Harry Potter Review: Part I

Five days away from the official release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the perfect time to reflect on the success of the first five installments. As a tribute to the new film, I will post reviews of films 1-5 over the next five days. Feel free to share your thoughts, if I've left anything out or misjudged/judged too harshly.





Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
(2001; Chris Columbus, director)






The Core Three:

I can imagine it would be hard to pick actors for a 7+ year stint based solely upon their merits as a child actor. I can also imagine the tremendous pressure to find actors who would fit the imaginations of millions of little kids who already have a well-ingrained idea of what the characters look like.

Two out of three is not bad, I suppose. Judging solely by this debut film, it seemed as if they had picked the perfect Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). Grint had the perfect facial expressions and appeared very comfortable on screen. Best scene: while learning how to ride a broom, Ron is hit in the face with a broom handle and Harry chuckles. It may not sound like much, but the genuine spirit of the scene is believable.

In turn, Watson engendered the perfect amount of snottiness and know-it-all-ness that characterized Hermione. Watson's best line: "I'm going to bed before either of you can come up with another clever idea to get us all killed - or worse, expelled. " The two provided the perfect entourage for one Mr. Harry Potter.

In comparison, Danial Radcliffe's debut was rather lackluster. True, Radcliffe looks like quite the cute Harry Potter. However, this first performance was rather two-dimensional. There was little variety in his expression and his emotions came off as fake. I know, there must have been tremendous pressure weighing on this eleven-year-old's head. But based on this performance alone, Radcliffe disappoints.


Faculty Choices: A+

I, for one, miss Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. He had the calm demeanor and twinkle in the eye characteristic of this beloved headmaster. He was also charismatic and comical in press interviews. Harris is one reason to prefer the first two films to subsequent ones.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape is the perfect casting choice. Not only does Rickman have the perfect voice to dole out scathing remarks, but he has great acting acumen to add to the faculty. The only flaw: you cannot completely loath Snape, because he's Alan Rickman.

Maggie Smith is also a great fit for Minerva McGonagall. She deftly handles both a piercing reproach and a (slightly rigid) offer of comfort.

Finally, Robbie Coltrane is quite good as the huggable Rubeus Hagrid.


As an Adaptation

The film receives an A for following the original storyline. There are no major changes to the plot and no glaring omissions. Yes, some scenes and characters that are omitted for time and simplicity. However, the omission of Peeves does not hinder audiences' enjoyment and the story arch crafted for the film does well with fitting all the important scenes into a cohesive two and a half hours.

Also, A+ for bringing Hogwarts to life. Granted, there was no way the set design team could have crafted the castle to satisfy every fan's imagination. Even with that handicap, they manage to craft an impressive display.

Furthermore, props to the special effects team for its portrayal of Quidditch. At the mention of Quidditch, I also have to sneak in a plug for Sean Biggerstaff. I am a huge fan of his portrayal of Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood.


Overall film rating: A-