should I have read the books first?? I know they've been out
since before I was born, but I have to admit that I was not familiar with
the characters or names until the movies came out. Am I missing something by
seeing the movies without having read the books first?

No. But you can read them now. Ask for a set of the paperbacks for christmas.
Won't cost you a dime.

The movies have great
special effects, but the whole experience of viewing them left me flat in
just about every other way.

Oh, well, it's a newtonian thing. More time at the ep of a newt will make
things clearer. ; )

john