Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

I remember diving into “The Sorcerer's Stone” back in my youthful days, somewhere between the age of fifteen or fourteen – an era when asking for books as gifts was considered a rebellious act, met with disdainful looks from the less literarily inclined. But, oh well, who cares about mundane presents when there's a magical world waiting to be explored?

Now, fast forward to adulthood and a second rendezvous with the boy who lived. It's not the same, not as enchanting. As a responsible adult (or so they say), I found myself scanning for flaws, peering into the corners of the narrative that only grown-ups seem to notice. Let's be honest; there's no need to delve into the plot because even the Muggles know about Harry Potter these days.

Yet, as the veil of nostalgia lifted, I couldn't help but notice the gaping differences between the beloved books and their cinematic counterparts.

Oh, the sacrilege!

I get it; adaptations often require trimming the excess, but as I meticulously documented every variance, I couldn't shake the feeling that the movies missed the essence.

Firstly, let's talk about Harry's intellectual prowess. The films somehow painted him as a tad dim-witted, oblivious to the magical world hidden by his neglectful relatives. Excuse me, but Harry wasn't just the kid with a lightning-shaped scar; he was sharp, picking up on the magical intricacies quicker than a Quidditch match. His analytical mind was severely downplayed, especially during his stint as a living Horcrux, but we're getting ahead of ourselves with that.

And dear Neville Longbottom, the unsung hero. The movies did him dirty – way dirtier than Professor Snape's greasy hair. In the Forbidden Forest escapade, Neville was right there, in the thick of it, not some sidelined extra. It wasn't Ron who stayed behind with Hagrid – it was Neville! But, oh well, who cares about continuity and Neville's crucial role in helping Harry escape on a centaur? Apparently not the filmmakers.

In the end, it's a shame – a wizarding travesty, if you will – how little love Neville received in the cinematic realm.

And where was Peeves The Poltergeist in all this! ?

And why only one match of Quidditch? I know I may be asking for too much, but how can I not?

I can only wonder, we can only wonder.

I just hope that the new HBO show can do what the movies didn't.