If you read the book you'll hate it, If you just see the movies you'll like it

Rating: 1/10 (19 November 2005)

You know I really have to blame my ex girlfriend, co-worker, and friends for getting me into the whole Harry Potter thing. I'm really giving you guys a review from 2 perspectives. One: being if you *lighty* or never read the book and just see the movies when they come out. Two: Being the hard core Harry Potter fan who reads the books extensively and anticipates the movies to come out. I fortunately have had the pleasure of being on both sides of the barrel. Not being familiar with the series at all 5 yrs ago. I saw the first 2 movies and enjoyed them. Then went back and read all the books up to Half Blood Prince. I must say up until Goblet Of Fire...on the motion picture side the studios have done a great job staying true to the book. This one however strayed away from J.K. Rowlings classic so much it wasn't even enjoyable. Although I am aware of studio budgets and having to complete a film in under 3 hrs, key elements of the film were left out. Hagrids back story, Harry giving his winnings to Fred & George to set up the joke shop, No Doby leaving a scratch the surface plot on Barty Crouch story, and cameo's from Riter Skeeter...Sirius Black...and Draco Malfoy who played key characters in the book. The movies did have it's bright moments though. I enjoyed the humorous Professor Moody, Fred and George were equally comical, and the dark graveyard scene with the battle versus Lord Voltimort was the climax of the movie. However overall this movie was the worst rendition of the book. Which leads me to say: *If you read the book you'll hate it, If you just see the movies you'll like it*