Apologies for the lack of opinions lately. I've been on holiday and had a spot of writers block. I'm...
Apologies for the lack of opinions lately. I've been on holiday and had a spot of writers block. I'm not entirely happy about the new scheme for rewards, but I should still be writing again soon. :)
Member since:13.01.2001
Reviews:70
Members who trust:60
Harry Potter is 11 years old when he discovers he is a wizard. Until now, he has been living with his pompous aunt and uncle (Richard Griffiths and Fiona Shaw) and spoilt cousin, who treat him like a servant. But then he gets letter (after letter after letter) from the mysterious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, followed by a visit from a giant of a man, known as Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane).
It is only now that he learns of his parents, who were wizards and who died at the hands of an evil wizard called Voldemort, who also left him with the lightning scar on his forhead, whilst he was still just a baby. That Harry survived this attack has made him famous when he arrives at Hogwarts and begins his real education.
Despite an all star cast, the standard of acting was not outstanding. The young actors playing the three children (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) were particularly disappointing, I thought. Child actors should be endearing for a film to work, but I just found them annoying. Alan Rickman as Snape was very OTT and my favourite actors (Julie Walters, John Cleese) only have small roles as Ron’s Mother and an ‘almost headless’ ghost.
Maggie Smith puts in a strong performance as Hogwart's Headmistress, as does most of the more experienced members of the cast, but whether it was the direction, acting or script, much of it was very melodramatic.
I found the entire thing a bit childish. I mean, Harry apparently defeats trolls, wins his first ever quiddich match for his team and even escapes the most evil wizard that ever lived, without very much effort at all. Some wizard! It’s his friend Hermonie who casts all the spells that save the day, and his friend Ron who is prepared to give up his own life in order to prevent he-who-cannot-be-named getting his hands on the Philosophers Stone.
Everything about the plot seemed too easy to me. There were no twists in the tale and almost all of Harry’s discoveries come about by Hagrid conveniently revealing things he shouldn’t.
I’m sorry to say I spent much of the film sniggering at the lameness at some of the lines and the obviousness of what was going to happen next. I was generally unimpressed with the parts of the film which were supposed to be frightening, excting and/or emotional. It didn’t really help that I’d already seen the best and funniest scenes a thousand times on television already either.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there were aspects of the film I liked. The sets are magnificent for a start. And when Harry steps through the wall into the side of London that not everyone knows, who can fail to be delighted with the fantastic world that is revealed. The magical universe captures the heart in the same way Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’ did and is the key to a good story.
The special effects are impressive too, especially for the quiddich scene. This, ‘the sorting hat’ and the way to Platform 9¾ are the most memorable scenes for me. And the overall look of the film is good. So, it’s not like I hated all of it.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a film that adults and children will no doubt find entertaining and fans of the books will not be disappointed. But believe me when I say it’s nothing special.
To try and please all the fans of JK Rowling's novel was a challenge that the makers ... more
ofHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stonemet head on. The result of their efforts is one of the most lavish, beautiful and magical cinematic treats to hit our screens...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As the first Harry Potter film of the celebrated series, this is a must for ardent fans ... more
and newcomers to the global fantasy phenomenon. An adaptation of J. K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel,Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone(known as the...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
To try and please all the fans of JK Rowling's novel was a challenge that the makers ... more
ofHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stonemet head on. The result of their efforts is one of the most lavish, beautiful and magical cinematic treats to hit our screens...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: wonderful, great special effects, impressive cast, Rupert Grint and Robbie Coltrane Disadvantages: Emma Watson, Malfoy is underused, a year's wait for number 2 in the series!
Advantages: Superb Plot, Good Acting, Good Effects, Enjoyable for all sorts of people. Disadvantages: Can a film adaptation ever be as good as the book? (non-rhetorical question- your thoughts?)
Advantages: Not a lot really, No American Actors Disadvantages: Poor editing, no soundtrack to speak of, poor special effects, generally poor adaptation
Advantages: Offers freedom to watch all films so you can keep a continual track of the story. Disadvantages: Although enjoyable, the later films are more compelling to view than those before.
![Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Two Disc Widescreen Edition) [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78534968.jpg "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Two Disc Widescreen Edition) [DVD] [2001]")
![Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone [2001] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78491628.jpg "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone [2001] [DVD]")
![Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone [HD DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/77973745.jpg "Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone [HD DVD] [2001]")
Nov 20th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
![Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/88350446.jpg)
![Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone [DVD] [2001] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/84126628.jpg)
