Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Our Harry Potter marathon is now here! We are huge fans of the books and just like every year, we are starting our film marathon this month.
Our Harry Potter marathon is now here! We are huge fans of the books and just like every year, we are starting our film marathon this month. But this time around we thought of sharing our opinions (or review) as well. Starting off with the first one in the series, which introduced the magical world of Harry Potter to everyone!
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) feels like taking a trip down memory lane, especially if you were one of those kids who grew up with the books. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film does a pretty good job of pulling us into the magical world of Hogwarts, where we meet Harry Potter for the first time as he starts his journey as a young wizard. Rewatching it after quite some time, it felt like I was stepping into a familiar place; the kind where everything feels magical and full of possibilities.
The casting is spot on, even if the young actors - Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson - were still figuring things out. Radcliffe as Harry is likable and earnest, though you can tell he's still getting comfortable in the role. Grint as Ron brings a nice dose of humour, and Watson’s Hermione is smart and confident. The adults in the cast, like Richard Harris as Dumbledore and Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, are just perfect. They add a sense of warmth and wisdom that grounds the whole story.
What I really loved about the film was the way it brought the world-building from the books to life. Seeing Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Express, and the Great Hall on screen was pretty magical. The film does a good job of explaining the rules and quirks of the wizarding world without slowing things down too much. And let’s not forget John Williams' score - it’s iconic and adds just the right touch of enchantment to the whole experience.
But, to be honest, the movie isn’t without its hiccups. The pacing can be a bit slow, especially in the middle, and some of the scenes that are supposed to be exciting - like the Quidditch match or the final showdown - don’t quite deliver the thrills. The special effects, while cool for the time, now feel a bit dated, which might take you out of the moment. Plus, because the film sticks so closely to the book, it sometimes feels like it’s just ticking off events rather than telling a smooth, flowing story.
Smash Hit Score: 7/10
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a solid start to the film series. It does a great job of introducing us to an amazing world we are never tired of going back & exploring more of, even if it doesn’t hit all the high notes.
