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AIBU?

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To not understand the appeal of Harry Potter...?!

232 replies

Scaramoose · 17/07/2018 21:08

This is lighthearted btw...

I am off to Florida with DH and DS (6) in a few weeks and we have watched the first Harry Potter film and also been looking at the Harry Potter stuff at Universal.

The film bored me to absolute tears. The characters seemed two dimensional and wooden, the story dragged and the names for things, eg Muggles, just irritated. I shared this view with my sister who couldn't believe I didn't like it as she thinks it is 'absolutely brilliant' and 'incredibly clever.'

DS will love it, as he did love most of the film (I say 'most' as it's so long) and I wouldn't want him to know what I really think but I really, honesty, don't get it! The pretend platform at Kings Cross and the queue outside the HP shop in York also flummoxed me as it's obviously such a big deal for so many people! Im amazed something that seems so dull has done so incredibly well (and from what I have heard about JK Rowling she is very level headed about it, which is lovely.)

Am I the only one...?!!

OP posts:
BrazzleDazzleDay · 17/07/2018 22:09

Dd9 is bloody obsessed with harry potter. Is wanting us all to watch the films, I went to see the first film on a date... never again!

Ploppymoodypants · 17/07/2018 22:11

Oh I am proud to be a ‘sad’ adult in my Harry Potter pj’s and hoody. I also LOVE my Black deathly hallows t shirt.
Non potter fans always think it’s some sort of random metal band t shirt 😁 and true potter fans sometimes give me a nod or a wink when they see the deathly hallows sign.
I have a deathly hallows phone cover too. No HP or Warner brothers logo, and I swear it has made me friends in awkward work meetings or other random situations when those that know what it is recognise a kindred spirit.
Yes it’s a bit geeky, But makes me happy, so I am totally okay with that😊

TirederThanYou · 17/07/2018 22:15

YANBU. I just don’t get it. Loads of my friends that like HP like Dr Who as well, and I don’t ‘get’ that either. Maybe when the DC aee older I’ll give it another go.

I’m in awe of JK Rowling and her success though, it must be incredible to write something that millions of people love to read.

Hangingaroundtheportal · 17/07/2018 22:16

I'm trying to work my way through the books, but am finding it a bit of a slog. The final third of each book is really gripping, but then the next book starts and it's quite dull for a bit and I have to really try and get into it again. I'm on book 5 now I think and am having a break.

Leo90 · 17/07/2018 22:22

I am definitely a Harry Potter mega fan and can have in-depth conversations on where the books and films differ, that nobody else really cares about. I am so jealous of your trip to Florida as the Harry Potter bit wasn't the there last time I went.

SandyY2K · 17/07/2018 22:23

It's all over universal studios in Orlando. People buying the capes and wands... crazy...but the Harry potter rides are fun. You'll be queuing a while for them.

Cryingrightnow · 18/07/2018 00:09

How dare you!? Go and sit in the corner OP! Harry Potter is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

Seasawride · 18/07/2018 00:14

Aw! We read the first book to our dss aged I think 8/9 as the books were published. We had 4 more kids and because of their ages the books and the films were so so special to us.

Ds1/2 used to read them to the girls as teenagers and the girls were 4/5,

Wonderful family times. We are massive potter fans and can’t wait to read them to our dgs.

RavenWings · 18/07/2018 00:16

Yanbu. Harry being painful and irritating - and not just irritating as teen boys are, being a whiny boil on the face of humanity - drove me mad. They're grand books like, but overhyped.

YouBetterWORK · 18/07/2018 00:18

I'm currently listening to Stephen Fry read me Deathly Hallows until I go to sleep (please please please, I need sleep but I have a bastard cough that won't quitSad). Looking forward to reading it with DD when she's old enough.

LookAtThatCritter · 18/07/2018 02:51

YABVU to judge it on the films and not the books. You really should read them and then see why so many people love it before judging Hmm. Also it’s not just a kids story Grin

Sunnymeg · 18/07/2018 07:26

It is definitely reasonable to think like this. The books are at best mediocre and the prose used is pretty appalling. There is a reason why the books were turned down by so many publishers in the first place. The films are too long and boring with woeful child actors only saved by excellent adult actors. I am amazed that the series has remained popular for so long.

Unihorn · 18/07/2018 07:36

Sunnymeg
Probably because most primary aged children aren't reading books in an analytical way and getting annoyed by JKR's overuse of adverbs. Most of them just enjoy books about adventure and magic, and getting lost in an engaging story.

MaryShelley1818 · 18/07/2018 07:39

I adore Harry Potter, I studied the first book as part of one of my degree modules (Children’s Literature) and was absolutely hooked!
I love the messages in HP about bravery, friendship and loyalty. I love that it’s cool to be book smart and to want to learn, and that what’s inside is so much more important than what’s outside, that it’s ok to be different.
I’ve been to HP world in Florida twice, the studios in London twice, and have HP clothing, collectibles, a wand and even a small HP tattoo.
I bought baby DS (7mths) a Hedwig Owl from the Studios when I was pregnant with him and can’t wait to read it with him when he’s older :)

Argeles · 18/07/2018 07:41

I was dragged to see the first ever film by my parents when I was in my early teens, and I was bored stiff whilst my parents loved it. They have watched all of the films, and my Mum has read some of the books. They are astonished that I haven’t ‘magically’ started to like it over the years.

Most of my friends who were also teenagers at the time, loved Harry Potter, and one of them is still ‘obsessed’ with it and has gone on the visits and to the studio/museum. I find it weird personally, but she doesn’t like some of the same sort of things that I like either.

liverbird10 · 18/07/2018 07:45

I enjoyed the HP books, even though massive parts of them were a rip off of The Worst Witch books that I loved as a kid.

belleandsnowwhite · 18/07/2018 07:49

I am not a big HP fan (my dd is a massive fan). Last year we went to universal studios orlando and it was amazing! So immersive and felt so real.

We also did the the Tour at Watford, which was great fun, even my younger children loved it. It had a completely different feel to Universal Studios though as it was obviously a film set, much smaller etc.

TheHulksPurplePanties · 18/07/2018 07:52

The books, especially number 3 onwards, are amazing. I was working in a book store when the Goblet of Fire was released. It was mental, and I was 20 so totally didn't get it, but I bought all four for my little brother (10 at the time) because I thought he would love them, and he did. Fast forward to Christmas of that year and I was bored at home and couldn't re-read Stephen King's the Stand for the 11th time, and so I picked up Harry Potter. I have been in love ever since.

I was actually sitting across from Jude Law in an airport lounge a few days after Deathly Hallows came out, and was furiously reading it, and he actually looked at the cover and gave me a little nod of understanding. Funny to think he's Dumbledore now.

ProfessorMoody · 18/07/2018 07:53

I'm a massive Harry Potter fan. The books mean a lot to me for various reasons, I've taught it, I've been involved in some aspects of it. We've holidayed in places where it was filmed, we've been to the Studio Tour over 20 times (many times were press events) and it's a big part of our lives.

You don't understand why people like things? That's very odd, OP. Do you not understand why some people like sport and others don't? Or some enjoy Chinese food and some prefer Indian? You do realise that people can like different things and you don't have to understand it? Confused

You haven't even read the books. Your opinion is invalid and as for other posters calling people sad for enjoying something, let's talk about your hobbies/interests and pull them apart, shall we?

MrJohnReese · 18/07/2018 07:59

No read whole thread but I'm sorry YABVVVVVVU Grin

Harry Potter is awesome!

Although the books are way way better than the films, didn't love the films until the last few, starting with goblet of fire

NicoAndTheNiners · 18/07/2018 08:04

The books are amazing. The films are good to me because I get to see the books if you know what I mean. But yes some of the child actors are quite wooden. I dont think the films would be as enjoyable if it wasn't for the books.

Thymelord · 18/07/2018 08:05

Grown adults losing their shit over crap Harry Potter Primark clothes just comes across as pretty sad

I lost my shit when I found this ring in Primark on Saturday Grin

To not understand the appeal of Harry Potter...?!
MrsSnootyPants2018 · 18/07/2018 08:08

I'm 25 and grew up in the buzz of potter books and films. There good stories for kids and the films are okay but as you, I don't get the obsession.

Each to their own though. I LOVE doctor who instead.

TheHulksPurplePanties · 18/07/2018 08:10

I LOVE doctor who instead.

See, I can't stand Dr. Who. Boring as dirt. Give me Harry Potter any day.

SerenDippitty · 18/07/2018 08:13

I don’t get it either. I was reading a Harry Potter book to my nephew and not thinking wow I must read this myself..

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