Watching a movie when it comes out in theaters can be an astounding experience, especially if you’ve been anticipating the premiere since the first trailer came out. However, for avid readers like me, watching films based on books can be absolutely terrible. Adaptations of books can be disheartening, especially when our favorite characters aren’t developed or portrayed properly, or anticipated scenes are left out.

Since most books are written with a reader in mind, character development is an integral piece of a story. As people read books, they connect with the issues and tribulations that protagonists are forced through. Most of the time, movies leave out these traits that readers adore, and instead, focus on adapting the movie into something more exciting.

For the meticulous reader, the little details that films scrap are important, and without them, the film becomes bleak.

Take for example the “Harry Potter” series, from which eight movies have been adapted. Directors were replaced four times during the film adaptation; as such, each of them rearranged the set to his/her preference. Inconsistencies in the “Harry Potter” films get irritating, especially when the director made the choice to use muggle (non-magical) clothing instead of a Hogwarts uniform in the third part of the series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” These details matter, because they depict a different world than ours, one of the best aspects of reading a book.

Admittedly, there isn’t much leeway for character introspection and complex portrayals within movies, especially if the actors or actresses are less experienced. Unless the director chooses to have the protagonist narrate the entire script, there isn’t much one can do. Another problem comes in the form of movie limitations, such as funding, time, and lack of advanced technology.

Readers are at an impasse with movie adaptations, because there is something fantastic about watching words come to life, but there is a downside since directors and fans don’t see eye-to-eye. If there is one thing we can do, it is to keep an open mind, and focus on the positive factors; if you hate the adaptation that much, I suggest making a day out of criticizing the movie: turn it into something humorous, and enjoy the book.