he arrives at the premiere of the animated movie "Coraline" in Portland, Oregon February 5, 2009. Reuters

Those who have read the book “American Gods,” which will serve as the basis of this upcoming series by Starz, have witnessed all sorts of gods that walked the earth because of worship though history. However, it looks like one crucial plot point that was not part of the books has found its way to the series -- guns.

Spoiler alert! This article contains “American Gods” spoilers. Read on if you would like to know what happens next before the next episode airs

Popular Neil Gaiman novel-turned-TV series “American Gods” will be addressing guns in a very real way. The show, which will debut in April 2017, gives another look at gods who roam the earth because people have made them real through their faith. However, in America, these gods have to fight for the attention of believers who are putting their existence at risk by worshipping newer gods that have risen out of newer habits. These include the gods of the Internet and social media.

Entertainment Weekly, in its exclusive first look, reveals a new character who roams through both worlds in the series -- Vulcan. This character is played by Corbin Bernsen and is loosely based on the Roman god of volcanoes and metallurgy. Therefore, this makes him the god of weaponry and fire which, if translated to a modern setting, equates to a god who does fairly well in a setting where guns rule.

Showrunner Bryan Fuller reveals that Vulcan is the god of the volcano and the forge, therefore, the modern-day extrapolation of what this god could do equates with America’s obsession with guns and gun control. He also reveals that, essentially, if one has a gun in his or her hand, it is a mini volcano; and there is a lot that this character could do.

Vulcan did not appear in Neil Gaiman’s 2001 novel, which serves as the basis for the series. However, Gaiman himself finds this character to be an important and relevant addition. The idea first appeared when Gaiman was due to write an episode for the series. Fortunately, co-showrunners Michael Green and Fuller thought that such was a great idea and found a way to make the character appear on the show.

Viewers can see Vulcan and his companions when “American Gods” premieres on Starz on April 2017. It was originally planned for HBO, but the project was shelved. Its broadcaster in Australia is yet to be announced.

My favourite reviews on ChristianAnswers.net for 2016!!!

You all know how much I love this site! Well, as my gift to you, I have compiled some of my favourite Christian film reviews of the year.  You are going to LOVE these:-)

Doctor Strange - 

Marvel films have always had a profound respect for science and what they have done with “Doctor Strange” is take a very brilliant, scientific character who has built his entire life on the knowledge and boundaries that his science-based education has given him and put him in a compromising situation that forces him to explore the limitless spiritual side of the world that he has never given any regard whatsoever to before. That being said, it has more than its fair share of controversial material that is sure to offend those sensitive to signs of the occult. “Occult” can be defined by “supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena.” There is no masking the fact that a black-and-white thinking, logical doctor is led into a fantastical world of “occultism” and that, by default, creates lots of gray areas in his newly reforming points of view about the universe. He experiences spiritual journeys though different kaleidoscope-like places that he finds difficult to fathom. In short, the word that most critics are commonly using to describe this movie is “trippy.” It is that! Mixing up essences of several world religions, “Doctor Strange” has many uses of symbolism and fictitious emblems of opposing spiritual groups to give its story gravitas, but I am honestly not schooled enough in these things to tell if any of the symbols are actually made up for the comic only or are “real” occult images.

Obviously, different groups being assigned a symbol to identify its henchmen and whatnot does not make that symbol inherently evil. However, like many films before it, “Doctor Strange” does use its beguiling imagery to make witchcraft and the occult look powerful, appealing, and to seem like a positive thing to pursue. As Christians, we are called to heed Galatians 5:20 and run from all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, selfish ambition, factions, and strife. Put in a Galatians 5:20 frame, “Doctor Strange” is a film about being propelled by “selfish ambition” to discover the power of “witchcraft” and “sorcery” in order to participate in a spiritually based “faction” wrought with “strife.” I would highly recommend not bringing teens or those who are in the process of incubating young, still-forming, worldviews to the film.

Kubo and the Two Strings - 

"I just saw this movie with my daughter, and it was highly problematic. As usual, the effects and storytelling are used to make the antibiblical friendly and accessible (and to cause empathy) in the viewers. I had great doubts about seeing this movie when I saw the previews, so I regret that I did not stick to my feelings. First, there is the issue with communicating with the dead. Being that the religion of the characters is traditional, esoteric eastern Asian (or maybe Buddhist… I am not well versed in Buddhism), you have the main action begin when Kubo desires to speak with his dead father (like everyone else at some religious holiday they are celebrating with floating lights). 

Previous to that, Kubo seems basically like a warlock or witch or something with the paper show he creates. From there, you get a little Harry Potter and Voldemort’s horrocrux when the mom somehow cast her soul into a monkey talisman that later comes to life upon her death… But, like Voldemort, she isn’t dead, because… she cast her soul or a fragment of it or something into a monkey. Yeesh! That was absolutely even more shocking on top of the communicating with the dead..." Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Aletha, age 39 (USA)

Star Trek Beyond - 

"The particularly insidious part was the rewrite of Sulu’s character as a homosexual. I found it particularly hurtful that they involved an innocent little girl. I think promoting this is harmful to the most precious, innocent children that we are setting examples for. Boycott this film."
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Christian, age 33 (USA)

Moana - 

"I happened to be invited to this movie. This movie is filled with episodes of occultic nature. This is a typical scenario to brainwash our children into following false values. Believing in yourself, reincarnation, communication with spirits, false gods and nature worship are portrayed throughout the film.

The movie had a really good animation and storyline. I wish there was a movie with good moral story just like in old days.

Particular emphasis shall be made on communication with spirits. These spirits are not friendly spirits just like they are portrayed in the movie. Coming out of New Age occult, I can confirm that there are real demons behind the spirits that will manifest some day when a child starts calling on it to come. These kind of movies are particularly good in achieving its purpose of convincing little spectators and people with little or no discernment. One has to be born again in order to see the kingdom of God. Once we are born again, we get a special set of “spiritual eyes”. God truly reveals all hidden things behind what looks like innocent kids movie.

Can you ask yourself honestly? Have you been born again? Do you read the Bible every day? Have you stopped watching TV and all “worldly” entertainment taking you away from the truth of seeking Him diligently? Do you want to spend time with our Father by praying, fasting and knowing His Word as oppose to anything else? Do you like to evangelize and share the Word with everyone? Do you know His will for you? Do you have His Holy Spirit in you? Are you saved? Do you belong to any denomination? If you do not, please know that you are following a false Jesus. Repent and turn to the Bible for ALL answers to your life long problems. Ask and you will be given."

My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Olga, age 36 (USA)

Top Ten Witchy Nerd Moments of 2016

10) Wonder Woman is made a UN Ambassador, then not the UN Ambassador due to stupid and, oh yeah, she's bisexual which comes as a shock to no one. BTW, her movies needs to HURRY UP and not suck.



9) Azealia Banks comes out of the broom closet with a video and states she has been practicing “three years worth of brujería” (Spanish for Witchcraft)



8) "I am One with the Force and the Force is with Me."



7) Bucky, I am your Father!





6) "Hello, I'm the Doctor and I know a Super Hero. Super Heroes are cool."



5) Enchantress who???



4) Best. Cosplay. EVER!!!



3) J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter's Extending Universe (My daughter, the Hufflepuff, is very happy now that she can find Cosplay items in stores now;-)



2) Not even Witches could stop the Rise of Donald Trump


1) Fuck You, 2016