Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Published 2015-01-01
Film info
- Title Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- Director Chris Columbus
- Year 2001
- Run time 2hr 32m
- Genres Fantasy, Adventure
- Tagline Let the magic begin
- Cast Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Fiona Shaw, John Hurt, John Cleese, Julie Walters
Based on the first of J.K. Rowling's popular children's novels about Harry Potter, the live-action family adventure film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone tells the story of a boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. Invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. At Hogwarts, he finds the home and the family he has never had.
Live blog
| Time | Comment |
|---|---|
| 2:24 | The one thing Hagrid is not is subtle. Pointless taking out the streetlights really. |
| 7:27 | Actual worst nightmare, the glass disappearing in front of the snake house. |
| 11:07 | You wouldn't think the birds stuck to Royal Mail's timetable though. |
| 11:48 | Harry Potter in the crystal dome. |
| 18:59 | I struggle to find anything in London, really. |
| 22:05 | For a bank, that doesn't look too archaeologically stable. |
| 26:43 | It must be very expensive running the wand shop. |
| 33:19 | Yay, baby Ed Sheeran! |
| 33:42 | Curious that he goes in the middle of 9 and 10. It should be Platform 9 and a half really. |
| 40:12 | Mr C finding the word "Hufflepuff" hilarious. |
| 46:44 | Just because you're having a feast, I don't think there's ever an excuse to have a chicken wing in each hand. |
| 54:43 | Ooh, I need a Rememberall. |
| 1:03:46 | "She needs to sort out her priorities." |
| 1:14:53 | "Hogwarts business, very secret..." he dishes without a hint of irony. |
| 1:19:34 | Quidditch rage. |
| 1:26:17 | Wizard's chess looks wicked! |
| 1:28:55 | If security on the restricted area is just a bolt, then they deserve all they get. |
| 1:41:29 | He's going to train up his dragon. They must have made a spin off! |
| 1:57:28 | Reading is good for you, Hermione is the proof. |
| 2:02:27 | Playing a chess game in the middle is bound to make a film cross the two hour mark. |
| 2:17:37 | The every flavour beans are a terrible idea for a confectionary. |
Thoughts
I bought the bundle of Harry Potter films on iTunes but have spent a very long time getting round to watching them. That's partly because Mr C wasn't sure and it's a rare time I Film Watch by myself these days. It's also because I was a bit in awe of starting what is clearly an epic series of films, and finally a bit worried about the adaptation because I do like the books and don't want them ruined.
Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I thought they did a great job introducing the characters, getting all the important points of the world in and telling the story as well. It's a long film, but it needs to be, I don't think they could have cut much more out without losing anything. The CGI held up quite well, considering what they were trying to achieve. Perhaps the Quidditch was less believable but otherwise it was good.
A good effort, and Mr C liked it so that's definitely a bonus mark. Bring on the next one!
Rating: 4 / 5
