Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - a Frank Review

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released in 2001 and is classified as a fantasy adventure movie. The film is a cinematic version of the novel by the name name written by J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was directed by Chris Columbus and a fine merry job he done of it too.

The storyline follows Harry Potter ( casted by Daniel Radcliffe ) who at the tender age of elven has his whole world turned upside down. On the bright side he discovers he is a wizard and to his amazement learns there is a school for young wizards and witches called Hogwarts where he will learn about all aspects of the magic used by wizards. Harry Potter has a unusual scar on his forehead and learns what caused that scar in this first movie. He has been raised by his aunt and uncle since he was one year old. Mr. Radcliffe was paid a full million dollars for his part in this movie and J.K Rowlings reportedly said that producer Chris Columbus could not have found a better Harry to play the part.

On the way to Hogwarts, Harry meets his two soon to be best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Ron Weasley ( casted by Rupert Grint ) is the youngest child from a poor family who takes to Harry Potter who takes to Harry at first sight. Ron and Harry become fast friends and are mostly inseparable. Rupert was 13 and the oldest of the trio. Hermione Granger ( cast by the lovely Emma Watson ) plays the part of an very smart witch and even though she initially irritates the boys becomes a close companion after an encounter with a giant troll that was going badly for little Hermione. Hermione looks small and innocent but her mastery of magic is well beyond her years as is her understand of the world around her. She is easily the second most interesting character in this film trailing very closely behind the star of the film Harry Potter.

After arriving at Hogwarts the trio go through one adventure after another and one wonders how they manage to get any studying done at all. Harry makes new friends, and learns about his parent's fate at the hands of the antagonist of the film, Lord Voldemort. Voldemort was almost killed casting a terrible curse on Harry while he was a baby and at this point only exist in a spiritual form when not possessing another's material body.

Over all I give this movie a rating of 9 out of 10. I think it is a great children's movie that most parents will have no problems allowing any aged child to watch. It teaches good moral values, the value of friendship, and the value of loyalty and the important of family. I will hold off on telling you any more about the plot to allow you the chance to enjoy the movie for yourself. It is an older movie and probably available in the bargain bins of video stores if you have never seen it, spend the $5 and pick up a copy. It is well worth the money spent and you and your family will watch it over and over again.