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With regard to the films:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - B+. It holds up better than I think it ought to. Sure, it's touched with the cheesiness of Chris Columbus, but his style actually works well for the films where the kids are younger.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - B. It's my least favorite of the films, and yet I find that it's still heartily enjoyable. I've watched it a couple of times recently and despite the Dobby annoyances, I have fun with it in every viewing.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - A+. This will always be my favorite of the films. Alfonso Cuaron created a masterpiece here, one that I will remember for a long, long time. The kids are starting to grow into their roles very nicely, but even better is the fact that Gary Oldman is an amazing Sirius Black, while David Thewlis's Remus Lupin is one of the finest supporting performances in recent memory. And the set pieces are to die for. I kiss this movie.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - A. This movie is fantastic. I can watch it over and over again and remember the days before Robert Pattinson became all dreary and vampire-y and instead was a champion for Hogwarts. He's really likable in the role, too, for what it's worth. The dragons are fabulous, the tasks are arduous, and I think the book springs to life here.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - A-. You know, much as I hated reading Umbridge in the books, I think she makes for a fine character onscreen. This movie is a lot of fun.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - A. Speaking of fun, here's a movie that takes the trials and tribulations of teen romance and makes them completely entertaining (unlike the mopey, self-indulgent direction taken by Twilight). Somehow, it mixes this humor with one of the saddest points in the series and makes it work.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - A-. I think people are too hard on this film. Yes, there is a lot of wandering, but ultimately, what this film comes down to is that it reminds us that the story is about Harry, Ron and Hermione and how close they've become and how their lives have changed because of each other. I rewatched it the other day and my opinion has not changed.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - A. I might grade this higher in the end, but I've only seen it once so I'll reserve that plus for later. It is everything I could have hoped for - a satisfying, glorious end to the series.

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