And now I’m gonna give my rambly thoughts- so buckle up cos it’s gonna be a bumpy ride…
Straight away, I have to admit that these were MUCH BETTER than I was thinking they were going to be! My god I was a harsh critic as a kid! To think I didn’t like them very much back then- and yet watching as an adult I had a great time?! I know, I know, I’m really contrary. But I’m pleased to say my experiment to rewatch them all really paid off! They were a helluva lot more entertaining than I remember! (and a whole lot less ex-crucio-ating 😉 okay I’ll see myself out now 😉)
And yes, they’re not 100% true to the books, yet they have their own charm. As much as there’s still the problem where you have to explain things to people when they haven’t read all 7 books (aka my mum) I have come around to the idea that they don’t have to slavishly follow the books. Of course, I still think the books are better, but these movies can satisfy a chocolate frog craving (just as long as you don’t try rewatching them immediately after a rereading marathon like I did once!)
The biggest surprise to me was how much I enjoyed the first two movies. To be perfectly honest, I was so put off by some of the *ahem* (awkward) child acting- particularly in Philosopher’s Stone- that I never gave Columbus enough credit for capturing the sense of wonder and magic and fun in the early films. As much as I understand why they changed direction for the darker turn the story takes, I found the tone of the first couple of films really suited the series openers.
I will happily admit that I have always loved the third movie the most. It’s atmospheric, tight narratively and hits the spot emotionally. As much as I could’ve done with a deeper Marauders scene- I still think the movie is as close to perfect as it could be. Sadly, I wasn’t as keen on the fourth one (and not just because of the weird haircuts). I STAND BY THE FACT THERE SHOULD’VE BEEN A QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP MATCH SCENE!! Also Gambon is a tad OTT here (though I didn’t hate him this time round and liked the fact they chose someone entirely different to Harris- at least this way it didn’t feel like he was acting in his shadow!) I think there was enough to like about the fifth one that I won’t complain about it and the sixth was less fun than I remembered! Maybe because the “romance” scenes made me wince harder (all I’ll say with regards to shipping is that Draco and Harry are the only ones with good chemistry… 😉). And of course, it hardly needs to be said that the 7th was the dullest- by a considerable distance (my goodness the tent scene reminds me why I don’t like camping… so boring!!) The conclusion is good… even if I personally think the way Voldemort died is a little unclear.
Anyhoo rant over. Overall, I had a fantastic time rewatching these. I really appreciated seeing all the beautiful details on screen- especially after going to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. You can really see how much love has gone into these productions. And that’s a wrap on my thoughts on the Harry Potter movies- conveniently just in time for the reunion (which I won’t actually be watching 😅)
What do you think of the Harry Potter movies? Do you love them or loathe them? Let me know in the comments!
I enjoy the movies for what they are. I do completely agree, though, that the first two do a really good job of capturing that charm that the books had the first time I read them. It’s the quiet scenes of the kids just being kids that I like the best in those early films.
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Great post, the 6th one is definitely my least favorite of the films and I think a lot of that is down to how cringy they romance is in it
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I didnt know there was a reunion coming up – thanks for enlightening me haha
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I seen part of the first movie. I was just a little kid when the movies were coming out so I never really got to “grow up” with them. Plus I didn’t like live action movies as a kid.
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The first two have always been my favorite because I think they capture the wonder of the magical world the most! The others I sometimes feel try too hard to make their mark by being distinct from the work of the other directors. And the story and tone get lost a bit.
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I enjoyed this movie series. Of course I think books were great and more interesting but this was best books to movie adaptation.
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I loved the movies. I thought they were magical
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I rewatched all the movies earlier in the pandemic, and loved the experience. Yes, they’re different from the books, but I can enjoy each as their own experience. 🙂 Some of the things that bugged me upon first watch (like Gambon at times, until he settled into the role a bit more) don’t bother me any more, and I do think there’s something really special about seeing the kids grow up. I do love the 3rd movie a lot, but really, they’re all special in their own way.
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I have always had mixed opinions when it comes to the Harry Potter movies, but I’ll never forget Prisoner of Azkaban being my favourite! A great watch, and a great post 🙂
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I completely get that! Same!! Thank you 😊
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Nicely written! Great post. 👍🏽
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome!
I recently wrote a haiku on Harry Potter, would love for you to check it out. ❤
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I love the movies and books… Amazing. and nice post.
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I love Harry Potter!
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Me too! ☺️
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I love the Harry Potter movies!! There is no movie better than them out there!
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I really enjoyed them too ☺️
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I watched all of them a while ago too and I liked some of them but the last 3 or so didn’t really convince me. At some point I didn’t even know anymore what’s going on XD
Maybe it’s time for a re-watch. After my Fast & Furious re-watch, tho ❤
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