Actually, that's why I dislike them lol, because I tried considering them separately from the books.
All my friends agree: they don't understand half the storyline when only watching the movies a first time. I do, and I explain half the movie to them. Call my friends dumb if you want, but a few critics agree that the movies alone do not give much of a storyline if not a confused jumble of it.
Sure, I find them ok as movies, but I don't have any particular interest either. I'll watch them, but they won't be on my "OMG must watch" list.
I know movies oversimplify things and I don't mind really. They adapt and modify things for easier porting to the mass media. I even accepted the change in punch of the Da Vinci Code without much issue. What I dislike more about the harry Potter movies is that it seems the director wasn't sure if he wanted to simplify the story or stay true so we have a half mismatch of midway.
Btw thanks lol