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Jim Van Nest: I read the first Potter book for one reason only. So that when I bashed people for reading it, I could answer them honestly and say, "Yeah, I read the first one and it sucked!" Instead, I loved it and devoured the other three books (Order of the Phoenix had not come out yet.) I have seen all of the films in the theater and read all of the books. I've balked at re-reading the book before the movie, because it will only remind me of story lines that get cut (Hermione's save the house elf organization, Nearly Headless Nick's death day celebration, Norbert the dragon, etc.)

I am, however, in the midst of a movie marathon to get ready for Deathly Hallows, Part 2. Just watched Order of the Phoenix last night. Oddly enough, it was my least favorite book, but one of my favorite movies. Although I have to say, they've really kicked the movies into gear since Order. They've just gotten better and better and I fully expect DH2 to be the best.

I have several favorite characters, for different reasons. I LOVE Bellatrix LeStrange, but it may just be Helena Bonham-Carter's portrayal of her that makes her so deliciously evil. Luna Lovegood was a favorite of mine in the books and they got the perfect actress to play her in the films. I also enjoy the boyish enthusiasm of Mr. Weasley as he discusses all things muggle. He's like a little kid in that way. But I think my favorite character in the entire series (both in book and film) is Severus Snape. He's easily the most complex character in the saga and Alan Rickman was a master-stroke of casting. Aside from Rickman, I'm fairly certain they could not have cast Professor McGonagall any better, Maggie Smith is marvelous throughout. So are the three leads, Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort and the entire Weasley family.

While some of the early films don't hold up as well as the more recent, it's hard for me to really find too much fault in the adaptations. As long as they handle a couple important (to me, anyway) scenes right in the final film, I can't imagine having any bad feelings coming out of the theater Friday morning.

As far as opening records and the like, I really think this one has a chance. I heard a report the other day that over 2,000 showings are already sold out, and that's amazing. Looking at the series, the films seem to have maxed out their potential audience. Being the eighth in a series, I can't imagine there will be too many new people coming out to see this one that didn't see the rest. That being said, Deathly Hallows, Part 1 opened to $125 million in November. That's only $33 million shy of The Dark Knight AND DH1 didn't have the advantage of 3D pricing that DH2 has. So, if DH2 keeps the same audience as DH1, I'd wager the ticket upcharge for 3D will be enough to put it over the top. And if it's even close, I guarantee they'll find a way for it to crack $160 million for the weekend.

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