Fanatics seriously turn me off. I used to be one for Star Wars, and the people around me were just frightening. I've sworn off fanaticism, and instead embraced the ability to enjoy movies, books, games, consoles of all kinds without enslaving myself to them.
Having said that, I think it's a mistake to deride something simply because it's popular. There are always ridiculous fanboys and girls that can sour the joy of a casual pleasure-seeker with an overabundance of enthusiasm. The Harry Potter series does certainly take it's cues from many past works, but I don't think that's a weakness.
Before you choose to despise a work based on a shallow idea of it's overarching concept, I suggest you give yourself the chance to see if you can ignore all the hooplah and see if you can enjoy it for it's own built-in merits. It does not sound like you've actually read any of the books. And it may very well be that you do read one of the books and it does nothing for you. There are PLENTY of people who don't care for Harry Potter or the series. But it's a shame to dislike something so vehemently without at least giving it a fair shake.
For my part, I was very much of your mind at first. I had little interest in the wave of Harry Potter fanaticism that seemed to engulf the kids and the media. When the first movie came out, I figured, "Okay, I'll see the movie. And if I like it, maybe I'll pick up the book." I quite enjoyed the film and subsequently the book as well. I've also enjoyed reading all the subsequent books, but I wouldn't say I'm a fanatic about it. I enjoy the series mainly because Rowling manages to create situations and characters that are quite applicable to real life. There are very real life lessons being learned by the young proxies in very cleverly fantastic ways.
It doesn't offend me one whit if you don't like the things I like. It just seems kinda weak to dismiss it just because you don't like the names or the idea of a Wizard's School. Remember, Luke Skywalker is a pretty dumb name when you get down to it. So is Bilbo Baggins. And so are all the silly words Tolkein and Herbert made up. And how melodramatic is it to call something a "Death Star?" I'm going off on a rant here, but I'd just hate to see anyone deprive themselves over pre-conceived notions.
No...I can't stand Wizards!!!
, so I don't imagine they would be made from a business standpoint. Sideshow's LOTR proved it.
