Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Maggie Smith, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Ian Hart, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Verne Troyer, John Hurt, Bonnie Wright, Julianne Hough (uncredited)
Directed by: Chris Columbus
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: Young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) learns that his parents were both very powerful wizards, and is suddenly whisked away to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he discovers that he is somewhat of a legend, the sole survivor of a plot by the evil Lord Voldemort. He tries to adjust himself to his new surroundings, befriending Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). His focus on school is disrupted when he begins searching for the legendary sorcerer's stone.

Review:

Tim: I'm not a very big Harry Potter fan. I never got into the books and I certainly never will. All that being said, I couldn't make myself dislike this movie. It is fantasy eye candy that surprisingly has more substance than you could imagine. There is a world that is so amazing and awe inspiring that you can't help but get sucked in. There is definitely a mythology here that is quite fascinating.

Daniel Radcliffe is excellent as the titular hero. He possesses a youthful charm that makes him believable as the boy wizard. Rupert Grint plays his part perfectly, providing much needed comedic relief without appearing too silly. Emma Watson is energetic and fantastic. She nearly steals the show.

Hogwarts is a fascinating place with a cast of interesting professors and creatures. Quidditch is an exciting and intense game and it looks amazing on the big screen (even if I still don't quite understand all the rules).

The special effects are astounding and pull you in on an incredible adventure. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is exciting and children as well as adults should fall in love with it- even if they still refuse to read the books.

*Update- A few decades after first seeing this film, I watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the third time, this time with my 9 year-old son and 5 year-old daughter. They recently read the book with their mom. It's funny to read my earlier, absurd review. Humorously, I still haven't read any of the books, although I do plan to remedy that. I've seen all the movies, I've seen the Broadway play, I've visited the museum in England. Harry Potter was a global phenomenon back then and still exists today as a hallmark franchise.

It was incredible to go back and see this first film again, so many years later. I've thought more and more over time that "great" movies need to be great every time you watch them. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone retains its greatness. It's a wonderful introduction to these characters and this world. It offers so much- plenty to draw in young viewers, and as much for older ones. This fantasy world was brilliantly conceived and impeccably adapted by Chris Columbus. This film has a lot to cover, but it handles all these various threads exceptionally well. By the end of the film, we know Harry, Ron, and Hermione. We've started to become familiar with the supporting characters, we've gone on a fascinating, exciting adventure, and we're anxious for the journey to continue. To accomplish all this in a 2 hour, 32 minute film that never feels too long is a wonderful cinematic accomplishment.

Knowing what I know now, it's so insane to me how brilliantly cast the trio of stars were. Daniel Radcliffe is perfect as Harry, but is a talented and smart actor. Emma Watson is brilliant, perhaps the most talented from this cast. Rupert Grint might not have the major roles that his costars do, but he's carved out a strong niche for himself. You have actors like Alan Rickman, the late Richard Harris. You have Maggie Smith, the late Robbie Coltrane in a scene-stealing, heartwarming role. John Cleese even pops up here. This franchise has long attracted terrific talent and it's true even here, in the first installment. It's great fun watching this perfectly cast group of actors bring this world to life.

The visual effects hold up, even in 2024. Oh sure, they're obvious, especially by today's standards, but they're still done brilliantly. They pull you into this fantastic, exciting world. The visuals are top notch. Columbus does such a nice job directing this film. It was nominated for 3 Academy Awards- Best Art Direction-Set Direction (it could have won that), Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score. This is a big, blockbuster movie, but it's impeccably made.

I could go on, but I'm thankful that I was able to update my earlier review. It's always humbling to read what you wrote in the past. I may have been less articulate in my first review than I'd have liked, but I nailed this review. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a great movie, setting up one of the all-time best franchises. Now, I've just got to get around to reading these books.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire