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Who knew an ordinary boy with glasses and a lightning-shaped scar would take the world by storm? An orphan named Harry Potter lives with his rude aunt, uncle, and cousin and has a generally miserable life until he meets Hagrid, a half-giant who tells him the truth that his parents were excellent wizards and died trying to protect him from an evil wizard, Lord Voldemort. His journey begins as he is whisked away to start school at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he meets his soon-to-be two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The kids get into mischief as they try to solve the mystery of the philosopher's stone and learn magic. He learns that love and friendship are the most important things and that the magic world is his new home. This movie introduces Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson to the world as fine young actors starting out. Their camaraderie is undeniable and they have been well coached to portray these parts. It doesn't hurt their cause one bit to be surrounded by established English actors! Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, John Cleese as Ghost Nearly Headless Nick, and Alan Rickman as Severus Snape all perform brilliantly in their respective roles. Being directed by Chris Columbus who also brought us Home Alone, the movie has a whimsical feel and is geared toward the younger demographic although it can be enjoyed by the whole family. The kids are young so the movie has a young feel to it as well as we explore the first of young Harry's years at Hogwarts.Read full review
"Harry Potter and Philosopher's / Sorcer's Stone" is the first movie in the Harry Potter franchise, based on the very popular children's book series. Please do keep in mind that this movie is based on the book, which means that as good as the movie is, reading the book is better. That having been said, in this charming movie, we meet a young lad by the name of Harry Potter. He is an orphan and lives in England, with his rather abusive aunt and uncle and cousin. A quiet boy, he is astonished to learn that he has been accepted to a "magical high school", called Hogwarts. He is also quite amazed to learn that he is, in fact, a young wizard! From there, his life takes an almost surrealistic turn, as he visits a wizards bank (run by goblins), purchases his first magic wand and learns that he was, in a way, a child-saviour to his people. Inexplicably, when the most evil wizard of all time attempted to kill the infant Harry, the child survived and the evil wizard (by the name of Lord Voldemort) was destroyed. Harry now learns of this major chapter of his past for the first time. You will delight in seeing Harry's new school, which is brought to screen in a most pleasing way. Paintings and photographs can move and speak, staircases can re-arrange themselves, and there is a Forbidden forest on the school grounds! As Harry is so young, the movie is rather light-hearted and playful, as we meet his schoolmates, and teachers and join Harry in his first magical lessons. But after the delight of these novelties wear off, Harry and his new pals start to uncover a secret that is hidden in the school. Suspicious characters and enchanted objects lead to the Hero-Triad into some dangerous and challenging tasks. In the end, Harry must face a character whom he thought was dead...the re-incarnation of the evil Lord Voldemort. Using courage and determination beyond his years, Harry manages to defeat this character once again, but will he be back? This movie stars an impressive number of accomplished British actors (although if you are like me, you may not recognize them or know of their past works). The children in the movie are generally all new up-and-comers, and they do a tremendous job! Very believeable and incredible on-screen chemistry. One of the nicest things is having the same child-actors play the same roles in all of the future movies, so we can see them grow-up and mature into young adults. This film version was very close to the novel and is a very enjoyable show for fans and non-fans, children and adults alike. There is no profanity, no sexual content and no explicit violence. Some of the concepts might be frightening for young children, so the film is rated PG. People who know nothing about the Harry Potter books may voice the opinion that it is evil, or promoting the devil in some way, but that is simply not true. If in doubt, read the book or watch the movie yourself, before exposing your children to it and you will see that it is imaginative and fun, and not 'sinful'. Along with his DVD comes a bonus disk, which includes special features. Extra footage, a self-guided tour of the school, and games and activities equal hours of interactive fun. I hope that you enjoyed this review and that it has helped you in some way. If you found it to be insightful or helpful, I would kindly request that you vote "YES", that it was helpful to you. Thank you.Read full review
This movie was entertaining even though it's been out for a while. I have to say that I naglected this series until now. This product was packed not only with the movie, but also with interactive and pc access. The price was good as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Of course, if this movie wasn't so good, we probably wouldn't have all of the others. Though the most "child friendly" of the series, it is still a good movie for adults, too. It introduces you to the world of Harry Potter, his friends and enemies. It sets the stage for what is to come. This is my 4-year-old daughter's favorite movie (both HP and movies in general!) She loves the shots of "baby Harry Potter" showing his past. She asks to watch it at least once a day. It's just a good overall family movie. It's got alot of good values to teach (sticking together with your friends and chosing them wisely, perseverance, ingenuity, resourcefulness, accepting people's differences, etc.) Great movie, great actors, great everything! It will surely be a long time favorite (dare I say it....the Star Wars of our generation?)Read full review
I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, and it's not just the movies but the books also. I think that by far, The Socerers Stone is my favorite of all five movies currently out. Not only did it help perpetuate a craze, but the movie in it self is pretty awesome. There are times when I watch it and am amazed at the age of the three main characters in the movie. They are poised and professional and very young. I think it also helps that they are surrounded by experienced talent. Overall, I would give this movie a five - it does what fantasy is suppossed to do - take you and immerse you in another world and keeps you wanting more. The only drawback is that I wish there had been more from the book - possibly a little longer movie - BUT - it was the first and they were trying to draw people in and if they had included more who knows how long the movie would've been. Oh well!! Get the movie - it's a great movie to watch on rainy days (harry potter days at my house), cold days, halloween, and the holidays.Read full review
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