The mini-series doesn't feel at all like the HP or LotR movies. I've not read the book, but the dialogue in the movie was ridiculous. I think it sounded like what the dialogue in the book sounded like, but that kind of fantasy-novel dialogue sounds really weird coming out of people's mouths. But it's not just about some kid who gets made fun of at wizadry school- I wasn't even paying attention and I understood that.
The problem is that people who don't know anything about Fantasy/SF think it's all the same. They don't know about how LotR really is the forebearer of all fantasy novels of its type. Yes, lots of fantasy feels like LotR, b/c it was inspired by it. Lots of it is not related at all, but these people don't know that. Lots of fiction resembles fiction in the same genre that really helped define the genre. Much the same thing is true in television and movies. But remember, this is the OD. So try not to have high expectations.
(PS- it started Monday night, which is not last week)