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Joan [ 9.5 ]
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This movie has great special effects, and the people and settings math with the book almost all the time. This movie could have been a 10 if they had stuck to the book totally, and if they had cut out some scenes, and made it shorter.
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HonestAbe [ 9.0 ]
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What a pleasant surprise this film was! I have not read the books nor gotten swept up in the phenomenon, and this film won't change that. But as a parent (and onetime child) who LOVES the moviegoing experience, I am always on the lookout for good family entertainment. This film was outstanding. The acting was first rate, the story was solid (although why Harry stayed with and ultimately returned to his useless adoptive family is beyond me...), and the effects were beautiful without being over the top. Chris Columbus was the perfect choice to direct, and I'm pleased he was chosen over Mr. Speilberg (I saw Hook, this was far better) Take the kids, and treat yourself as well. I am eagerly awaiting the upcoming installments.
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shanster [ 9.0 ]
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I was reluctant to see this, but wanted to understand the reason for the phenomenon. I was philosophically a little opposed to the whole idea because of the connection between HP and Witchcraft, the connection therefore to actual paganism and real serious evil stuff. I was surprised at the quality of the film and really enjoyed the experience. I still hope the fad goes away.
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Wynk23 [ 7.5 ]
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I have a friend who reads these books, and I make fun of her every chance I get. For Christ sake, it's a book for kids. Yes, kids. It came out at the theature and I laughed at my friends for seeing this wnat-a-be Disney movie. I broke my leg over the summer, so, don't laugh, I wantched 2-3 movies a day for about 7 weeks. Well, the movie list ran low so I rented this children's movie. Alright, I take back everything I said the movie was good. I can see how it has a cult following. I can't wait for the next. It's one of those movies you have to adapt to the charactors, like the first time you saw Star Wars. It is in its own world, and I actually enjoyed being in it for the 2+ hours. I won't be reading the book, but I might watch the movie again.
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DokBrowne [ 9.5 ]
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I never read the books, and deliberately separated myself (interest-wise) from the entire phenomena, because it annoyed me. And one of my best friends really loves the books, so his dorky excitement over the movie just made me hate it even more (I'm a jerk). On the other hand, the trailers looked okay, and in my own hidden dungeon of true identity, I have no genuine qualms with the stories of Harry Potter. They sound kinda neat, actually, especially if I were age 13 and still an avid book reader. But I've gently, quietly stayed away, wishing to remain uninvolved, un-brainwashed, as it were. Yes, yes, I am a jerk
After seeing this movie, I don't think that will continue to be the case. I must know what happens (so Snape's only a TAD evil? Then what of this Voldemort? And when will the boys start to notice Hermione for the lovable tart that she is?), what more there is to the imagination of J.K. Rowling, and waiting until next Thanksgiving won't do. In short, I have sold out. But as my best friend Albert (the Potter fan) challenged, is it better to hate something because it's so popular and trendy and by definition "un-challenging" (i.e. latter-day Blink 182, romantic comedies, etc.) or to like something because it's so good?
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm gonna give the incessantly-discussed Nerdstock known as "Lord of the Rings" any kind of even break. 'Cuz I'm a jerk, remember, and people are slow to develop. Unless that movie actually sucks, but it probably won't. Still, I can't imagine it comparing to this first and most fabulously realized look at "Harry Potter". The End
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Edwards [ 8.0 ]
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Better than it now gets credit for, but maybe not as good as it purports itself to be. You have to appreciate that it's one of the few children's movies these days not to substitute gross-out gags and bonking people on the head for a jolly time. There's also Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, John Hurt, and newcomers Daniel Grant and Emma Watson (not so much the blank-faced Daniel Radcliffe) supplying spirited takes on all the central and secondary characters from the book. If there's flaw, it's in denying the adults much chance to shine. I'd be far more interested to watch (or read) about their lives and misadventures than those of the children. Also, the ogre wasn't a very special effect. But other than that, this is a sheer delight
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| Weighted Rating | : 7.1 |
| No. Ratings | : 29 | |
| No. Reviews | : 13 | |
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