I must be the only one who really reads the books...

... because I can't imagine why they cast these people.

Don't get me wrong- these people have all grown on me and I love them for the work they have done- but initially I did not see these people in the parts and really struggled with it.  But this was all before I decided in my head that the books and movies had to be seen as separate entities, only then could the fan be truly happy.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape

I can hear you now... "What??? Bakeshow, you've blogged about these guys a zillion times in the last couple of months. We thought you loved Alan and Snape!?"  I do, dear friends. Trust me. BUT (that's a big but!) when Harry's parents die- they are about 21 years old- and Snape is an old school fellow of theirs, in the same year which would make him about 32 ish when Harry first arrives at Hogwarts.  I love Alan to teensy tinesy bits and pieces- but when they cast a 60 something man to play a part that should have gone to a 30 something actor... it really bugged me.  Of course I love Alan as Snape now- but at first...

Geraldine Somerville and Adrian Rawlins as Lily and James Potter

Same reason.  Too old! Plus- it says repeatedly in the books that Harry is a near exact replica of James- (and here James looks more like Stan Laurel)

They could have cast this way better- especially for a part that doesn't really require a lot of acting skills (smiling at Harry from the Mirror of Erised)

Let's just say now- that all the characters that were supposed to be around Lily and James' age- were too old (Peter Pettigrew, Lupin, Sirius and so on...)

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Blasphemy? I don't think so. He wasn't how I pictured him. Of course now- I can't see anyone else in the role, but at first I was not on board.

Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge

She is not squat and toad-like enough... but once I saw her in the role- really into it- she is deliciously evil enough to pull off the Hogwarts High Inquisitor.