Very good movie, but should have been done in 2 parts

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 2007)

I think overall for doing a 900 page book into one movie it was good. Obviously any of us who have read the book will all say the same thing. It should have been done in 2 parts to cover all the pertinent material. However since it was done as one movie, they did the best they could. The story flowed nicely and showed the progression from sad young Harry to angry teenage Harry. The emotional factor was just right (several people in the theater were crying.) I think as an avid reader of books I've come to accept that movies will always be far inferior to the book themselves. As a huge Stephen King fan I've learned that a great book doesn't necessarily a great movie make. But there are exceptions. Jaws was an equally well written book as well as a movie (even though there are several obvious differences between the two.) Anyway my point is that this movie was enjoyable from start to finish with a strong and emotional storyline. Did it equal the book? No. But it didn't destroy it either.
Anyway in my opinion, movies are meant to distract and entertain us. Books are meant to transport us into other people's lives and worlds by allowing us to emotionally get involved by a writer's words. Movies are visually pleasing and instantly gratifying, but books take hold of our emotions and make us feel sad, happy, angry, etc. and stay with us for a very long time. So cherish and savour the books and enjoy the movies for what they are, pure entertainment. Which this movie was. Fun, entertaining and emotionally charged. Definitely go see it and Enjoy! Jason (6.19.73)