Rating: Summary: Entertaining Movie despite lacking a coherent plot. Review: Without a doubt Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a fine movie, and certainly better than what I expected. (A poor, cheesy, cash in on the phenomenon)Harry Potter the movie was certainly quite the popcorn movie, and is a fast movie despite being 2 1/2 hour movie. However it isn't easy to cram that much book into a movie, and the result is at some points shoddy. The plot isn't very coherent, as we don't see enough classroom time, not enough time is put towards developing the character of Draco Malfloy. (Though from the start he looked the sinister snob that he is with his slicked back hair) In fact its lack of detail in the final 20 minutes makes it seem very rushed. Putting all that aside it was certainly good entertainment, and anyone who didn't read the movie will not be disappointed with the superb acting. Overall a worthwhile movie to check out.
Rating: Summary: A New Hope Review: This is cinematic enchantment on a level not seen in years. It's as joyous and wonderful as "Almost Famous", but with a mythological sense of magic and wonderment that makes it seem spectacular. The entire film carries the spirit of one that will someday be the first chapter in a grand, beautiful epic- the same feeling one gets when watching "Star Wars- Episode IV: A New Hope", the magical epic of twenty-four years ago. It doesn't have the same power as that film, but it has all the promise and most of the fun. A classic for a new generation. All I can say is: Who needs "Episode II"? We have Harry Potter.
Rating: Summary: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Review: I saw the new Harry Potter movie twice yesterday and the second time was even better than the first! The book really did come to life, and although they left out many parts in the book (for running time), the story was still told so that people who hadn't read the books could understand what was going on. (I of course have read all four.) Although some of the special effects looked like just that, it still looked realistic enough that I was captivated from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what they're going to do for the next one!
Rating: Summary: True to the book? Review: How many people out there read a book, watch the movie, and realize the film did no justice to the author's imagination? How many people have wanted to erase the memory if a terrible movie that destroyed the amazing novel it was made from? Me, I'm one of those people, and in my life, I've read just two books that were accurately portrayed on the big screen. The first being Frank Darabont's 1999 film "The Green Mile," and the second being "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I wanted to see this movie before everything got out into the public about the way it transitioned onto film. I caught a special showing this morning and was totally blown away. I read the book about two months ago and was shocked to see how much the film followed the book. From the great hall to the look and feel of the movie, director Chris Columbus had it perfect. The Quidditch match was supurb and and sets breathtaking. The acting was good, and overall I thought Hagrid and Snape were the most impressive. The girl who played Hermione was snotty and stuck-up, and did a fantastic job with her character. Daniel Radcliffe was somewhat dull at the beginning, but opened up throughout the film to give an average performace, which I hope he will work on to perfect the most important character for the second film. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" has the imagination of a five-year-old. Young or old, you'll enjoy this movie. Kids will fall all over it, and adults will remember their childhood. I'm sixteen and am wishing I was about nine so I could have all the action figures and costumes and not make a fool of myself. A must see movie, and the best of the best so far this year. (Although I'm sure "The Fellowship of the Ring" will surpass it greatly.) Thanks for reading.
Rating: Summary: Nothing Amazing Review: I was not quite sure what to expect from this film; annoyed at first at the casting of Daniel Radcliffe and a cynical view of the first few adverts did not have my hopes up high. However some of the comments I heard were encouraging, so I faced the film with an open mind. Now firstly the major changes to the book: 1) The second quidditch match (against Hufflepuff) was cut entirely. It is meant to be areally short match, could they at least cut at some point in the film to Harry holding the snitch after mentioning that the next quidditch match was coming up soon. As a result of this, the defeat of Gryffindor by Ravenclaw is not mentioned. 2)Part of the bit about Norbert (Hagrid's dragon) is cut. Norbert is one of the worst parts of the story and I think he should have been cut all together. 3) Snape's potion test before they get to the Philosopher's stone is gone. This is the change I am most annoyed about. The film is generally well cast (Alan Rickman is brilliant as Snape), but all the main characters are exactly as you would expect them, no interesting takes on the characters. Also the film is a bit hurried and I would imagine that anyone who has not read the book would find it confusing at places. If your a fan, you must see this out of curiosity. If you're not, don't bother.
Rating: Summary: ALAN RICKMAN and THE QUIDDITCH MACH Made The Film... Review: ...as good as it was. As a family film and mystery fil, it was exceptional. As a film screaming the word BLOCKBUSTER out, it was AOK. I just feel that if I don't go and see it again for anything else, it would be 2 things: 1) ALAN RICKMAN. He fits perfectly into the role of the creepy and honorable Professor Snape. 2) THE QUIDDITCH MATCH. Exciting and full of dazzling visual effects. Other great acting performances by John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter. Story a bit slow and weak. Other than this, it's great. Great for kids, even though a tad too long (143 Min.). Grade: A
Rating: Summary: Great scene after Scene. Super Film Review: I'm not sure if it was the fact that I was watching Harry with my 11 year old son, and enjoying the excitement he was feeling-- getting to watch the movie he'd read and reread all the books about. But it sure felt good. Time after time there were moments when I just filled up with good feelings. But it could also have been all the magic in the movie. Magic in movies is a natural way to get the tear ducts working. And this movie had such a wealth of it-- fun, gentle. Those people who are complaining that this story is in any way anti-religion or sacrilegious are .... story-taleban. Anyway, for that handful of peel who haven't read the book, this is a great story about a boy, Harry Potter, who, raised by obnoxious muggles (non-wizard ordinary humans) on his 11th birthday, receives an invitation to attend the Hogwarth's School for Wizards. He makes friends, learns magic, faces life threatening danger-- pure Joseph Campbell Hero's Journey. And it works. Outside of maybe ten minutes near the end, when things slow down a bit, this is a wondrous film which makes you feel good watching it. My favorite actor was Robbie Coltrance, who played Hagrid a goodhearted simple mountain of a man with a huge, flowing beard, obviously attractive to nesting birds. He brings to mind visions of the Iron John Robert Bly described in his book which helped start the men's movement. Alan Rickman (Spock in Galaxy Quest) does a great job playing Snavely, head of the Slytherin house at Hogwarths-- as reptilian as the Slytherin name suggests. The special effects were great, very nicely and seamlessly woven into the story so things feel so real-- well, not the candles floating in air. John Wiliams musical score adds to the emotional underlayments of the story. It's worth sitting through the close to 15 minutes of credits to hear his music. This film deserves the acclaim for the records it is going to be breaking.
Rating: Summary: This Movie was Awesome!! Review: I saw this movie last night and it was so cool! There were parts in the book that weren't in the movie and there were a few slight changes from the book to the movie. Over all it stuck to the book, which is really good. Most books that have been made into movies change the book completely! Everyone should go see it...if you can get a ticket! :)
Rating: Summary: My opinion Review: (...) If you were like me, being a totally pathetic Harry Potter fan, you'd know all the books front cover to back by heart. My friends and I had fun commenting throughout the whole movie. There were loads of scenes missing, and some crucial details were changed to make the movie shorter. I guess that's for the best, because I can still have those scenes to myself without anyone ruining them for me. The child actors were great, I must say! Their dispositions were totally from the book. I know Chris Columbus tried to stay as faithful as possible to the book, and i'm very thankful for that. The only thing about this movie is that so many scenes were cut from the book, that if you hadn't read it, you would be a little confused as to what was going on. But then again, who the heck hasn't read the book?
Rating: Summary: One of the Best Movies ever! Review: This movie was great! Although i was slightly disapionted that they did not show many deatils and transisons, if they had it would of been a three hour movie. By far the best part was the special affects. Watching qiuditch was Very thrilling. I enjoyed all the humor. I won't give away the ending . However, i do feel that you should not watch this if you have not read the book, because it is so fast paced it would be hard to understand.The acting was great, the special efects were great,Evrything was great! So go!
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