Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone
(A- or 3.5/4 stars)
On his birthday, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is whisked away from his neglectful aunt & uncles' house; thus discovering the life her never knew he had in 'Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone', directed by Chris Columbus. The revelation? He is a wizard. During his 1st year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, he meets 2 best friends in Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger (Rupert Grint, Emma Watson). Along with taking magical classes, he learns the game of Quidditch, how to play Wizard Chess (Ron is a whiz at it), but he also much face some danger; as his Dark Arts teacher is Hell bent on destroying him. Based on the insanely popular book(s) from J.K. Rowling, this is a near-perfect adaptation; one that children will salivate over, & adults can join right in on the fun, as well.
We open in modern-day England, Pivet Drive: Harry has lived with his aunt, uncle & cousin since shortly after his birth, when his parents were murdered by an evil wizard named Voldemort. Voldemort had tried to kill Harry, but obviously failed, leaving only a scar on the baby's forehead. And no one has heard from Voldemort ever since. Now, on his 11th birthday, Harry is visited by a Giant named Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), who has come to bring Harry to Hogwarts school to study (against the wishes of his aunt & uncle ... they're horrified that wizard/witch blood runs in the family). With his new wand, his snow owl, & his black cauldron in hand, Harry arrives at the opulent Hogwarts campus (picture long candle-lit corridors, bewildering wall paintings, jack o' lantern lamps, upside-down staircases, and the like). Things get off to a rocky start after he meets the arrogant Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton).
But he 'does' find friendship with a nervous, red-haired Ron, & a confident, bossy, but oddly pretty Hermione. Once the students assemble in the Great Hall, they meet their headmaster, Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris). Along side of him is Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith); she teaches 'Transfiguration' (watching her turn herself into a cat is a hoot). Teaching 'Potions' is the imposing Professor Snape (Alan Rickman). And the new Defense Against the Dark Arts leader is Professor Quirell (Ian Hart). Many enchantments take place: Harry & his friends battle a monstrous troll. The students take flying lessons. And Harry discovers he's quite the Quidditch player (picture playing soccer on broomsticks, up in the air). All seems great. But when Harry suspects that one of the professors is in cahoots with the dark forces (maybe Voldemort), chaos ensues on the school grounds. Can Harry properly use his newfound wizardry to help?
There's an intangible quality to Sorcerer's Stone; an atmosphere. I'm kind of in love with it, but I can't explain why. Maybe it's because I love fantasy movies; and that this one was made with such gentle care. Yes, it's geared for kids, but to me, there's more than enough character development, intriguing plot, & thematic content to keep me engaged. Harry Potter (and Daniel Radcliffe) is an extremely likeable protagonist; that always helps. By adding some fresh young faces with the wonderful old guard (the warm command of Richard Harris, a sly Maggie Smith, & the malcontented Alan Rickman), it makes for some very pleasant onscreen interactions. I also liked cameos from John Cleese (as a floating head), John Hurt, & Julie Walters, as Ron's scatterbrained mother.
Drawbacks? Well, there aren't many. The film IS 2 & a half hours long, so it will test the patience of small children. Not every scene is absorbing (but the ratio of exhilarating scenes - to - boring scenes is lopsided to the former). There's a memorable score, some intricate art direction, & mystical costumes; all standard, but still well done. Little of the film is particularly inventive or groundbreaking (depictions of magic, special effects, make-up, etc.). But it's all just so solidly executed. Overall, Sorcerer's Stone is a fantastic visualization of the beloved book(s). The adventures in Sorcerer's Stone are loads of fun. The scares are potent. And both the drama & comedy go down easily. Great holiday entertainment for the masses! I look forward to the next film installment already.
We open in modern-day England, Pivet Drive: Harry has lived with his aunt, uncle & cousin since shortly after his birth, when his parents were murdered by an evil wizard named Voldemort. Voldemort had tried to kill Harry, but obviously failed, leaving only a scar on the baby's forehead. And no one has heard from Voldemort ever since. Now, on his 11th birthday, Harry is visited by a Giant named Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), who has come to bring Harry to Hogwarts school to study (against the wishes of his aunt & uncle ... they're horrified that wizard/witch blood runs in the family). With his new wand, his snow owl, & his black cauldron in hand, Harry arrives at the opulent Hogwarts campus (picture long candle-lit corridors, bewildering wall paintings, jack o' lantern lamps, upside-down staircases, and the like). Things get off to a rocky start after he meets the arrogant Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton).
But he 'does' find friendship with a nervous, red-haired Ron, & a confident, bossy, but oddly pretty Hermione. Once the students assemble in the Great Hall, they meet their headmaster, Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris). Along side of him is Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith); she teaches 'Transfiguration' (watching her turn herself into a cat is a hoot). Teaching 'Potions' is the imposing Professor Snape (Alan Rickman). And the new Defense Against the Dark Arts leader is Professor Quirell (Ian Hart). Many enchantments take place: Harry & his friends battle a monstrous troll. The students take flying lessons. And Harry discovers he's quite the Quidditch player (picture playing soccer on broomsticks, up in the air). All seems great. But when Harry suspects that one of the professors is in cahoots with the dark forces (maybe Voldemort), chaos ensues on the school grounds. Can Harry properly use his newfound wizardry to help?
There's an intangible quality to Sorcerer's Stone; an atmosphere. I'm kind of in love with it, but I can't explain why. Maybe it's because I love fantasy movies; and that this one was made with such gentle care. Yes, it's geared for kids, but to me, there's more than enough character development, intriguing plot, & thematic content to keep me engaged. Harry Potter (and Daniel Radcliffe) is an extremely likeable protagonist; that always helps. By adding some fresh young faces with the wonderful old guard (the warm command of Richard Harris, a sly Maggie Smith, & the malcontented Alan Rickman), it makes for some very pleasant onscreen interactions. I also liked cameos from John Cleese (as a floating head), John Hurt, & Julie Walters, as Ron's scatterbrained mother.
Drawbacks? Well, there aren't many. The film IS 2 & a half hours long, so it will test the patience of small children. Not every scene is absorbing (but the ratio of exhilarating scenes - to - boring scenes is lopsided to the former). There's a memorable score, some intricate art direction, & mystical costumes; all standard, but still well done. Little of the film is particularly inventive or groundbreaking (depictions of magic, special effects, make-up, etc.). But it's all just so solidly executed. Overall, Sorcerer's Stone is a fantastic visualization of the beloved book(s). The adventures in Sorcerer's Stone are loads of fun. The scares are potent. And both the drama & comedy go down easily. Great holiday entertainment for the masses! I look forward to the next film installment already.