So while I await the release of The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest in paperback, my oldest son suggested I read the Harry Potter books.

Why not?

I figured I might actually be able to finish the last book by the time the last movie comes out.  Plus this gives me a chance not only to get some more insight and backstory from the books, but also a reason to revisit the movies on Warner Blu .

Typically I like to read books before I see movies that way I get a better understanding of the characters and their motivations.  I didn't do this with the Harry Potters 'cause, I'll be honest, I figured they were kids' books.  (On a tangent: I had a former employer of mine pick up Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for me while they were in England.)

I don't think any book can be translated to film without making changes.  It just can't happen.  The differences between the book and the movie aren't too bad.  The Dursley's are much bigger assholes in the book.  There's a character named Peeves whom, thankfully, did not make it to the movie.  We learn more about the Weasley's other children.

Some scenes were written differently for the movie.  In most cases it makes sense.  Some stuff in the book was just cut short.  Much better translated to film as longer scenes.  (Neville and his broom.)  Even the final battle (and tasks leading up to it) was a bit different.

In the end I have to say the first movie was a faithful adaptation of the book.

Next time I write one of these I'll do it earlier than 11:30 pm so it seems a bit more coherent.


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