Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

So the family went to see the new Potterverse movie this week.

(Two movies in a week - oh the extravagance!)

It was odd watching this NOT knowing the story and it seemed clear to me that it was written as a film script and not a novel. There were lots more action sequences compared to HP films.

An enjoyable film and it's good to go back to the wizarding world.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Well having taken a week or so to re-read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in about 2 1/2 days!

Like many others, I agree that the last book doesn't disappoint. It ties up most of the plotlines quite nicely and (importantly for me) - logically.

I didn't think the body count at the end was as high as it could have been but this is a children's book but there were no real surprises. In fact, I was most surprised that I wasn't surprised! (I had generally been in many of the other books).

Reading the Half-Blood Prince immediately beforehand was a great idea and I'm really pleased that I did as things it helped me follow the story so much better. As it was, I wasn't trying to catch-up with what happened in the penultimate book as Harry and the others came into conflict with death eaters straightaway.

Of the top of my head my favourite bits....

Kreacher's change of heart and appearance at the end.
Ron and Hermione finally smooching and Harry's reaction (the timing wasn't great)
McGonagall taking charge in a crisis

What I would have liked to see....

Umbridge snuff it!

Distracted by Harry

Well just like the rest of the World, I'm eagerly anticipating the next and final HP book. It's out at midnight tonight although my lovely wife has first dibs on reading it. (She's actually going along at midnight to pick up her copy). No worries, I'm a bit more patient but to pass the time and revise for what is likely to be an exciting book I've decided to read the 6th book "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince". So that's what I'm reading at the moment.

I did, however, have an opportunity to go into town an get the latest comics. These are what I'll be reading when I've finished Harry.

New Avengers 32
World War Hulk 2
Wolverine:Origins Annual 1
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man 22
Avengers: The Initiative 4
Captain America (2005) 28
Fallen Son: Iron Man 5
Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun 1
Highwaymen 1
Highwaymen 2

The last few were impulse buys based on recent glowing reviews on "The Buy Pile" on Comic Book Resources. I'll let you know if they were worth it.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Caught the brand new HP movie last Friday night.

Although lots had been cut from the original novel, it was still a good adaptation for fans of the franchise. I don't think much effort was made to bring latecomers up to speed, but I expect most people will know that this is the fifth film and understand that.

I enjoyed the film with the best bits being the big wand fight at the end and bits of the Dumbledor's army secret magic lessons.

Whetted my appetite for the final book which is out in a week.