| Product: |
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (DVD) |
| Date: |
29/11/01 (19 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Good entertainment for children, Follows the book reasonably, Excellent cast of adults
Disadvantages: Many omissions, Not as good as the book, Poor acting from children
The film follows the story of Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts School, after he discovers he is a wizard. The story in many ways is a typical boarding school tale of adventure, however it has a twist of magic in it!
Harry, together with his new friends Ron and Hermione, finds out interesting secrets about his past and discovers to his surprise that he is famous outside of the muggle (non-magic people) world.
Now, what I thought of the film. Please, don't kill me everyone, I honestly am a big Harry Potter fan!!!
I was disappointed with the film. Yes, it is good, and follows the plot of the book reasonably well, however, watching it with people who hadn't read the books brought all its faults to my attention.
Important information about the characters is frequently omitted, which is important to the development of the characters' relationships. For those of us who have read the books this poses no real problem, but I found I was asked many questions by my friends about the characters.
Even knowing the story, I found that the film is quite bitty. It doesn't seem to flow well from one scene to the next. Some of the main characters in the books are barely included. Dumbledore, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle are among the main ommissions. Malfoy is actually introduced in quite a big way and then fades to nothing. Neville also suddenly appears for quite a main part after having only appeared for literally a second previously.
The childrens' acting leaves a bit to be desired, but given a bit of experience, I'd expect it to improve in the next few movies.
I am not saying the film is rubbish. Children will love it, but it lacks all the subtlety which has made the books such a big hit with adults all over the world. The effects and scenery are superb, but so much is missing, including the darkenss which J.K. Rowling's series is known for.
I'd recommend it
for children, but I think you will be disappointed as an adult.
Summary:
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Last comments:
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- 10/12/01 I can't say that I agree with your opinion of the film. I was rather impressed with how well they adapted a novel to the screen. It should go without saying that the book will almost always be better, but then they really are two different mediums. You will always find better character development in a written work than on screen. My youngest said she found the film very helpful in understanding the book though. She said she had been having a hard time 'seeing' what they were talking about. So, while the film may have left non-readers out a bit, it seems to have helped younger readers visualize what they are reading. Fair enough trade I suppose.
I thought you made an excellent point though. I hadn't thought how the film would impact on someone who hadn't read the books.
Wishing You Laughter,
Q |
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- 03/12/01 I am a pleasant person in real life, but I am that because I let all my anger out on the internet. |
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- 03/12/01 It doesn't hurt to be pleasant to people though even when you are slating what they have written. |
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