For 23 years now, the Harry Potter film franchise has left its mark on critics and fans alike. In fact the films have spawned The Wizarding World theme parks in Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, several film location attractions all over the world, and of course lots and lots of different kinds of merchandise. There’s no doubt that the Harry Potter films are one of the greatest film franchises, both in its timeliness and in how much they made at the box office. But today let’s talk about the film that started it all, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Based on the book by the same name (depending on what country you’re from), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone tells the tale of young Harry Potter raised by his horrible aunt and uncle who gets accepted into Hogwarts, and faces Voldemort as he tries to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone. The book in itself was charmingly written and well edited, so it makes sense that the film would have similar merits. Although there are dark moments throughout the film, it’s easily overpowered by the charming and lighthearted scenes and dialogues. For example, when Hagrid comes to the Dursley’s hideout and informs Harry of who he is and what the letters are for, Vernon refuses to send Harry away and rudely says, “I will not have some crazy old man teach him magic tricks.” (I’m paraphrasing a little). Hagrid gets so mad at him that he not only stands up for Dumbledore but also gives Dudley, who was happily eating Harry’s birthday cake in the corner, a pig’s tail. This scene is a perfect example of taking a dark and foreboding situation and giving it some humor.
Now I’m not sure about some of you, but I love a visually satisfying and beautiful movie. And the best way that I can describe a movie like this is the first Harry Potter movie. The scenery is beautiful, the costumes are lovely, the storyline is charming and funny and well thought out, and the special effects add to the story’s fantastical feel. The sound, lighting, and camera angles are breathtaking; it’s all just visually stunning. The actors did a great job in portraying their characters well. I feel that everyone did a great job on this movie.
One of my favorite scenes from this movie occurs when Harry and the Dursley’s go to the zoo and Harry’s just having a pleasant conversation with the snake. Then Dudley just pushes him out of the way once the snake starts to move and ends up in the snake’s enclosure himself because of Harry’s powers. That scene is absolutely hilarious, and the actors did a wonderful job with looking terrified and in shocked.
My favorite line from the movie is either, “I’m going to bed before either of you has another clever idea to get us killed or worse expelled,” because the way that Emma Watson delivers the line is both sassy and serious and above all funny in her own unique way, or “She needs to sort out her priorities,” because it’s a funny line from Ron who provides comic relief. The way he delivers the line is just priceless and perfect.
Above all, I think that the film was wonderfully done and a great start to the series. It holds up to the children’s book idea while also making it enjoyable for viewers in every age group. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson portray their characters beautifully; every actor that was cast did an absolutely brilliant job. I feel that this movie was just what the franchise needed to get started and still works today. What do you think?
