Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Directed by Chris Columbus
Screenplay by Steve Kloves, Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Length: 149 minutes
Studio: Warner Brothers
Rating: **** out of ****
Sometimes, no matter how old you are, there's a part of you that thirsts for that feeling of being a kid again. The imagination and free spirit that you want back. For some, they watch their children play school sports. Others go to Disneyland. Me, I go to the cinema, and witness miracles like this film. (And, for the record, I have been to Disneyland)
I watched "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" with absolute delight. This is a major studio film that finally does it right; by joining old storytelling ideals with new filmmaking techniques, "Harry Potter" achieves a timelessness to it that will make it a family classic for years to come. That, and it's just a whole lot of fun.
The film nicely adapts J.K. Rowling's novel about Harry Potter, a young boy who is led to believe his parents died in a car crash, but discovers his parents were legendary wizards, thus making him one as well. With this information, "The Boy Who Lived" is summoned to a wizardy school known as Hogwarts to learn the tricks of the trade, making friends with fellow wizards Ronald Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), getting involved in a game called Quidditch, and into many adventures, particularily the Philosopher's Stone of the film's title.
All of this is fascinating material, and Columbus, with cinematographer John Seale and a top team of art directors, breathe so much life out of Rowling's words. The effects in the film are wonderful, if a little over computer generated at times, yet so unique you wish you could reach in, grab a live chess piece or a floating candle and take it home with you. And the sheer audacity of the Quiddituch sequence, the live-chess game and a troll battle are all memorable cinematic moments.
Harry Potter is wonderfully played by Daniel Radcliffe, who looks somewhat like a little bespectacled, slightly chubbier Alec Baldwin. At only 12, he convincingly plays the spirit and freedom of an eager young child who suddenly has all this news crashing down on him. Rupert Grint makes a good match for Harry as Ron, who reminded me of the clumsiness and scaredy-cat characteristics of Chuckie in "Rugrats." And Emma Watson is particularily interesting as Hermoine, an independent little girl who knows her magic well. And as a nice touch, these young ones are credited over John Cleese, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Ian Hart and Alan Rickman, all of whom are so much fun to watch in their supporting roles.
Who knew that such a wonderful and colorful family film could be directed by none other than Chris Columbus, he of the "Home Alone" disasters, many Robin Williams clunkers and weepy dramas ("Stepmom") that never take a chance? Here he comes crashing out of the gate with a sense of style and freedom that is lacking in so many Hollywood films these days. It may be the pen of J.K. Rowling that got the project going, but his adaption is visionary.
I read "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" last week and couldn't put it down. The 223 page paperback is a thrilling, thought-provoking and fun read. The movie is the cinematic equivalent; you can't take your eyes off of it.
Seen at: Star Cinema, Sidney BC
---
Posted by Jason Whyte, "At The Movies" Moderator. Feel free to email me at jason-whyte@yahoo.com with any comments or questions.
"I'm not gonna let the elevator bring us down
Oh no, let's go...let's go crazy" Prince, Purple Rain
Comment