Movie vs. Book

Rating: 7/10 (12 July 2007)

The movie obviously could not live up to the book so those who are die hard book fans, don't expect too much. The movie seemed very short and many great parts from the books were either left out or shortened greatly. To catch every detail from an 870 page book, the movie would have to be 12 hours long so I understand some things need to be cut out. However, there is no need for the fillers such as the bird paper airplane in the first defense against the dark arts class and the detention where every one is writing with the hand cutting pens. Instead could we see some Quidditch? Maybe St. Mungo's? Fred's and George's swamp? Or how about the Quibbler interview? And last but not least, the Prophecy explanation by Dumbledore at the end of the book? Why not add some more time onto the movie to put these things in. I just don't get why the longest book is the shortest movie. Although these things were cut out, I don't want to be a downer completely. The movie was still very fun and entertaining and the special effects were great.
Now the most ridiculous (I can't even think of a word that would express my anger fully) thing about the movies is the actor playing Dumbledore. Get rid of your stupid Hollywood ego and play the part you are supposed to play. Forget about trying to make it your own. This is not a role that should be tampered with. Richard Harris played the ideal Dumbledore as I saw in my mind in the books. There is no twinkle in his eye anymore, where's the tall hat, no half moon spectacles, and he certainly should not have the temper or attitude that is portrayed in the movies. I can say this honestly, for those of you who have read the books, when Snape fulfills his unbreakable vow to Draco, I will not be upset in the movie. I just can't express how disappointing it is to see this character completely different in the movies than who I adored so much in the books. There really needs to be a change of actor or a change of acting style, b/c I've seen the current Dumbledore outside of the Harry Potter series and he is a good actor.
All in all, I love the Harry Potter series and I would just like to see more accuracy from the movies. Go in with an open mind and you will enjoy the movie whether you've read the books or not. Can't wait for book 7!!