It makes more sense that they would purseue Fantastic Beasts as a theme. Same universe, new movie coming out. More current.

How did that Danielle Steel novel sneak in there?

The only thing that would bother my OCD about Stern making HP is that Stern is a US based company so we would end up with the American titled Sorcerer's Stone mode instead of the original Philosopher's Stone mode.

I've read the books multiple times. I've even read the entire series of books aloud to my kids before they could read on their own (they are in grade 2 and 4 now). The first, let's say 3 books, are more for children but as you read deeper the subject matter becomes darker. Much darker. Back stories are revealed, characters die, characters are tortured. Then there's the entire comparison to a 'dark power' taking over the world. Sound familiar? The entire series has some deep, dark undertones and you can't help but make comparison's with Earth's history. Yes, there are corny bits. The first book/movie should not be a reference for your entire opinion. I would say everything really picks up at book 5, with the movies picking up at 3. Deathly Hallows is the culmination of everything. The movies for this book really capture everything right. The foreboding, the hopelessness, the weight on the oppressed.

My point being, HP is not for everyone. However, if you do want to form a solid, valid opinion, read the entire series, or watch all of the movies. Yes there are some stinker moments, but every series has these. Does no one remember Star Wars Episode I? Imagine this was the first Star Wars movie you ever watched. Would you form an opinion on the entire Star Wars saga because you thought pod racing was stupid? No.

The short of it is I would buy a HP pinball machine because I enjoyed the books. I enjoyed the movies. My kids enjoyed them both. My wife enjoyed them both. Our family is all in and it would be a pin I could honestly buy with near minimal arguments from my spouse. This is coming from someone who's into pinball while his wife frown's on every pin I bring into the house.

I hope JKR changes her opinion.

Bah! I'm seeing it on Sunday and I'll form my own opinions of it. I haven't always agreed with reviews.