logline: An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

Source: IMDb

For the logline viewers across the pond, it is called Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. Just to begin my review, I’m still waiting on my Hogwarts letter. But aren’t we all? The Harry Potter fandom is large and formidable and though the author has been under criticism recently, the works have not lost any of the original magic. This magic is perfectly captured in this first movie to kickstart a multi-billion dollar franchise. I don’t think I ever realized the sheer amount of child abuse that Harry went through in his formative years living with the stupid rules made by the Dursley’s here on pRiVeT dRiVe (if you get that reference, you’re amazing). I’m still as amazed by the visuals as I was when I first saw the movie. When the bricks unfold to show Diagon Alley, my jaw was floored. Though some of the effects may seem a little outdated by today’s standards (Neville losing control of the broom). But I still feel entranced by the Quidditch game. For those who don’t know, Quidditch is a fictional game that combines the name of the balls involved in the game: quaffle, bludger, and snitch. The scene was supremely enjoyable even though some of the people don’t look real. I also have to give special praise to Oliver Wood, the keeper for Gryffindor in the first quidditch game. Though not one of my favorite characters, his accent as his personality is on-point. I also thought 150 points was a very arbitrary number for the golden snitch to be worth and it's absurdly high. Also, can I have a second dedicated to the invisibility cloak which is awesome but could be horrifying if it gets into the wrong hands? The set design and world-building was wonderful. This is a hard task because they have to set up this entirely new world to an audience that may never have read the books. This is helped by Daniel Radcliffe who plays the titular character doing his best shock and awe face for the first half hour. The acting leaves a little to be desired though. I understand that it’s mostly populated by child actors. The adult actors are phenomenal. Most of the child actors have slightly over-the-top acting choices which is understandable given this is mostly their first times. But I have no doubt they will get better as the movies progress. The music is also supremely whimsical. It puts you right in Hogwarts, this magical and somewhat eerie wizard boarding school. This movie started the series that wished for every child to have Hagrid come up to you and say “You’re a wizard.”

My Favorite Characters:

Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy: draco is my favorite character in the entire series though I do relate to Hermione more. There’s just something so fascinating about him. He’s 11 and already has an entourage. Felton acts like such an arse that you can’t help but love him. Also the way Tom Felton says “Potter” gives me life.
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger: everyone's favorite know-it-all. She is that person who will correct you and call you an idiot (it’s levi-osa not levio-sa). But she’s correct because she is the best. I was one of the many Hermione’s in my school, always gunning for top spot. Emma Watson is wonderful in this movie, slightly annoying you in her know-it-all charm. If it wasn’t for Hermione, Harry would’ve died in the first movie.

This movie is rated PG. Here’s why:

Mild Language
Intense/Scary Moments

Fun Fact: Robin Williams was interested in playing Hagrid but the rule was British and Irish only so he couldn’t be in it. But could you have imagined Robin Williams as Hagrid? That would’ve been awesome!

Where to Watch:

IMDb and Reddit Thread (for all of Harry Potter):

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets

Ex Machina