Yeah, it's not really a book that I see translating to film very well. The books have been getting worse and worse, as well. That hack writer has finally outhacked herself.
Goblet of Fire stood the best chance of being the best overall film of all the books, especially since it had an actual villain. Instead of making it a great film, they used the ADAPT-A-POTTER-BOOK formula from the previous films and made an absolutely boring movie.
The books are getting much better and more complicated.
The first book is essentially a children detective book. You guess who the villian is, and at the end you find out you've been wrong all along. That's not to say the book is bad; it's just more children oriented than the rest.
The second book is darker, but it's still a detective romp. I've always believed that Rowling will indeed right a quasi detective book after she's done with HP. She's also said this is the most important book in the series in terms of clues.
The third book really took the series to another level. Where once it was more of a children's story, Prisoner of Azkaban introduces many darker subjects. Many of the subjects hinted at in the previous books , such as the death of the Potters, are fully revealed. And for the first time in the series, Voldermort is not the villian, nor is he anywhere to be seen. Brilliant move on Rowling's part.
The fourth book is a transitional book imo. It's considerably longer than the other books; it's also clear that Rowling's inexperience with writing "long books" is on display. Like the third book, it introduces some very interesting characters such as Mad Eye Moody.
The fifth book is perhaps the best. It's perfectly paced. Perhaps my favorite thing about the book is its variety; there are so many interesting side stories here. From the introduction of Neville's parents to SPEW to Ron's Quiddith tryouts to Gwrap, every story grabs attention. The last few chapters are harrowing, sad, and nerve-wracking. I've never been more...afraid for the lives of fictional characters before. I knew someone was going to die, and pretty quickly Rowling makes it clear that everyone is a candidate. During most of the book it seems like Hagrid is the unlucky one, but within the last few chapters everyone is in trouble. Ron is almost killed. Neville is almost killed. Mad Eye is almost killed. And then there's Luna floating around, oblivous to all harm lol. The duel between Dumbledore and Voldermort is the final climax of an amazing book, which ends with Harry more damaged and heartbroken than ever.
The sixth book is an amazing piece of fantasy for the series. After five books, Rowling finally decides to detail Voldermort. We learn about his childhood, and the events that made him the evil
man he is. Like OOTP, HBP introduces many side stories too. But perhaps the most interesting parts of the book are Harry's adventures with Dumbledore. The book is perfectly constucted, and when all the pieces come together the picture is quite easy to see. The Hocruxes bring a whole different point to the books. After reading HBP, little details from the previous books become huge clues (IE the locket...). And while everyone is aware of the big spoiler of the book, few understand the actual meaning of it. The "Snape kills Dumbledore" quips cloud the issue, which is much bigger. Is Snape really a bad guy, or is he still a double agent (as the book clearly suggests imo)? Who is RAB? Is he Sirius' brother (as the books suggest)? Will Harry return to Hogwarts (yes imo)? And what will happen to Malfoy?
I can't wait to get the answers to some of those questions
