Rating: 
Summary: Harry ain't Gandalf or Aslan
Review: The special effects were good. Now to the rest.It was a poor movie. The acting, writing, and storyline itself were sad, pedantic, and formulaic. It is filled with deus ex machina's, including two pivotal points at the end. Without (the character) Harry Potter, there wouldn't even be a problem at the end to resolve! Most of the film is filled with the daily life of the school, and one keeps on an enduring wait for a real plot. You won't be disappointed- the plot does begin to develop in the last 1/2 hour of the movie. Now having seen the movie, I can finally understand all the concern with the magic in this story. It *is* qualitatively different from Tolkein or Lewis, on two counts. Firstly, magic is the point of the story, and the constant point. In Lewis and Tolkein, magic is only a plot device that helps the real point of the story along. Here, one can't get away from it. Secondly, the magic is qualitatively different. This isn't Gandalf raising a staff and a burst of light appearing, or Aslan speaking of the deeper magic from beyond the dawn of time as he comes back to life after being slain on a stone slab. The magic presented in Harry Potter is the type that is actually practiced, or attempted- crystal balls, spells, potions, and the like. The emphasis in Potter is on the "how-to" of magic- how to actually make things happen. And while it is unlikely that someone could copy spells in the movie to get results, I could easily see where seeing or reading this could get them started on the road to other forms, such as the weegie board or "light as a feather". There are far worse things for children out there (Nightmare, Chucky, etc.), but this isn't one of the best either
Rating: 
Summary: Get Away From Life and Experience a Fantasy
Review: I am twelve years old and in the eighth grade. I didn't read the books for awhile, although I was surrounded by people who were crazy about them. Finally, in sixth grade, my teacher read the first book to our class. I was totally hooked. All I could think of was getting the second book. Now, I've read all four books, and I have the first and fourth book. When I went to see the movie, I was pretty sure it would be great, but I was spectical. I wasn't sure whether I would like the movie. But, when I saw it, I fell in love with it. It is wonderful. The acting is great. The girl who plays Hermione is fantastic. I love the way she brings out the character! People, definitely see the movie. If you think it teaches kids witchcraft, and puts unreal fantasies in their heads, GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!! Books and movies don't always have to be about the cruelity in this world. Just because it's fiction doesn't mean it's harmful. This book is perfect for people who just want to read a book about a fantasy world, and how people who are different then us live. I put five stars on this movie, but out of one to five, I would give it a seven! If you want to see a movie about kids which is humorous and scary at the same time, this movie is for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Overall a great film
Review: I have read every single one of the books, and was very excited to see this film. For the most part, my high expectations were met. I was especially elated to see that they followed the story so closely. The acting was smooth and excellent. I was, however, disappointed in the way Albus Dumbledore was portrayed. He was not at all the lovable yet stately older gentleman that I pictured. What happened? Most surprising was Sean Biggerstaff as Oliver Wood. I don't wish to sound as a giddy teen girl, but his good looks and suave accent kept me interested, and I was disheartened at his small role. Even if the movie had been a terrible one, I would see the second just to watch him again. Alan Rickman as Severus Snape gave me chills with his stone cold demeanor. I thought that he played his role to the letter the best. I couldn't have imagined a better actor in his shoes. Go see the movie, it was awesome!
Rating:
Summary: The Way That a Movie Should Be
Review: I think that the Harry Potter movie was fantastic. I'm especially glad that they used an all British cast. I mean, Harry Potter is supposed to be about people in Britain, and it wouldn't be as convincing if the people who played the cast were American, and didn't even use British accents. Also, the book clearly says things about towns in Britain. We don't have towns that are named like that in America. Anyway, I'm glad they used an all British cast. Also, I love how much the movie is like the book. Harry's first year of Hogwarts is supposed to be important and they shouldn't leave or add too many things out of it. There is one thing I don't like. I love the game, Quidditch, that they play in the book. I absolutely do not like the fact that while the book has two games, the movie only has one. The second is very important. One more thing, the director put around the same conversations in the movie as in the book, but he put them at different times, and at different places. The talk between Qwirell and Snape is supposed to be right after the second Quidditch match, and is supposed to be in the Forbidden Forest, but in the movie it is in the castle, and is one the first night of Harry's adventures under the Invisibility Cloak. That ruins some of the magic of the movie, if you ask me. But, never mind all of that. The Harry Potter movie is fabulous, and everybody should definitely see it!
Rating: 
Summary: Very very average
Review: Harry Potter has been one of last year's biggest successes. The books have sold millions, as has the merchandise and the movie. Unfortunately the book doesn't translate well onto the big screen. There are several reasons for this. Firstly there is the story itself. Adequate it may be, original it is not. In it we see Harry be whisked through a wall at a train station into a magical world perpetually stuck in cobbled streets, steam engines and olde worlde book shops. There are too many anachronisms to mention - if these are such wonderful wizards why, for instance, do they use lanterns and candles rather than electronic lights. Simple answer - because that yould take from the 'magic'. If you feel incredibly manipulated that's because you are and many of JK Rowling's ideas are obviously taken from other sources. Look at the three-headed dog (Cerberus), the cloak of invisibility and the deceiving mirror. All that and the story, involving the possible theft of the philosopher's stone, is merely perfunctory. Secondly, the acting: whilst such stalwart British actors such as Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane and even a cameo appearance from Julie Walters are all top notch, there's still the children. It would seem that Daniel Radcliffe who plays Harry has been picked purely on the fact that he looks like the character he's supposed to play. The other child actors fair somewhat better, with the girl that plays Hermione being excellent. Even Alan Rickman, usually so good, is stuck in a terribly stereotyped role. Of course, 'Harry Potter' isn't all bad. There are moments of inspiration here such as the Quidditch game which is utterly enthralling as we see students bump each other off broomsticks in a realistically brutal game. Plus there's a fantastic game of chess. Unfortunately this just doesn't match up to the much better 'Lord Of The Rings', which it is bound to be compared to. The special effects especially are very weak in comparison. Plus, you get the feeling that this is just a fad. Bravo to the books and JK Rowling for making kids read more. But you can have too much of a good thing.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter Teaches Values
Review: I have read all of the Harry Potter books and in all of them, the values of friendship, bravery courage and respect are there always. Plus there is the thread of that learning anything is helpful. Anyone who thinks that this movie teaches witchcraft is mistaken. While that is the main theme of the movie, that Harry Potter goes to a school to learn magic, I think children will see and remember him helping his friends and "doing the right thing" than anything else
The movie draws you into a uncomplicated fantasy, fictional world that children of all ages can relate to. While the movie (and the books) have a couple of scenes that might not be right
for the very young (that is why I have not given it 5 stars) is is a good movie for children.
And if you feel that there is too much magic in it and want to take your children to see Lord of the Rings, it is full of magic too. Something I noticed when seeing both movies - children were quiet and attentive throughout the Harry Potter movie, but in Lord of the Rings, they were squirming around and I heard a couple of "this is boring". That is because the Harry Potter movie appeals to children, is about children and is uncomplicated, while Lord of the Rings is a complicated movie and I think it would appeal to the high scoll & up crowd.
Rating:
Summary: best movie ever
Review: Harry Potter and the sorcers stone is the best movie i have ever seen. It is filed with exitemet and adventure, and has no severe blood and gore. Maybe a few cuts and scrapes but nothing much. The movie is mostly exciting and funny in some parts. It is about harry potter saving everyones life from the name that no one dares to speak. Harry was the boy who lived. I would suggest you to go see it, if not buy it. I loved it.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful! I could watch it over and over
Review: I thought this movie was sooooo good! The special effects were amazing and everything looked so lifelike and the music was great and so was the acting! And everybody looked just like i pictured except for the bloody barron and Prof. McGonagal. The only reason i gave this 4 stars was because of them leaving stuff out that i really wanted to see like peeves , the potions scene in the forbidden corridor, the part where norbert bit rons hand and some other stuff. Another reason was...... seeing "he-who-must-not-be-named" they could have done better than that.... but otherwise... i really loved it and encourage everybody who likes movies at all to see it! I LOVE the special effects!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Everyone expects too much!
Review: Reading over some other reviews, it seems that many people have overly high expectations of the film- and although many people make excellent points (e.g. the promotion of the concept that "goodness" is hereditary)- i think they are being unreasonable. No matter what, the fact remains that the books were written for children, the merchandise was designed- for children, and consequently, the movie was made to cater for children- so obviously you cannot expect something which equals the complexity of movies such as Lord Of the Rings- if anything, tthe books and films should recieve more praise owing to the fact that they recieved as much adult attention as they already have! i thought the movie was a wonderful interpretation of the film- although not including ron and dracos fight cost them one star, in my eyes... i felt it was an important part of the story.
as for the actors, considering they were children, i liked them, especially Emma Watson- and SEAN BIGGERSTAFF!!! (yum!)
Rating:
Summary: Not What I Expected!
Review: I went to see the movie expecting a great movie, maybe not spectacular but still well done. It was not a great movie.
I was bored about 30 minutes into the movie. Voldemort was not at all scary or evil looking he was just some human face sticking out the back of another dudes head. Harry Potter is way to over-rated. It has to many flaws to overlook, like the plot for example. My uncle who hasn't read the books saw the movie and was totally confused.
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