Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
reviewed by Guest Reviewer tumnus
Hype is dangerous. Hype birthed in the mind of a Hollywood executive can be apocalyptic. The media frenzy surrounding a new movie release is generally known to lift a film to such a dizzying height that the film's only recourse is to plummet to earth and its remains be relegated to video store shelves.
However, once in a great while, there is a movie that, once elevated on the pedestal of commerce, actually takes flight and exceeds the hype. "Harry Potter and The SorcererÕs Stone" does just that. Like the main character, astride his Nimbus 2000, this film soars right from the pages of J.K. Rowling's book to the silver screen.
For those who have read the book, this movie will be a treat. The filmmakers seem to have taken the utmost in care in retelling the story while trying to keep it within the confines of a watchable movie. There are slight variations in the storyline, but usually only minute scene changes in order to keep the flow of the film intact or keep it from clocking in at three hours. They only took out what they absolutely couldn't live without. The characters are just as they were in the book (and as they appeared in my head, which I attribute to RowlingÕs skillful communication). It was like meeting old friends.
Visually the film was astounding. To call it eye-candy would minimize its grandeur. It is a feast. A grand banquet on good china for the eyes. The sets are fabulous. They are stunningly costumed characters in their own right. The effects were awe-inspiring, making you believe that perhaps there might have been some REAL magic involved in their creation.
Despite the fact that this is a film geared for children, it is a dark film. No attempt seemed to be made to lighten up the tone in order to make it accessible (What I would call "Disney-fying" it). While this might not be frightening or unsettling to adults (and perhaps most children) it gives the film a great feel, as well as holding to the integrity of the story.
There is one thing that I would be remiss if I failed to mention: Harry Potter is a fun movie. All of the hype and effects and even good storytelling make a good movie, but when a film hits that one desired chord inside you, that is when it becomes a great movie. Harry Potter and the SorcererÕs Stone is a GREAT movie. So, the hype notwithstanding, Harry is a winner.
So, I say, go see it.
That is a command.
Adieu,
tumnus
