If only Ponce de Leon could see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, he would be convinced that he had found the fountain of youth.
Unwittingly, I found myself sitting in awe of this PG-rated film. It took me back to my childhood and unlocked the doors of apathy and cynicism. I wanted to believe again, and, for 152 minutes, I did.
The film was directed by Chris Columbus (Gremlins, Mrs. Doubtfire) and based on the novel by J. K. Rowling. Many famous British actors make appearances in the film, including John Cleese, who plays Nearly Headless Nick, and Alan Rickman, who makes a wonderful Professor Snape. Much to my surprise, the movie translated the book almost verbatim.
Anyone can enjoy this film, as long as one goes into it with the right mindset. But that is easy to do; just like in Kafka’s Metamorphosis, the audience’s version of reality is suspended at the story’s beginning.
Daniel Radcliffe, who recently appeared in the BBC production of David Copperfield, plays Harry Potter, the film’s main character. He is rescued from his abusive guardians near the beginning of the feature by Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), who is a groundskeeper at the Hogwarts school of magic.
Hagrid tells Potter that he has magical powers and must come with him to Hogwarts to learn how to develop them.
On the trip to school, he immediately makes two friends: Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Together, these three solve a dark mystery while trying to avoid fellow student and enemy Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton).
The special effects and computer-generated graphics in this movie were expected but still appreciated. One scene that really tests these waters is the Quidditch game. Quidditch is a game played on flying brooms that is somewhat similar to cricket.
And if flying broom battles aren’t enough, wait until you see Fluffy (an enormous three-headed dog) and Hagrid’s pet dragon.
The final scene in the film follows the formula of which classics are made: it teaches a good parable, the good guys win, and the bad guys get what they deserve.
I believe this film will live on to entertain generations of viewers. I give the movie five stars out of five.