Group Book to Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Begun a decade ago and encompassing six shelf-bending novels, the seventh and concluding volume of the international literary phenomenon that is the Harry Potter saga comes to a bombshell-packed - and oh so satisfying - conclusion in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, arguably the most wildly anticipated release in modern publishing history. (from Goodreads)

Sadly, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final book in this spellbinding series by J.K. Rowling. I have to say, I was one of those who had spent hours agonizing over what would go down in this final installment. I had notebooks full of theories..yes I needed a life, but that is neither here nor there. There is so much on the line for Harry and his friends and it all comes to a head in this poignant conclusion. 

In all honesty, upon reflection after the initial omg I finally know what happens feeling faded, I really was not overly impressed with this book. I didn't find it flowed as well as it's predecessors. The story seemed to stutter several times before finding a rhythm towards the end. Did I still enjoy it, yes, of course. However, when held up to the first six books I found it lacking.  A must read, of course, merely to see how all those loose ends get tied up. But not an earth-shattering finale in my opinion. 

My Rating: 

I try to be a fast reader, I really do, but I simply ran out of time here, and I haven't even started The Deathly Hallows. Since I am a terrible person, you won't be getting my opinion of the book, but I will tell you my opinion on the movies.

These two movies are probably the most-watched flicks in my household, and really, I'm not sick of it, yet. It's a nerve rattling story and it made me cry and flinch and even snort a few times. 

Though I do think there was a lot going on (which will probably also make me huff in the book), which left a lot to remember, and a lot to click here to there from there to here. I like braiding with stories, but come on... We don't need five million strands going on at one time.

All in all I think it's a great conclusion to this saga, tied up everything in a nice little bow, and didn't disappoint at all. As a movie on its own, it's highly enjoyable.

My Rating:

And so we leave the best for last! This book had to have been a challenge to write; with all the storylines Rowling needed to bring full circle and the loose ends to tie up. For those Potter fans that think they knew exactly how this would end, don't be so sure, Rowling keeps you guessing until the very end about what will really happen. I loved this book most of the series, how fantastic as a reader is it to be invited into this person’s life, to live with them for several years, to experience their pain and happiness, joy and sorrow. Through these 7 extremely well written books we have gotten to ride along with Harry and company and now we get a front row seat to the finale! We’ve read Harry’s journey, now we get to read the destination!

I think Rowling did a fantastic job and it was a fitting end.

My Rating:

Along the way they have left entirely too much out of the books when making the movies, it just makes me ill. They completely destroyed Neville’s character, he was definitely a main character in the books and they tried to turn him into a side show in the movies, they make up for that slightly in the final movies. The relationship with Harry and Ginny was NOT, NOT, NOT relayed at all accurately in the movies! That being said, the movie in and of itself, LOVED IT! Part 1 was a bit slow in places but it was a necessary step to get to the finished product. I saw Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part II at a midnight showing; there were more people there in costume than not. It was so fantastic, the kids were having duels and playing quidditch, there were even 2 grown men dresses as Sirius and Severus dueling it out with their wands; it just made the experience all the more fantastic.

The fastest 2.5 hours of my life, from start to finish this movie kept me engrossed and anxious. I’ve read the book twice, I know what’s going to happen! And yet, I was sitting on the edge of my seat like a giddy school girl. There is a lot of darkness in this movie as well, many people die, many senseless deaths; sacrifices are made and the bonds of friendship that have been forged are put to the ultimate test, who will make it out with their lives? If you are the one person on the planet who hasn’t seen this movie (any of these movies) you must! It touches those of all ages and all walks of life. 

My Rating: 

Group Book to Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal - even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly. (from Goodreads)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the series by J.K. Rowling. Overall, this book is one of my least favorite in the saga. We do  meet even more new characters and some new creatures, and that is always exciting. However, the story felt drawn out to me and downright slow in some places. I felt like the action started, stuttered and then stopped in certain areas. The climax is really what saved this book, in my opinion, from being mediocre to the core. While I did enjoy it overall, it still sometimes felt like a chore reading this book. 

My Rating: 

As much as I thought the book was redeemed by its ending,I found the movie to be beyond redemption almost from the beginning. Brilliant and funny scenes were left out of the adaptation leaving me bereft. Some characters were either completely omitted, changed or downgraded. Whole chapters were glossed over or left out; fifty pages cut down to seven minutes in the film. The replacement Dumbledore, I think, was the biggest letdown for me. I know it was unavoidable, but I just felt this actor came off as creepy in the extreme.  It was disappointing to say the very least.

My Rating:

And we return to the *sigh-time* books.

Would someone please explain this to me? I mean, I realize that the third book blew me off my feet and was very enjoyable and all that good stuff, but seriously? I’ve read four, (obviously) and 3 of them have bored me. This is where I gave up last time I tried reading these, and seriously, if Mel wasn’t telling me book five was good, I’d probably give up again.

To me, there was just so much going on in this book; it’s no wonder Rowling got bored. It’s a 700+ page book, and honestly, a lot of it wasn’t really necessary . . . Just my opinion. Like Rita Skeeter. I know she has her purpose, but with everything else going on in this novel, did we really need to add another person? If she’d have kept it on the Tri-wizard Tournament, I wouldn’t have gotten so friggin’ bored (and she might not have, either).

Another thing; can we stop with the Dark Arts teachers? I understand the point, it’s an easy way to enter new characters, but really… By this time I know they’re either evil or leaving! It’s not really a spoiler at this point—they’re all crazy. The job is cursed. Just give it to Snape, dammit, he actually WANTS it and he could probably handle whatever “curse” was on it. Bah. Why can’t a student be evil? Or the school be attacked? There are a lot of ways to introduce a new villain besides this schoolteacher. It is predictable and predictable is boring…

So, at this rate, my expectations for book 5 are low, again. Watch, I’ll like this one more! Haha

My Rating: 

2.5, really, but we don’t do halves and I’m rounding down today, so…

Now, for the movie. This is kind of like book 2 for me. After Chamber of Secrets, this was my favorite movie in the series. I thought it was traveling darker than 1-3 (and I love dark stuff) and I was startled several times when I watched it.

But I have to mention this. Now that I’ve read the books, I have to know, when did Hogwarts turn into McKinley? WHY does everyone have to sing and dance now like we’re watching Glee? (This coming from the girl who will watch any and every musical on the planet…) First we have them singing, “Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble” and now, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang come in with a performance? Seriously? I love musicals as much as the next person, but really?

And Ron…Dammit, Ronald. THIS is where I truly started hating Ron Weasley. All he does from here on out is pout and whine and cry over a bunch of crap. Sure, he’s upset about Harry getting the spotlight again, but if he had stopped and used the brain that was put up there (for apparently no reason), would he really WANT this? To be the boy-who-lived and be the one everyone looks to when there’s a problem? And instead of ignoring the life out of your date, why not go and ASK HERMIONE OUT IF YOU LIKE HER SO MUCH? I was hoping this was JUST in the movies but no. The only reason I mention it here is because it was very OBVIOUS to me in the movies.

Besides Ron, I really did like the movie…Even if half the book was missing…but really, unless we divided it in two, how do you get 700+ pages into a 2½ hour movie?

So, just looking at it as a movie, it’s a 4.5. Looking at it as a BOOK-TO-MOVIE, it’s a 2…so I’ll go in the middle and say three quills. Seem fair?

My Rating:

In the fourth installment of the series, Harry and his friends face new challenges and some of our beloved secondary characters take on a more prominent role. My personal new favorites are Fleur and Viktor along with their headmasters Maxine and Karkaroff. As well as one of my all time favorite parts of all the books, The Unforgivable Curses.

Rowling magnificently conveys how Harry and his friends are maturing in their fourth year and brings forth some resentments and infatuations. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that Rowling is definitely moving on to more serious matters. Friendships and honor are put to the test as the tension, jealously and anxiety comes to a head.

Rowling's undeniable talent keeps the suspense building throughout the book, I found myself flipping back several chapters to re-read certain things to ensure I was understanding some of the intricately entwined plots correctly. The Goblet of Fire will leave you anxiously awaiting the next installment.
My Rating:

FINALLY! I am not so upset that they left stuff out of the movie, I didn’t have to deal with the Dursleys!! WooHoo!!! I am, however, extremely upset that they boiled several chapters in the book down to 15 minutes in the movie.  Let’s be honest, when you take a 734 page book and attempt to squeeze it into a 2 hour movie, you are bound to miss some of the good stuff! 

I just watched this movie again (for the 51st time!) and as usual, it flows so well and before you even know it, it’s the end.  I can’t get away from the lack of story for Neville in the movies though, he was so much more prominent in the books and his story is almost an afterthought in the movies.

We come to the end of another fabulous Harry Potter movie. Of course, in the end, Dumbledore has the best line! “Dark and difficult times lie ahead Harry, soon we will all have to make the choice between what is right, and what is easy.” Somebody please tell me when Harry has ever been able to take the easy way out???? It was perfectly spoken though. LOVED IT!!! But that’s just my two cents.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Group Book to Movie Review

For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter's defeat of You-Know-Who was Black's downfall as well. And the Azkban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, "He's at Hogwarts...he's at Hogwarts."

Harry Potter isn't safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst. (from Amazon.com)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the series by J.K. Rowling. It's also my very favorite book in the series.  We meet even more new characters and watch as Harry struggles with new information about his parents lives and ultimately their deaths. In this installment Rowling introduces us to the dementors of Azkaban and I have to say, they are the stuff of nightmares.  Honestly, the dementors scared me more than the thought of Voldemort. This is also where learn about Animagi, wizards who can transform into animals. Rowling really outdoes herself in the plotting of this novel. She ratchets up the suspense and intrigue and tiptoes over the line from children's book to something just a tad bit darker and more mature. I loved every second of it. 


Harry's determination to fight the dementors effect on him brings us some of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series yet. I know I teared up quite a bit while reading this book. Also, we meet two of my very favorite characters ever in this book. I am talking of course, about Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Professor Lupin is a wonderfully complex addition to the Hogwarts staff. And Sirius Black, where do I begin? His character has so many layers and different facets, (not that we get to see them ALL in this book, sorry) and he's just disarmingly vulnerable in his slightly crazed ways in this book.


The growth of Harry, Ron and Hermione and even some of the professors is fantastic to witness. Professor Snape reaches new levels of nastiness because of Harry's new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who actually seems to know his subject!  Tension is high between Ron and Hermione because her new pet seems to have it out for Scabbers. With the telling of Sirius Black's story we learn about how things were when Voldemort was at the height of his power. It's chilling, to say the least. Things are definitely getting more interesting at Hogwarts.


This book really cemented the series in my favorites of all time. It's not rushed or drawn out, the mysteries unfold with perfect pacing. The action, suspense and intrigue combined with Rowling's wit and humor made this book absolutely perfect, in my opinion. I loved that I had NO idea where she was going with the series in general or this book individually; I was just along for the amazing ride.

My Rating:

And now we move onto the movie. Sadly, this is where the movie adaptations start to go downhill in my opinion. I made myself watch this movie again, just so I could be sure I still despised it. I'm sorry to say, I still do. There isn't a whole lot screenwriter Steve Kloves and director Alfonso Cuaron got right here, in my opinion. I have 4 pages of notes, front and back on the things the omitted, changed or just fouled up. I promise not to go into lots of detail or rant for that long. But there are a few things I need to say. 

First of all, if Harry got a letter from the Ministry of Magic for Dobby using a hover charm in his house the previous year, WHY would he be magically lighting his wand to do his homework in bed? This irks me. It's the little details that don't mesh with the canon that get under my skin and make me want to boycott Hollywood.  And unfortunately this is just the first in a LONG line of snafus. 

The Weasleys are so important to Harry in the books, I hate how they make them almost trivial in the movies at times. The twins shine in all  seven books and they get cheesy synchronized jokes in the movies. None of their true comic brilliance shows. Frankly, it disgusts me. Ginny is another who has been cut out of important scenes in the movie. Important events are forgotten completely, like Harry's birthday, when he receives cards for the first time and Christmas when he receives a mysterious gift that causes the trio to separate by gender  for a time. All completely swept under the rug. The stress of preparing for exam time is totally forgotten.  

  

Let's talk about the new cast members. The brilliant Gary Oldman is Sirius Black; he is perfection in the role. Emma Thompson brings the batty Professor Trelawney to life beautifully. And then we have Professor Remus Lupin. David Thewlis is a wonderful actor, don't get me wrong. He is NOT, however the actor to play Lupin, to me. He's too old and honestly, he creeps me out. 

The thing that bothers me the most about this movie, though, is the way they pick and choose where to use Harry's invisibility cloak. They botched this completely. Harry's cloak is an important weapon in his arsenal.  Why would he NOT use it? Also, where is Gryffindor's glorious Quidditch triumph? There's no Oliver Wood, no Cedric Diggory and no hilarious Lee Jordan commentary. 

There is so much more wrong with this movie. I won't bore you with all of my observations though as they are sure to get repetitive. Suffice to say that I was not in any way, shape or form impressed by this movie. They destroyed one of my favorite books of all time. 

My Rating:

This is more than generous in my opinion, I only did two because there are some films later that will make this one look brilliant. 

I shall be honest with you, readers. I have been unimpressed and bored-to-tears with Harry Potter books 1 and 2. I don’t know if it’s because I remembered those movies, or because I simply thought they BOTH read like children’s books, but I didn’t like either of them. Didn’t hate them, either, but I wasn’t thrown off my rocker in excitement. And I like to get thrown off my rocker.

So, to say my expectations for The Prisoner of Azkaban were low would be an understatement. I actually was considering bowing out of the book portion of the reviews and just saying my opinion on the movies because I couldn’t stand continue with all the blandness when I have a to-read list longer than a centipede..

But! Hot damn, I’m glad I didn’t! The third book, in my opinion, knocked the other two out of the way and rocked so hard I simply couldn’t walk away. And sitting at work with my nose in a book and going, “Lemme finish this chapter!” when people wanted to check out…Well, let’s just say I got some weird looks…

I digress. The Prisoner of Azkaban is a non-stop thrill-ride from cover to cover and has the best lines ever! I actually saw some chemistry with Harry and Ginny (which I thought was the dumbest coupling ever just watching the movies…like, really?), was reminded even further why I love the Weasleys, (especially the twins, oh my gosh), and saw again, hey, Neville has a purpose! I loved Hagrid and Dumbledore in this book and for once, was not thrown off by the Dark Arts teacher (anyone else noticing a pattern, there?)

For the first time since starting this series I actually WANT to pick up book 4 and get right into it! Wasn’t bored for a single moment and I’m really glad I didn’t give up on this!

My Rating:

…Now, ah. For the past two movie reviews I’ve been asking what the bloody hell is wrong with you movie-haters, because they were so close to the books, and I’ve never seen anything so good, yes? And me, being me, assumed this would be the same case—Love the movies, dislike the books…
…

I UNDERSTAND THE RAGE NOW, PEOPLE!

Honestly, what the ever-loving—?! This was the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen! Just in the first fifteen minutes they knocked out nearly 80 pages of USABLE and GOOD material, with hilarious commentary and awesomeness! Now, I understand that you can’t just sit and watch Harry doing nothing and have a voice-over tell you what he’s thinking (yes, I dislike that in movies) but REALLY? I don’t want to give away any spoilers but…but… God.

Here, I will give hinty-spoilers. WHERE THE HECK DID THE WEASLEYS GO?! They had a major portion of the first few chapters and had a big ole bite of the suspense and what did we get? Mrs. Weasley fussing over Harry per usual, Mr. Weasley doing something that NEVER HAPPENED in the book and the twins causing trouble? What? Where was Percy? And Ginny? No wonder I didn’t like Harry/Ginny—THEY HAVE NO DEVELOPMENT!

Another thing—why didn’t we just change Ron’s name to Sniveling Moron, why don’t we? I can’t be this air-headed—I don’t remember Ron whimpering and whining and being a total bother the entire book. Sure, he was still Ron Weaselby but….ugh.

And here’s the weekly Where’s-Draco? complaint.. Seriously? He is in the book so much MORE and he isn’t so cry-cry either. Who wrote the script? Who directed this? The entire crew should be fired, less the cast. God.

I’m doing a lot of yelling in this review, aren’t I? I’m sorry. I’ll try to keep it down…No promises. I’m mad.

Whoever directed this movie should be banned from Hollywood productions. This isn’t some cheap, Tim Burton rip-off we’re doing here, where all you do is add creep music and lighting to make things spooky, it’s HARRY FRIGGIN’ POTTER, dammit! World-wide sensation and you, Director, made it tacky. Congratulations… AVADA KEDAVRA! You see? You’ve made me a Voldemortella. Very nice.

It’s kind of obvious I’m not impressed with this movie, at all. As a book-to-movie, and just as a movie. Just…no.

My Rating:

And that's being generous cuz I've seen worse movies!

“Vernon Dursley speaking” Lord give me strength, I want to strangle the life out of this man, bring him back with one of Harry’s spells, then strangle him again! That being said, Kudos to Rowling for giving us someone (aside from You-Know-Who) to HATE! This is one of my favorite books of the series, our introduction to Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

In a way, the writing grows with each book just as Harry does, yet another reason I love this series! The storylines have grown as well, especially with this book; death and revenge, the feeling of being completely powerless. The plot is more mature and involved this time around, compared to the first two books. In Harry’s third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he has no idea what’s in store for him and his friends.

There is always an adventure at Hogwarts just waiting for Harry and company to arrive, and this year is no exception. Enter Sirius Black, the feared prisoner of Azkaban. He has escaped and it would seem he is heading straight toward Hogwarts, or better yet, straight for Harry. Security is tight and Harry has cabin fever; he also has his cloak of invisibility which enables him to attend the field trip to Hogsmeade; permission slip be damned! The strange and questionable are not so far out of the ordinary with these books; but I immediately noticed Hermoine’s ability to be in several places at once. ‘Hermione’s Secret’ is my favorite chapter in this book.. “Now, pay attention… If all goes well, you will be able to save more than one innocent life tonight.” So much happens in this third installment of a beloved and well written series that I can’t even begin to name it all. It would be hard not to break our No Spoilers rules as well!

I will leave you with this; the story I took away from this book in particular is the easy way out is not necessarily the out to take. Loyalty, trust, friendship and love encompassed with an innate sense of right and wrong are what you should hold on to. Harry Potter is like a fine wine, he simply gets better with age.

My Rating:

And now on to the movie…. 

The first Harry Potter movie I took my youngest son to see, he was 7 at the time. He spent a good portion of the movie with his head buried in my lap! I LOVED the tagline for the movie poster “Something Wicked This Way Comes!” Harry is having a difficult time at home with his family (I use that term with vile disgust) as usual and longs to be back at Hogwarts, his true home. These movies have a knack for grabbing your attention from the start and not releasing you until they roll the credits! We start with Aunt Marge, it seems to have been ingrained into the Dursleys at birth, the ability to be utterly loathed by anyone you come in contact with! Let’s just say I think she got what she deserved in the end.

The Knight Bus; I can’t imagine it moving from the pages to the screen any better, I truly loved the way it played out. True to form though, the movie leaves out some good stuff from the books. Percy Weasley, for example; his appearance in the movies is almost a cameo, he was much more present in the books.

Harry finally makes his way back to Hogwarts but it is not the happy homecoming he was expecting. The school is placed on lockdown with the addition of the dementors; loved the movies take on them as well, I think it was spot on. This movie included a lot more from the books than it’s predecessors in my opinion, thank goodness! Thrust back into Harry’s magical world we are introduced not only to the Dementors but Black and Remus as well. I especially liked the classroom scene with Remus and the closet where Harry conjures a Dementor on accident. Oh and the way Remus helps him perfect his Patronus Charm; was that not a brilliant stag rendition?!

The director was able to move the darkness and the uncertainty that is Harry’s world in book 3 to the big screen ALMOST flawlessly. Buckbeak was beautiful as was Hermoine’s fist in Malfoy’s face. At the time I watched this movie it was my favorite of the 3, it has since been replaced, but it is still one of my favorite movies ever!

My Rating: 

Group Book to Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and WIzardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone - or something - starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects... Harry Potter himself? (from Goodreads)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  This was a fantastic follow up to a phenomenal debut, in my opinion. We find Harry back on Privet Drive and not enjoying his summer vacation. Life with the Dursleys is never fun, but Harry is missing Hogwarts and his friends almost painfully. The action starts at the beginning and carries on throughout the book.  Rowling broadens our horizons a bit by introducing some new characters and having Harry discover some new facts about the wizard world. For example, this is where we first hear about the wizard prison, Azkaban and we delve into Harry's ability to speak to snakes, as well. 


I really enjoyed learning more about Hagrid's time at Hogwarts and loved the use of memory to tell the story in Riddle's diary.  The diary was very interesting to me, but I had no idea how important it would become. But I'm getting ahead of myself, sorry guys.  One of the things I love most about Rowling's writing is once you've read the entire series you can look back and see how masterfully she laid the groundwork for everything that happens. Every character is important in some way, even if they are only mentioned in passing. 


We also get our first glimpse into a wizard house in this book, The Burrow definitely did not disappoint. I loved getting to see where the Weasleys lived and the richly detailed descriptions Rowling gave us to paint a picture of their everyday lives when the kids weren't at Hogwarts. I love the Weasleys, and we meet Mr. Weasley in this book, and I personally adore him and his Muggle obsession. The Weasleys treat Harry like family from his first visit and made him feel like one of them which endeared them to me even more. For once, he isn't ignored or taunted, but fussed over and overfed. It's a lovely change and I enjoyed reading it. 

Harry is struggling through a good portion of this book. Rumors abound and classmates are avoiding him but Harry takes it in stride. He is such a strong character. Of course, a lot of his strength comes from having Ron and Hermione by his side. This trio makes these books sensational, in my opinion. Not only the bond of their friendship, but the loyalty and humor they show when together really draws you in and gets you emotionally invested in their story. 


Overall this was a stellar second installment. It definitely left me wanting more.

My Rating: 

And now for the movie, I have to reiterate how much I loved the casting of these first two movies, both directed by Chris Columbus. The old players are back again and then we add the brilliant Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy; school governor and father of bratty Draco. Also they added Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley , Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic and last but not least, everyone's least favorite professor, Gilderoy Lockhart played expertly by Kenneth Brannagh. Brannagh, especially was perfect in the role. Lockhart may be an idiot, but he's very funny (even though he doesn't mean to be). 


I know there were many omissions in this movie but I still enjoyed it. I wonder a lot if that would be true if I'd read the book before seeing it. I guess we'll never know. I thought the scene in the chamber and, of course, Harry and Ron's trek into the forest following Hagrid's cryptic instructions were both very well executed. I did miss the twins banter, they definitely have a larger role in the books. Overall though, I love this movie. I have no complaints. 

My Rating:

Major *SIGH* going on here, guys. 

Which is kind of odd in and of itself because The Chamber of Secrets was (and still is) my favorite movie out of all 8, before I'd read the books themselves.

But... *huffs* Really. This book was slower than molasses in January. Watching paint dry or grass growing would've entertained me more. I am assuming this is because I know who-did-it and I know what's going on and blah-blah-blah but I could barely finish this one. I considered putting it down a lot and skipping to book three.

Sure, it picks up about half way through (action, obviously), but up until then I was just...not impressed. It read like a book in the 9-12 section for me. And Lockhart and Colin Creevey made it even HARDER. Seriously. I thought Gilderoy Lockhart was hilarious in the movies and Colin I often felt bad for, due to Harry avoiding him like the plague (he's 11 and you're an idol, stop hating life for three seconds and say hello -_-'), but once I started reading about them, Gilderoy seemed less "Funny" and more "I know this guy and I really don't want to read about them...", and Colin...well... Let's just not go there.

And the sad part? The part that actually captured me, I can't talk about! I am a firm believer in "Do NOT put a spoiler in the review!" and if some of y'all haven't seen the second movie or read the second book what ROCK are you hiding under, man!? I don't want to ruin it. *sigh!* How about I just say, "Hagrid", does that work for y'all who've read it? You must know what I'm saying, yeah?

What did I like... Oh! I love the Weasley's. Besides Ron...of course. But seriously. Mrs. Weasley is just awesome in this book. And the twins! God, I love the twins, oh em gee. LOL! I was literally laughing hysterically in the middle of work or Starbucks or the park while sitting alone and I know people had to think I was crazy, or something, but seriously. Fred and George are the best thing in literature...ever. American, European, Pluto-nian. Whatever.

So. Boring as waiting for a cake to cool, but I loved the backstory given and the drama at the very very VERY end.. So. Again.

My Rating:

(2.5 but there is no half, so I'll round up because 

I'm feeling generous)

As I said above, this was my FAVORITE movie out of them all when I was watching them when I was younger (didn't even know there were books...ha.). Moaning Myrtle was someone I really liked, surprisingly, and Lockhart and Creevey, again mentioned above, were both tolerable and even humorous at times. 

And the graphics, my GOD. When was this movie made? Because the basilisk and the spider (will never look at snakes or spiders again without thinking of this movie) were better than some things filmed today, and considering how AWESOME animation is getting, that's saying something. And the Howler? Eek! Exactly how I'd pictured it! God.

The casting, too! WONDERFUL! How dare the director be changed?! Christopher Columbus was doing a wonderful job, #$%^ it! Ugh. What was my point again? Oh, yeah. Casting. Could we have had a better Mr. Weasley? Seriously! 

"So, tell me, Harry. What, exactly, is the purpose of a rubber duck?"

I was crying. I loved this! It was absolutely magnificent! From the car ride in the sky, to Mr. Malfoy (shudder with a side of "please die" glares, anyone?), to Dobby who is probably the second best thing in the world (*twins). 

"Dobby will have to punish himself most grievously for coming to see you, sir. Dobby with have to shut his ears in the oven door for this."

"Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!" *bangs lamp repeatedly into skull*

I was laughing so hard in this movie. And at the near-end, I was chewing my nails to the bloody quick. Probably will always be my favorite! Even if I could barely stand the book..........

My Rating:

I am probably going to be quite brief with the first several books as they weren’t exactly my faves, that being said, I did not dislike any of the books in the series. As usual, I digress!

Back is Rowling's masterful storytelling and uniquely detailed plots that at times twist and turn! As well as her marvelous characters and witty dialogue, no tedious “getting to know” the character(s) as we already know who Harry is and his place in the story. We do, however, get our introduction to Dobby (I LOVE DOBBY!). All our favorite characters from Hogwarts return in this action packed sequel to The Sorcerer’s Stone.

In the first book, I was amazed at how well Rowling was able to conceal the true nature of the plot whist keeping the characters as well as us (the readers) right in the thick of it. In the end, everything fits together. In this installment we get more of Hagrid’s backstory along with introductions to some great new characters like Ginny Weasley, Lucius Malfoy and Moaning Myrtle! I really enjoyed the way Rowling played this one out with the memories showing the story. Especially the way she slipped Tom Riddle’s diary in there.

Many of the characters Rowling introduces throughout her books are only there to visit with us for a brief time, while others actually have important roles in the overall saga (as discovered in later books). Their existence helps to keep the books fresh and new. You discover SO much more with the Harry Potter books than they ever delve into in the movies, it is upsetting as some of my favorite parts and/or people were never included in the movies.

Again, I digress; my favorite part of this book was again, the memories that were woven into the here and now adding to the intrigue of the overall story. Giving us that needed glimpse into the past and answering some questions the reader may have had after visiting with Harry and his friends in book 1. Also I loved the introduction of Ginny Weasley, we didn’t quite yet grasp where this story would take us in this book but, I just loved her story. You got a bit more Ginny in the book than you did in the movie, atleast they left her in the movies at all (we will discuss this further in future reviews!). The phoenix was a welcome addition, adding a bit of mystique in there.

I give it 4/5 Quills!

And now for the movie! Another cute family friendly movie, just a teensy bit darker with the chamber and the diary but still family friendly overall. One of the things I love most about all of the books and movies is reading and watching these kids grow up.

There are so many scenes where I found myself laughing so hard I almost wet my pants. Most of them included Dobby and Mrs. Weasley. And of course, the banter between the twins is so hysterical in the movies, (even more so in the books, &%$#@#@$%, but, we won’t go there!)

When they first get to the school and Snape is so pleased with himself; then when they aren’t kicked out of school the look on his face, you’d have thought a litter of puppies had just been skinned! Snape is pompous in his determination to have them expelled you can’t help but laugh when he doesn’t get his way.

So we get a little spooky, and there is something lurking around Hogwarts and only Harry can hear it. Wooooooooooo… I do like that they took that dark twist that the book showed with this movie and kept it true to the book in that respect at least. (They were picking and choosing, weren’t they! Oh let’s just leave out every 3rd character and every other paragraph from the books! Sorry I’m babbling). Loved, loved, loved the entire chamber scene; that was almost exactly how I saw it when I read it. And one of my least favorite characters, Gilderoy Lockhart, why the hell couldn’t they leave HIM out of the movies!

All in all I enjoyed the movie for the parts of the book that they decided to include! 4/5 Quills simply because of all the stuff they left out!

 But that’s just my two cents!

My Rating: