Wow...much more enjoyable for me this time around...I have read this one the least and this is only my second go around. I vaguely remember being disa...moreWow...much more enjoyable for me this time around...I have read this one the least and this is only my second go around. I vaguely remember being disappointed in this book (even moreso in the movie...the movie still disappoints me), but this was a pleasant surprise (at least as far as rereads go).(less)
Outside of the first 2 books this one is my favorite of the final 5. It is also the most superior IMHO of the book to movie translations...The movie w...moreOutside of the first 2 books this one is my favorite of the final 5. It is also the most superior IMHO of the book to movie translations...The movie was one that I only borderline liked...it is so far from the book it is disappointing...A battle at the Weasleys that never even happens in the book and then totally destroying the ending as well as blowing an opportunity at a great wizzarding battle...it barely even registers in the movie...
The book is excellant...the movie only so so...Only the fact that I hated both parts of the 7th movie, keeps me from calling this the worst installment...once again the book rates very high on my list of the potter series.(less)
Aaaahhhhh, what a pleasant surprise! I know it sounds ridculous (or Riddikulus in honor of Lupin), to read abook for the fourth time and be able to ut...moreAaaahhhhh, what a pleasant surprise! I know it sounds ridculous (or Riddikulus in honor of Lupin), to read abook for the fourth time and be able to utter this phrase. I have long long loved the harry potter movies, although not nearly as much as I have loved the books. For some reason most of my recollections about this book, were in fact based more upon the movie than the book and they differ far more than of the others thus far (I seem to remember being disappointed even more by the next movie however).....The movie is still very enjoyable but so many subtle changes take place that the 2 differ in many areas.
This still remains a 5 star read even upon multiple rereads! My son and I are rereading and comparing books to movie in this series, and while I alway...moreThis still remains a 5 star read even upon multiple rereads! My son and I are rereading and comparing books to movie in this series, and while I always like the book better than the movie, thus far the biggest gab between both enjoyability and accuracy to the book lies in this book/movie combo. Perhaps my memory had been skewed by the movie as I thought this might not be quite as good as the others (and in honesty the first and 2nd will always be my favorites for theior youthful innocence), but it is absolutely on par.....Quite a feww differences in this book/movie as compared to the others...granted all have differences and some of them are positive changes to boot (a thought echoed by the author as well).
A timeless classic that can be enjoyed by readers of a variety of age levels.....absolutely enjoyable!(less)
Wow, I am so surprised after 3 go arounds this book has crept up on my list of most enjoyable Potter books. I would still pick the first 2, and then t...moreWow, I am so surprised after 3 go arounds this book has crept up on my list of most enjoyable Potter books. I would still pick the first 2, and then the Halfblood Prince....but this would be next. This is slightly longer than the first 2, but if memory serves the next 4 are much longer.
My son and I are comparing movies to books....This book has the widest gap between the movie in terms of accuracy and entertainment value so far, IMO.
Once again, there is really no need to review as nearly everyone has read/seen or heard of this. (less)
On my 3rd go around and still gets 5 stars! This is one of those rare series that does not seem to lose it's entertainment value even in a reread. It...moreOn my 3rd go around and still gets 5 stars! This is one of those rare series that does not seem to lose it's entertainment value even in a reread. It also seems to have that timeless feel to it where you just know that this will be a classic read and reread 50-100 years from now. For it's impact on a younger generation it is amazing and beyond anything else I can compare it to.
Weather you love this series, like this series or detest it...I don't care....It made reading cool and exciting to a bunch of middle schoolers and tweens in an age where reading is not cool and exciting. That is cool by me!(less)
On my 3rd go around and this book still gets 5 stars. I remember about 10 or so years ago when I first heard of this, thinking that it would be a stup...moreOn my 3rd go around and this book still gets 5 stars. I remember about 10 or so years ago when I first heard of this, thinking that it would be a stupid teeny bopper fantasy series....and who knows maybe it is???? But I love it either way. My 15 y/o son has been a Potter fan for years (hey anything I can do to encourage my kids to read), and asked if we could reread these and then watch the movie and compare the differences (For the record he prefers the movies...Uuuuggghhhhh!....I prefer the books).
I don't think a review is necesary as most have seen the movie and/or read the book...if not I am sure you have heard of it and the cult following it has generated. I also won't do a full comparrison of the book/movie...just a couple of thoughts.
Uncle Dursley was cast perfectly...looks just like I imagined him!
I won't flatter many of the actors but Alan Rickman is a genius both in the past and in this role...brilliant actor plays this part to near perfection IMHO.
Petunia and Dudley have blond hair...why is that so difficult to cast???
the first 2 books and movies have always been my favorites because they are so much more child friendly....from 3 on there seems a darker element which is still cool but loses some of it's youthful charm for me...my favortie from 3-7 has always been the half blood prince...but the movie was borderling atrocious for me.(less)
Wow, this is still the greatest epic fantasy trilogy/series that I have ever read. I am surprised that so many don't seem to like this or critique the...moreWow, this is still the greatest epic fantasy trilogy/series that I have ever read. I am surprised that so many don't seem to like this or critique the quality of the writing and/or story line, but to each their own. I won't try to convince anyone that this is a great book and/or great writing.....does not matter to me, at all! as for me it is easily the most enjoyable fantasy book I have ever read hands down and among the most enjoyable, entertaining and memorable books I have ever read! Great book who knows? But for sheer enjoyment it works for me.
If you are a fan of D&D, this is likely very much up your alley...If not this type of fantasy might not be quite your thing. The characters are very believeable and likeable as well as complex and down to earth at the same time. Tanis is one of the great protaginists of fantasy literature. His complex inner turmoil of being half elf (or half human) and rather than feeling a part of two worlds, not actually vbeing accepted or identifying with either. The brothers Majere make up part of the group of companions. The simple minded, kind and protective warrior caramon and his contrasting sickly, frail brother with a slightly evil bent (The mage)Raistlin are super cool. Flint the gruff, father figure Dwarf and Tasslehoff the impetuous Kender (Halfling/Hobbit type) make for entertaining banter and dialougue. The knight Sturm is probably my least favorite of the companions, but the code of honor he lives by (well sometimes to rigidly) is at least respectable. Goldmoon & Riverwind the Barbarians (Wulfgar is cooler) are newcomers to the group. The minor supporting characters of laurana & Tika are a nice addition as well.
In this opening segement we find the companions reuniting after 5 years of private travels (Covered in the prequal preludes), only to find a world on the brink of war. The old Gods are returning, as are the Dragons....and the war that is about to take ahold of the world krynn is one of the greatest epic tales I have devoured.