I would never call the Potter series great literature. Anything that appeals to a broad swath of humanity cannot, by definition, be considered great literature. But they are good for a range of reasons.

For me one of their claims is that they are a connection between me and my kids. If you have ever despaired of having a topic of conversation with one of your children just start reading their books and drop little bombshells into the silence of the dinner table.

The movies, because movies are made by committee, are made to appeal to the broadest range of people possible. They are made, tested to see if someone has a problem with any scenes, remade and retested until finally they are released. In the case of something like the Potter books (and the Tolkien books) they have to conform to the mental image of the readers.

These still allow a parent to grow closer to the kids. In the last 10 years some of the more animated conversations I've had with my kids have included speculation on the next movie, when it will come out, how they will handle this scene or that one, why does Snape have it in for Harry, who will Hermione choose, etc.

I will miss those conversations which were ongoing from my kids in grade school (with the books) to now when they are parents and living on the other side of the world from me.

Thank you, J. K.