Rating: 
Summary: Good for All Ages
Review: I was a bit skeptical to take my 4 and 5 year olds to see this movie. I tried reading them the book, but it was a bit much for them to understand. After watching the movie they both LOVE, and understand the book. The story follows the book to a T. My 5 year old reads on a 2nd grade level and he now loves this story. I'm getting the rest of the set for them for Christmas. If you are hesitating for any reason, DON'T. Go see it!
Rating: 
Summary: A Fine Film, Yet Falls Short
Review: Now that the smoke has cleared and fans have officially been allowed to enter the world of young wizard Harry Potter, it is apparent that the movie is definitely a classic and will probably be remembered for quite some time - but is it as good as J.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series? While the novel was developed and surprising, the film seems to take the greatest hits from the novel and incorporate them into the movie, omitting such transitional concepts as Harry and his friend's research and pondering over their latest mystery and letting them jump to a brilliant conclusion every other scene. However, these qualms can be overlooked. The visual effects are stupendous - in particular the fantastic Quidditch scene that plays like an Omnimax film and the tense portion of the trials in the dungeons. However, some effects are not as commendable as others. For example, the oafish troll that looks like Shrek's inbred cousin. But, if anything is to be lauded over all things, it is the phenomenal performances director Chris Columbus extracts from his characters. While the youngsters, such as Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Richard Grint (in a fine turn as Ron) are quite capable, the portrayals given by Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, and the excellent Maggie Smith steal the limelight in their supporting roles. While some improvments are allowed, such as making Draco Malfoy, Harry's nemesis, less one-sided, the film cannot truly be enjoyed as we all already know what happens, unless you have been living in some cave for the past few years. Although, one can omit their memories and be allowed to bask in two and a half hours of pure magic.
Rating:
Summary: Cheesefest at the end, but still entertaining
Review: As a big fan of major blockbusting movies that fascinate and entertain, I thought Harry Potter did just this. Educational and 'arty' films may be OK in moderation, but I think that films like this are what the cinema was really made for.
Having dragged my (male) companion kicking and screaming to the box office, he made a series of sarcastic, derogatory comments throughout but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the film at all. Many people don't even WANT to enjoy the film, thinking it is just for kids, when really it is for all ages.
The magic of the settings, costumes and plotlines of the film were brilliant, especially, I think, the bit with the Quidditch game. I was completely engrossed! Call me a big kid, but magical things like this just bring me back to my childhood, something not many people dislike the experience of.
On a bad note, I thought Harry Potter's acting was quite wooden in places and there were sections that were cringingly cheesy, but the special effects and rest of the cast (Robbie Coltrane is brilliant as Hagrid) more than made up for this.
I have to confess, I haven't read any of the books, but maybe this helped me enjoy the film more because I wasn't constantly comparing it to the literary version.
It did feel slightly long - I began fidgeting by the time the chess game had started - and this may not be a good thing for younger children coming to the see the film. However, all in all, a classic feel-good entertaining film that is a breath of fresh-air from all the air-head teen-flicks and dark slasher-horrors we are usually bombarded with.
Rating: 
Summary: Family Event Of The Year!
Review: I think it's only fair that I start my review off by saying, I am one of the "less educated" people who went to go see this movie. [...] I've never read any Harry Potter books before in my life, and I never do intend upon reading any of them. To be completely honest, I have no clue as to how many books have been written! But with all these things withstanding, I still found I was able to enjoy this movie. Granted, walking into the movie I had no clue has to what I'm about to watch. There was something that kept me interested in this movie. As far as story-line goes, "Harry Potter...ect" lacks, big time! There no "real" story-line to film. It doesn't really go anywhere. What it does however, is charm you with it's characters and settings. As I sat watching this movie I could tell it was something special. It's not like anything I've been subjected to this entire year. The movie has heart, and was done with care. People who have read the book even love it! And they are usually the toughest audience. "Harry Potter...ect" suprised me a lot, I was planning on being disappointed, but, I was taken away with the film. There's something "magical" about the film, and I know I must sound cliche saying that, but, it's the only word I can use to describe the quality of this film.
The casting in this movie is great. It's a British role call of great actors: Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, and believe it or not, but, there's even room here for John Cleese! Who has a very brief cameo as a nearly headless horseman. The newcomers; Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint,& Emma Watson were fun to watch. I have no idea if they were "ideal" choices for the film or not but I did like Watson. [...] I think all three of them did a nice job with each of their roles. It's clear they all had a good time while making this film.
The effects, from what I've read by other reviews, are sub-par. Some say it was irrating how phony some scenes looked. Like when they were flying on their brooms. I admit, it bothered me a little bit too, but not enough for me to critize the effects in this film. I liked the way a lot of the film looked. It really had a fairy-tale quality to it.
In short, "Harry Potter..ect" has good acting, good directing, somewhat interesting story-line [...]. There are nice effects, and moments where adults will be entertained by the film too. My only other complaint about the film is, I think some parts were a bit too violent for really younger childern. [...] I heard some kids cry, very little though. So, if someone like me, who had no clue what he was about to watch can enjoy this film, chances are everyone else will find something good to say about it. A real dazzler! *** 1\2 out of *****
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter was great; minor flaws
Review: Well, I'll have to say I wasn't expecting to be impressed by this film. It's a movie, after all, and there are so many differences between books and movies. (...)I was dazzled by the effects, though at times it seems they tried a tad too hard, and things ended up looking a bit fake (Fluffy, for instance.) I think the Quidditch match was fantastic, though at times also looked semi-fake. As far as sticking to the book... they did it beautifully, I have to say. Sure, they left a bit out (such as the Potions challenge before the fight with Voldemort and bits with the baby dragon), but what can you expect? They had to cram everything into a 2 1/2 hour movie, and I bet few people can honestly say it only took them that long to read the book. One thing I had a problem with was that they barely introduced the characters. They never mentioned Lee Jordan's name, as far as I remember, and a few others they barely mentioned as well. The secondary characters got little screen time (Percy, the twins, etc.), since they were focusing on getting everyone in there (save Peeves, I suppose.) The acting was fantastic - especially for a bunch of 11-13 year-old kids. They played each of their parts perfectly, though Harry seemed a bit... how should I say... bored? He didn't seem scared at any point, except perhaps in the Dark Forest, but he just seemed to laid-back to be the Harry Potter we know from the books. Other than that, all was fine in the acting department. Among my favorite actors were Rupert Grint (Ron) and Alan Rickman (Prof. Snape.) People also complained that the movie wasn't "magical" enough, like the book. I'd like to point out something. In books, you can put in descriptions that bring the story and characters alive, and it's so much easier. In a film, all you can do is play out the scenes. That's why so many books-to-movies seem so... bad. But among them, Harry Potter is by far the best. I'd definitely recommend this film.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-See Movie!!!
Review: First of all, the movie is one of the best we've ever seen! The casting director has definitely outdone himself for he has chosen the best actors, and they have portrayed their roles perfectly. The effects are stunning (The Quiditch Match is fantastic! - hope to see more of this, & Harry Potter(Daniel Radcliffe)/Oliver Wood(Sean Biggerstaff) :), in the next movie) and the story itself, which falls under the fantasy genre, is very interesting and unique. The element of mystery will always keep you guessing until the very end. We were excited all through out the movie. However, we recommend viewers to read the book for there are some details that haven't been shown in the movie.
We already watched it twice... and we plan to watch it again! It's definitely worth it!
Rating:
Summary: You Don't Have to Read the Book to be Thrilled w/the Movie!
Review: My third grader has read the entire series so far, and could barely wait for the movie. With some trepidation, having not read any of the four books, I went along with her and was transported into the fantastic world of Harry Potter and friends. I found the storyline easy to follow and the plot kept me in suspense throughout the movie. Of course, the special effects were great, as everyone has been saying, but I was even more gratified to find that all the child actors were exactly that - wonderful actors! I totally believed the entire story, and easily entered my daughter's fantasy life right along with her. And to say that my daughter was thrilled as well is an understatement. She was as blown away by the movie as her father and I. According to my husband, who read the series along with my daughter, the movie was extremely faithful to the book, and he loved it too. I'm sure that this movie will become a children's classic alongside such other fare as "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". It was a wonderful family experience. Kudos to all connected with Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: I went with a group of adult friends and have become hopelessly addicted. The special effects were up there with Star wars and the matrix. We have all read the other three remaining books and can't wait for the next. I really do hope they plan to make a movie of all of the books.
Rating:
Summary: A great movie!
Review: This movie was great! I saw it on November 18 with some of my friends and it was great! The special effects when the glass dissapeared at the Zoo and the snake escaped, and the chessboard characters were awsome! Although the movie was kinda off plot in from the book and they cut off scenes (AND THEY DIDN'T SHOW PEEVES AT ALL!), it was pretty great. It got my brother into reading the books. I just can't wait until the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets comes out in November 2002. I recently got Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the GBA. I defenatly recomend this movie to anyone!
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter Rocks!!!!!!
Review: I read all the Harry Potter books and saw the movie it was great!!!!!! I can't wait for the next book and movie to come out.
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