The Movie

[guretna at yahoo.com]

First, the bad things:

I know it's not easy for anybody to make a Harry Potter movie,
especially since the book provides a story that is so rich in details 
and imaginative. Take the move of setting from Privet Drive to the 
Hut-on-the-Rock for example. The movie doesn't give enough explanation
of that, and therefore only those who have read the book would
understand. Of course there are very few people in Europe and North
America who hasn't read the book(s), but the filmmakers should also
consider other parts of the world where Harry Potter is not quite as
popular. Think about this: in its first week HP has jumped to number
43 in USA's all-time box office, beating even Tomb Raider or Planet of
the Apes 2001. Internationally, though, it hasn't even made it to
position 200 in the box office chart (outside USA). And worldwide
(including USA) it's still outside the top 100.

The difference between the four houses is not explained at all, and 
therefore it causes some wonder why Harry said to the Sorting 
Hat, "Anything but Slytherin". What's wrong with Slytherin? 
the "Muggles" may ask.

Another thing, Hermione cannot seem to make up her mind about what to 
call he-who-must-not-be-named. Even in one scene (when the trio are 
talking near the fireplace) she called him "you-know-who", and 
then "Voldemort". And in the book we know that the reason Harry's 
scar hurt when he first saw Snape was because Snape "looked past 
Quirrell's turban" but this was not showed in the movie.

Now: the good things:
All in all, I should say a very impressive movie and one that 
shouldn't be missed if you're a Potter-mania. The kids don't act very 
well but the grown-up actors and actresses are of top quality. Alan 
Rickman is especially great. Can't wait for the sequel.