Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (Android)

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (Android)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to really like this game as I like Harry Potter, but this RPG just didn't do it for me. With all the costs, wait times, and very boxed in responses, it felt more like a harsh script than game play. Perhaps if there was more flexibility in the story than a direct A to Z with no variants it might be more entertaining.

Harry Potter 8: The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Harry Potter 8: The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


For a movie adaptation, they did an excellent job keeping with the original story line from the books. Still think the "19 years later" is as awkward in the movie as it was in the books, but again, accurate. Kind of odd to think that they series is officially completed, but they did a good job all around and the film is very enjoyable. Will just have to keep re-watching the discs for more HP goodness from now on.

Harry Potter 6: The Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter 6: The Half-Blood Prince (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Beyond intense, this film marks a dramatic change in the story as not only is Voldemort back in full force, but Dumbldore is taken out of the fight permanently. Now, Harry and his friends must go on the run to finish the task Dumbldore had started, or risk the Dark Lord's permanent rise to power and their own untimely demises. The horcrux is very powerful and very frightening. Even more so once the true memories are recovered and they know just how many were created to start with. Admittedly did not see Snape being the half-blood prince, but it makes sense with how he is the potions master and his book is what gets Harry through the course. Now if he's just learn not to cast unknown spells from unfamiliar books before he does something that can't be reversed.

Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix (2007)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This movie ranks as my least favorite as I cannot stand Delores Umbridge and my favorite character, Sirius Black, is killed. Every time I watch this movie, those feelings just intensify. Delores especially is a highly dis-likable character, even above and beyond the Malfoy family. It is good to see the students rallying themselves to work together and train on their own when Delores interferes with their education and puts their safety at risk. This film grates on the nerves the most of all them, though still action packed and enjoyable.

Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire (2005)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mad Eye adds a whole new dimension to this film as he is both highly intelligent, appears to be on Harry's side, and more than a little crazy. If not for his intervention, Harry very well might not have survived the many trials in the tri-wizard tournament. It did feel as if Krum was hyped up a little too much. Fleur barely seemed to get any spotlight and Cedric was Harry's constant rival from his own school. Cedric certainly does get points for returning Harry's favor in the early warning for the next trial as well has actually being honest and decent when they reach the cup a the same time to end the tournament. Sad that he was killed as that could have been a really good friendship down the road.

Harry Potter 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Based on my favorite book of the series and one of my favorite movies as well. I must admit that I really like Sirius Black, so especially the end of the movie as Sirius and Harry get to know each other as family really makes me happy. Lupin is another fun character introduced in this chapter, the werewolf 'defense against the dark arts' teacher. Also love the scenes with Buckbeak, though I suppose that is to be expected given my love for equines and other animals. The dementors are successfully mysterious and creepy, almost resembling skeletons beneath their cloaks. Actually seeing Harry's stag patronus is another interesting piece to the film, along with the fun of Harry's jokes on Malfoy's crew courtesy of his invisibility cloak. This will likely always be at the top of my list for the series.

Harry Potter 2: The Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter 2: The Chamber of Secrets (2002)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Better acting and a more solid relationship tying the main trio together go a long ways towards improving this film from it's predecessor. Harry gets no end of trouble as her learns he is a parselmouth and his friends will die along with losing the only real home he has if he doesn't find the killer. Maybe it is my high school obsession with mythology rearing its head again, but I found Faux particularly interesting in this film. Originally being afraid of snakes in my younger years, the basilisk lived up to its reputation as the frightening secret monster in the castle. Another fun film any time you play it.

Harry Potter 1: The Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter 1: The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is one series that is enjoyable every time I watch it. Recently started re-watching the series to refresh my memory before the release of the last movie in the saga. A little awkward in some scenes, though that may be to the young age of the actors and some first-time experiences. Works sometimes especially with Harry as he is very understandably rather overwhelmed by his sudden immersion in a world he was previously unaware of. Hermoine especially seems awkward as she attempts to show off her vast knowledge to fit in with a society that sometimes looks down on mixed blood heritage like her own.

Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'll admit this one is partially one of my favorites from the series because of Sirius Black and the Order. The series took a tailspin for me after this book as I much prefer Sirius alive and interacting with Harry. The challenges were also interesting to me rather than just the usual "what is Voldermort doing" though that was still underlying everything. Mad Moody is also a very interesting character.

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Harry Potter 7: The Deathly Hallows Part 1

Harry Potter 7: The Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


As thrilling and exciting as the rest of the series. Now on the run with Voldemort and his Death Eaters taking over, they must find and destroy the Horcruxes before Voldemort can be destroyed for good. Part one of the final epic tale in the series, there's plenty of action for everyone. Even a good Hermoine/Harry scene we don't get in the book. Now to see how part 2 resolves it all.