I never understood the popularity of Harry Potter.
I assume you're using the interspaz meaning of 'hate' here; i.e. 'mildly disapprove of'. In which case, yes, I agree. Badly written books (I admit I've only read the first one) turned into bland films. J K Rowling's a poor writer but a pretty good storyteller. Frankly, I never understood the massive popularity of the franchise but it's certainly been masterfully marketed.
I wouldn't passionately defend them and can understand some of the dislike (a more apt term for the title, right?), but I just think of them as light fun and nothing more than that. They're OK to pass the time until better things are on.
I definitely think the writing (books) got better as the series went on. I re-read them all recently and the first couple were definitely more suitably aimed at children, whereas the later ones were more assured and adult.
I think the only thing about the films I REALLY disliked was the change of location for the final 'showdown' in DH. Why they decided to show it taking place in the courtyard - no spectators, no speech etc made no sense to me. I thought that was a really strong scene in the book and was really missed in the film.
I enjoyed the books. I've not seen any of the films.
I'm glad I read the books first, as it meant I used my own imagination on the text, rather than just reproducing images from the films.
From what I've heard of the films, they've left a lot of good stuffs from the books out, and pared down the stories. It's put me off wanting to see the films, as I'm thinking it could spoil my good memories of the stories,
The films can never do the books justice, otherwise one film might last a whole day. They do stay true to its message however.
I read the GoF a few days before I went to see its adaptation and instead of enjoying myself, I kept questioning why the director left so and so out and why Hermione said such and such when it was never like that in the book. So I stopped reading the books to refresh my mind before watching the rest of the series. I picked up many errors from memory but I wasn't fixated about them, like I was before.
Some of the films are character driven instead of focusing on the plot -- the Half Blood Prince being one, which is probably the worst film in terms of mistakes and leaving out stories.
Sorry, but I think its brilliant. It got a generation of children reading, it contains brilliant morals, excellent characters, every day issues of growing up... most of the experiences that the characters go through in this regard are actually very grounded in reality, ironically. Sure, you've got the magic, the adventure, but the core element of this book is a boy finding out he was someone special, and his dealing with it while he grows up. He at first is spellbound by his power, then grows to be bitter of it, before finally accepting his fate and being ready to sacrifice himself.
I just like how cleverly the books are structured, and how damn entertaining they are. And it spawned 8 movies, none of which I think are bad at all. It encouraged many kids, including me, to widen their reading and ultimately be introduced to the classic novels of the last few decades. Even people I know who despised reading back in high school would be at the book store at 6 in the morning for the next Harry Potter book.
I'm not saying the series is perfection, but for me it's pretty damn close. Sure, you'll have people moan the books aren't overly well written, the acting is bad in the movies... but for me they accomplish what they set out to do. Capture the imaginations of children and adults everywhere.
Compare Harry Potter to the monstrosity that is Twilight. You can read Harry Potter for so much; love, betrayal, friendship, adventure, mystery, strength when faced with adversity, funny, brave and sad characters... an entire new world to discover. Twilight? You read it to discover just how beautiful a dangerous pro-stalker is, and how its okay for him to act like a creep for the entire novel because he happens to be "the most beautiful thing ever." Harry Potter leaves you with morals to always strive to do the best you can, to always put others before yourself. Twilight leaves you with the moral that you must, before anything else, strive to have the hottest boyfriend you possibly can, regardless of whether he wants to kill you or not.
In short: I disagree with this thread, lol. But if you don't like it then each to your own. We are all entitled to our opinions.
Not a fan of the films to be honest, when in London the other week, couldn't believe the number of sad people (not the kids, but the adults) queueing up to get their photo taken of pushing a trolley through a wall at Kings Cross.
The books are wonderful, the films not so much. The stories have got a generation of children reading, so how anyone can 'hate' something like that I really don't understand! Dislike, yes, that's entirely anyone's prerogative, but hate is another level entirely.
Not a fan of the films to be honest, when in London the other week, couldn't believe the number of sad people (not the kids, but the adults) queueing up to get their photo taken of pushing a trolley through a wall at Kings Cross.
Just because they like something different to you doesn't make them sad :rolleyes:
The books are wonderful, the films not so much. The stories have got a generation of children reading, so how anyone can 'hate' something like that I really don't understand! Dislike, yes, that's entirely anyone's prerogative, but hate is another level entirely.
It's stunning, so much better than I thought it could be! The attention to detail is breathtaking!
Just because they like something different to you doesn't make them sad :rolleyes:
Children no, adults yes (it's a book/film) and nothing special at that.
Yes - me. I haven't watched a single second or read a single word of any of it. I know, someone is going to say then how can you hate it it.? I just do !
I dislike the Harry Potter franchise. I've got loads of friends around the same age (and older) who are really obsessed about Harry Potter and considering they would have been nearing 20 when the books took off and don't have kids, I can only label them as saddos.
I had to sit through some of a Harry Potter film when my cousins visited. Needless to say I made my excuses and went out.
I can sort of understand the appeal of Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit (don't like it myself) and Narnia but I do think Harry Potter is overrated and I don't give it the time of day.
Each to their own.
It has made for some good spoofs though. One of my favourites was the Nigel Planter character in Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
Calling them "saddos" but them saying "each to their own" is a little contradictory to me. Actually, why do you even socialise with people you deem as "saddos"?
I don't *mind* them, but the wife likes them. I bought each one as they came out on DVD and then BluRay.
As I sat there and they played, I found myself going "Oh no, not ANOTHER bloody game of Quidditch !"
Calling them "saddos" but them saying "each to their own" is a little contradictory to me. Actually, why do you even socialise with people you deem as "saddos"?
Hello there.
"Each to their own" was two paragraphs after I had written I labelled friends of mine, who are obsessed with the Harry Potter franchise, as saddos.' I'd moved on from the labelling friends thought by the time I included 'each to their own' in my post.
Nevertheless I don't think the two thoughts are that contradictory. I can label somebody a 'saddo,' but I'm also not that bothered if they choose to, as one true example, spend a silly amount of money going to see every Harry Potter film in the cinema again leading up to the release of the last one: this actually happened and the two friends concerned own the DVDs and had already seen each film in the cinema previously, in some instances more than once before too. However, that's their choice but I still think they're 'saddos' for doing so. I'm not going to stop my friends from indulging their love of Harry Potter but I think the ways they go about it are a tad sad.
In the grand scheme of things, I don't think 'saddo' is the worst thing you can call somebody or be called. In my experience it's typically used in a jocular manner. Based on my own experiences I know I'm not alone in saying to somebody 'you saddo' for some reason or another. I have been called a 'saddo' myself.
As to why I socialise with people I have labelled 'saddos,' it's so I can pick on things they do and like in order to poke fun at them!!:D Actually it's because they have other qualities that outweigh the fact I think they're saddos for being obsessed with the Harry Potter franchise.
I've seen all but the last movie (I think) and I only watched them because of the adult cast (Alan Rickman in particular). I don't like Harry Potter and to be honest I don't like JK Rowling.
I can never explain myself very well but for me it's not a world I can believe in. I know it's a fantasy but in other fantasies (take Discworld for example) I can believe that world/characters etc carry on regardless of the stories we see, but HP lacked that.
They are a superb set of films. Obviously different to the books. A mate who I thought might not like them had to ration himself as he was watching them one after another.
The combination of superb actors and good scripts with CGI that compliments rather than takes over the film makes them excellent.
The last film: Deathly Hallows as a whole was amazing, the dark mood and braveness to keep it slow with the almost Ingmar Bergman feel about it was superb. The changes made to it at the end were valid for a filmic version. The shadow theatre explanation of Deathly Hallows was just amazing as well. The last book itself was just superb...I had to ration myself towards the end as I didn't want to finish reading it...
I'm more of a LOTR fan when it comes to fantasy movies, but I like the HP
series. The only thing is,I've seen four of 'em, but I can only remember the first movie and the
film where Harry gets a girlfriend (Order of the Phoenix).
Comments
I assume you're using the interspaz meaning of 'hate' here; i.e. 'mildly disapprove of'. In which case, yes, I agree. Badly written books (I admit I've only read the first one) turned into bland films. J K Rowling's a poor writer but a pretty good storyteller. Frankly, I never understood the massive popularity of the franchise but it's certainly been masterfully marketed.
I think the only thing about the films I REALLY disliked was the change of location for the final 'showdown' in DH. Why they decided to show it taking place in the courtyard - no spectators, no speech etc made no sense to me. I thought that was a really strong scene in the book and was really missed in the film.
I read the GoF a few days before I went to see its adaptation and instead of enjoying myself, I kept questioning why the director left so and so out and why Hermione said such and such when it was never like that in the book. So I stopped reading the books to refresh my mind before watching the rest of the series. I picked up many errors from memory but I wasn't fixated about them, like I was before.
Some of the films are character driven instead of focusing on the plot -- the Half Blood Prince being one, which is probably the worst film in terms of mistakes and leaving out stories.
I just like how cleverly the books are structured, and how damn entertaining they are. And it spawned 8 movies, none of which I think are bad at all. It encouraged many kids, including me, to widen their reading and ultimately be introduced to the classic novels of the last few decades. Even people I know who despised reading back in high school would be at the book store at 6 in the morning for the next Harry Potter book.
I'm not saying the series is perfection, but for me it's pretty damn close. Sure, you'll have people moan the books aren't overly well written, the acting is bad in the movies... but for me they accomplish what they set out to do. Capture the imaginations of children and adults everywhere.
Compare Harry Potter to the monstrosity that is Twilight. You can read Harry Potter for so much; love, betrayal, friendship, adventure, mystery, strength when faced with adversity, funny, brave and sad characters... an entire new world to discover. Twilight? You read it to discover just how beautiful a dangerous pro-stalker is, and how its okay for him to act like a creep for the entire novel because he happens to be "the most beautiful thing ever." Harry Potter leaves you with morals to always strive to do the best you can, to always put others before yourself. Twilight leaves you with the moral that you must, before anything else, strive to have the hottest boyfriend you possibly can, regardless of whether he wants to kill you or not.
In short: I disagree with this thread, lol. But if you don't like it then each to your own. We are all entitled to our opinions.
It's stunning, so much better than I thought it could be! The attention to detail is breathtaking!
Just because they like something different to you doesn't make them sad :rolleyes:
Children no, adults yes (it's a book/film) and nothing special at that.
I enjoy The Godfather.
I also enjoy Harry Potter.
The two are not mutually exclusive.
In your opinion. Others disagree, doesn't make them sad.
Same here
Have you read the books or watched any of the movies, OP?
Calling them "saddos" but them saying "each to their own" is a little contradictory to me. Actually, why do you even socialise with people you deem as "saddos"?
As I sat there and they played, I found myself going "Oh no, not ANOTHER bloody game of Quidditch !"
Hello there.
"Each to their own" was two paragraphs after I had written I labelled friends of mine, who are obsessed with the Harry Potter franchise, as saddos.' I'd moved on from the labelling friends thought by the time I included 'each to their own' in my post.
Nevertheless I don't think the two thoughts are that contradictory. I can label somebody a 'saddo,' but I'm also not that bothered if they choose to, as one true example, spend a silly amount of money going to see every Harry Potter film in the cinema again leading up to the release of the last one: this actually happened and the two friends concerned own the DVDs and had already seen each film in the cinema previously, in some instances more than once before too. However, that's their choice but I still think they're 'saddos' for doing so. I'm not going to stop my friends from indulging their love of Harry Potter but I think the ways they go about it are a tad sad.
In the grand scheme of things, I don't think 'saddo' is the worst thing you can call somebody or be called. In my experience it's typically used in a jocular manner. Based on my own experiences I know I'm not alone in saying to somebody 'you saddo' for some reason or another. I have been called a 'saddo' myself.
As to why I socialise with people I have labelled 'saddos,' it's so I can pick on things they do and like in order to poke fun at them!!:D Actually it's because they have other qualities that outweigh the fact I think they're saddos for being obsessed with the Harry Potter franchise.
Best wishes.
She stole a lot of ideas for that Potter rubbish.
The oh bought a dvd of one of the films last year and i made sure she forgot to take it with her when we eft the mall
I can never explain myself very well but for me it's not a world I can believe in. I know it's a fantasy but in other fantasies (take Discworld for example) I can believe that world/characters etc carry on regardless of the stories we see, but HP lacked that.
Like I said I don't explain myself very well.
The combination of superb actors and good scripts with CGI that compliments rather than takes over the film makes them excellent.
The last film: Deathly Hallows as a whole was amazing, the dark mood and braveness to keep it slow with the almost Ingmar Bergman feel about it was superb. The changes made to it at the end were valid for a filmic version. The shadow theatre explanation of Deathly Hallows was just amazing as well. The last book itself was just superb...I had to ration myself towards the end as I didn't want to finish reading it...
As you wish.
series. The only thing is,I've seen four of 'em, but I can only remember the first movie and the
film where Harry gets a girlfriend (Order of the Phoenix).