Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone review.

Harry Potter is a 12-year-old boy raised by his aunt and uncle after the death of his parents when he was just an infant.  His oppressive upbringing, which borders on slavery, gives no indication of the destiny that awaits him.  This all changes however when he is invited to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

Whilst attending classes aimed at teaching them various skills from spells and potions to broomstick riding, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione stumble upon a plot by a teacher at the school to steal the philosopher’s stone.  The stone is able to give its possessor eternal life, and is being kept in the school, guarded by a labyrinth of traps, challenges and personal trials.  They fear the ultimate recipient of the stones magical powers is to be the evil wizard Voldemort, who Harry learns killed his parents.  Their concerns fall on deaf ears at the school however, leaving them no choice but to rescue the stone themselves before it falls into the hands of evil. 

The movie is visually stunning, with elaborate sets, dramatic locations and spectacular special effects.  The cast is a balanced mix of veteran actors and new faces.  Daniel Radcliffe is perfectly suited to the role of Harry Potter, and he portrays Harry’s innocence, enthusiasm and good nature with great efficiency.  Playing Harry’s friends are Rupert Grint as the chess-loving Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as the self-confident and all-knowing Hermione Granger.  Experienced actors featured in supporting roles include Robbie Coltrane playing the gentle giant Rubeus Hagrid, Alan Rickman as bad-guy-apparent Severus Snape, and Richard Harris as the wise old principle Albus Dumbledore. 

Pete says…                                                                                                 

“I enjoyed this movie, but felt that it was a little too lengthy.  Two-and-a-half hours is a long time for children to sit through, and many of those in the screening we attended were getting quite restless and noisy by the end.  The build-up to Harry attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is enthralling viewing, and I especially liked the sequence where Harry and Hagrid go shopping for Harry’s school supplies.  The remainder of the movie however is too drawn out in my opinion.  Several scenes were unnecessarily included, the most obvious of these being the sequence where Harry participates in the frantic-paced and extremely brutal sport played at the school.  The movie’s characters are wonderfully portrayed, and the lessons viewers can learn from Harry’s actions and experiences are thankfully positive, crucial in an era when many role-models leave a lot to be desired.  I give Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone three stars, and encourage kids to go and see it.”

THREE OF FIVE STARS.

Joel says…

The movie was visually enjoyable and the characters were well portrayed by both the veteran and new actors. I think the movie was a bit lengthy for some viewers as the movie was two–and –a-half hours, they could have done it in two hours.

The script was well adapted from the J.K Rowling book of the same name.

The settings were visually stunning and alive with colour and detail; I enjoyed the dinning hall scenery with the candles floating in mid-air.

I’d recommend this movie all age audiences as it has a mixture of adult and children themes. I get it three out of five stars and anticipate the next movie.

THREE OF FIVE STARS.