FANTASTIC FANTASY (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (DVD))

Member Name: jingles

Product:	Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (DVD)
Date:	12/11/01 (340 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It is an excellent adaptation of JK Rowlings superb 1st Potter book

Disadvantages: We have to wait for the next film and book!

Hype and more hype has surrounded this film since its inception. The world has gone Potter crazy is quite simply an understatement! Specsavers are having an unprecedented run on little round spectacles like Harry wears. Every child worth his or her salt wants to attend Hogwarts (and if the truth were known adults too!)

Saturday 10th November 2001 – a big day in my calendar. David and l left home at 7pm, having booked a table at the Chinese in the same complex as the Warner Village Cinema. I was jittery and excited – like a child on Christmas Eve! I almost grabbed little kids on their way out of the cinema to demand their opinions on it!

At 9.30pm my excitement reached its peak! The main feature began. The music simply added to the magical mystery and enchantment.

The opening scenes introduce us to the characters, but for me to go into the plot would be fruitless – lm not going to be blame for spoiling your enjoyment of the film! Needless to say Harry Potter is our hero, he’s a boy wizard and an orphan, living with his Aunt and Uncle. Live is not the greatest for Mr Potter until he received a letter – his acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. From here the tale unwinds, Harry learns more about his past, present and indeed future.

I've read all the books so l had specific pictures and imagery built up in my head as to what the characters and scenery would be like. Full marks to director Chris Columbus (of Home Alone fame!) because the on screen adaptation from the books meet my expectations.

Harry Potter is set in Britain, and many of our brightest lights in the acting world pop up in this film. But – do they meet the standard set out in JK Rowling's books – well l personally feel yes on the whole they do.

Daniel Radicliffe plays Harry. He fits the role perfectly – it’s as if Rowling was writing her books with him in mind. A convi
ncing role for such a young actor – 11 years old only.

Emma Watson is Hermione Granger. This film is her first experience of the movies – but then again she is only 10 years old! Many have slated her acting as being contrived and perhaps over acted. I disagree – the character she plays is contrived to a certain extent – a brainbox, know all and real good two shoes – and l think Emma passes this feel on perfectly! I think the kid should be given a chance, there’s real potential.

Rupert Grint aged 12, was hilarious playing Harry’s best friend Ronald Weasley. His facial expressions and one-liners were simply excellent. Again another brilliant performance.

The rest……….

 Professor Dumbledore was played by Richard Harris
 Professor McGonagle was played by Dame Maggie Smith
 Rubeus Hagrid was the superb Robbie Coltrane
 Alan Rickman was the dark Professor Snape
 Richard Griffiths was the bully that was Uncle Vernon Dursley

The cast chosen were down so with expert eyes and someone with vivid imagination – they really and truly were what l had conjured up in my mind’s eye.

The Book –v- The Flick

The film is 2.5 hours long, but for me it flew by. Yes there were times where l noted that didn’t happen in the book, or more of the fact that they missed certain sections of the book out – really this is understandable – if they had not l d probably still be sitting in the cinema auditorium! Truly they kept to the book quite well. The script writers perhaps did not develop characters enough – Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) immediately springs to mind – he does feature quite prominently in the book and is at school at least Harry Potter’s nemesis. The wizarding game of Quidditch is important to Harry and central to the plot in the book. On screen it
was indeed spectacular to watch them on their broomsticks, but it could have received more airtime. Also, as far as l can recall, an important secret regarding Hagrid was not revealed – which is quite integral to the 2nd book and therefore film – The Chamber of Secrets.

Overall

I loved it. I was mesmermised. I was enchanted. I want to go again! I make no secret of the fact lm a Potter fanatic of course! Adults and children alike can enjoy this trip into fantasy, to be truly spellbound for a few hours. Effects such as the floating candle sticks, the enchanted roof of Hogwarts Great Hall, The Fat Lady, the magic wizard photographs or even Fluffy, all add to the spectacular film and show just how much attention has been paid to detail. Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone (or if your are American Sorcerer’s Stone) is indeed the film of the year – go see it!

For further details visit http://harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk

The film opens nation-wide on 16th November 2001.

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