J.K. Rowling Bio Lifetime Movie Review

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Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story dramatizes Joanne Rowling's life from her childhood until the beginning of her success.  J.K. Rowling, author of the mega best-selling Harry Potter series, is one of the richest, most famous women in the world. It is difficult to believe the downward spiral her life had been on before she sold "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". It is a rags to riches story for the ages.

Rowling is first seen as a highly imaginative child, making up stories for her friends, sister and herself to act out. Many of these were about witches. She was very smart and always wanted to be a writer. Rowling attended a private school with uniforms with a very nice headmaster.

It was fun seeing some of the people in her early life that became the inspiration for characters in Harry Potter.  After watching Magic Beyond Words, you will have no doubt that Rowling's red-headed college friend, Sean, was the inspiration for Ron Weasly, especially after this exchange as Rowling says goodbye:

Sean: Maybe you'll write me into one of your stories
Rowling: You're such a weasly guy

It is after leaving college, on a train, where the idea for Harry Potter comes to Rowling. However, soon after this, her life becomes more difficult for many reasons and progress on Harry Potter is slow. The movie takes on a much more serious tone until things can't get much worse.

When the happy ending finally arrives, even though the whole world already knows whats coming, I couldn't stop crying. It wasn't just the rags to riches aspect; there was a personal connection that touched me also. However, I can't imagine anybody not being moved.

Poppy Montgomery (Without a Trace) did a wonderful job as J.K. Rowling. If you are a Harry Potter fan, books or movies, you should not miss this Lifetime original movie. Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story premieres July 18th at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime TV.

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Full disclosure: I am part of the Lifetime Moms Affiliate network and received a screener from Lifetime of Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story to review. However, all views are completely my own and I was not paid any financial compensation for this review.