by Kristina Lasher

Created on: October 12, 2008

Generally speaking books that are adapted to film are disappointing. The Harry Potter films are an exception to this statement. I watched the first two Harry Potter films before reading any books. I believed Harry Potter to be a children's story, and thought I was too old for the genre at eighteen. My mother in law handed me the third book Prisoner of Azkban and I could not put the book down. I was literally finishing the final few pages as my husband and I were entering the drive in theater! I was only disappointed that they were some facts that were left out of the movie, but for time constraints...some information is frivolous to keep the story moving. As soon as the movie was over I gave my husband some of the extra, behind the scenes information that was omitted, and then we discussed what we were missing from the two earlier stories! The very next day I went straight to my nephew's house to borrow The Sorcerer's Stone, and The Chamber of Secrets! After I completed each book I would re watch the movies to decide how good of a job the story adapters did. The screenwriters, are able to take Ms. Rolwings vision and flawlessly transfer it to the movie screen. The designs of the sets, to the casting in my eyes were perfect. Since the first three stories I have kept up to date reading each story before the movie comes out. So currently I have read the Half Blood Prince. I will wait to read Deathly Hallows after I watch the movie of Half Blood Prince. After I enjoyed reading the Goblet of Fire is when the movies officially started to blow my mind. Seeing my first quiditch match on the big screen was exciting, and everything I hoped it to be! The further I get into the Harry Portter series I understand how far off my original assessment of Harry Potter was. Each book becomes darker, and more sinister with each page turned! I was slightly disappointed in the Order of the PhoenixI feel that being a movie the story needs to be behind one main hero. Like I said I have not finished the final edition, but I feel that the movies have not explored the character of Neville Longbottom enough. I believe that he is more connected with Harry Potter than a lot of other characters, and has become increasingly important in each book. I am truly looking forward to the release of the Half Blood Prince! I get Harry withdrawal after going more than six months without watching a new movie, or enjoying a new book! I am not sure what I am going to do next year when I complete the series. I guess I might start all over just to enjoy it all over again. I am now in my mid twenties, and I will always love the Harry Potter collection, and enjoy watching any of the movies! Happy reading!

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