Hi J-14ers!
It's no secret that I'm a Harry Potter loyalist... which probably explains why when I saw Rob Pattinson's new film Water for Elephants, I kept drawing crazy parallels between the two. Now I'll admit some of these are absolutely crazy, but see for yourself what you think...
1- Best-Selling Inspirations: Sara Gruen's book Water for Elephants, which the film is based on, was on the New York Times best-seller list for 12 weeks when it came out in 2006. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels have broken so many New York Times best-seller records that a separate list for children's literature had to be created in 2000.
2- Tragic Orphans: The character Harry Potter's entire being stems from the fact that his parents were killed by He Who Shall Not Be Named when he was just a baby, leaving him to fend for himself. Likewise, Water for Elephants' Jacob Jankowski's future was full of hope until he found out that both his parents were suddenly killed in a car accident... and is left to navigate the world on his own.
3- Runaway Trains: While the majestic Hogwarts Express whisks the Hogwarts students off of Platform 9 3/4 to transform the young wizards and witches into pros, the rickety train of Benzini Brothers Circus that Water for Elephants' Jacob hops on transforms his life too -- leading him to a new career, new life, and ultimately, a new love!
4- Taming of the Animals: When Jacob and Marlena in Water for Elephants first meet the elephant Rosie, they learn how charming she can be, but also how dangerous she can suddenly turn... much like how Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy learn to tame Buckbeak.
5- Team Rob: And not to save the most obvious for last... but Rob Pattinson played Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire's oh-so-adorable Cedric Diggory and now plays Water for Elephants' oh-so-irresistible Jacob Jankowski... which finally made me understand Team Jacob, errrr, Team Jacob Jankowski, that is. (I'll always be Team Edward in my heart!)
Ridiculous reasons? Maybe... but it's still fun to compare, right? And I'm dying to hear what you have to say about my crazy comparisons!
Can't wait to hear from you!
Rachel Chang
J-14 Editor
