Tampilkan postingan dengan label Harry Potter Countdown. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Harry Potter Countdown. Tampilkan semua postingan

Jumat, 31 Juli 2009

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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Dir: David Yates (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)
Regular Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis
Additional Cast: Jim Broadbent, Jessie Cave, Freddie Stroma, Helena Bonham Carter, Evanna Lynch, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, Frank Dillane
UK/USA, 2009

Originally Seen: July 17, 2009 at the Empire Studio 7 in Nova Scotia

The wait is finally over for the latest instalment in the Harry Potter series and the film wastes no time letting us know we are stepping into new territory in the Harry Potter film world. Previous established patterns are out the window as the Muggle and Magic world continue to collide.

The characters are the true stars of the sixth instalment. Kudos to Daniel Radcliffe for bringing a strong and varied performance as we Harry continue to grow into and become more of a leader in an amazing way. This is done creatively and not always above board which nicely bridges family mischievous to that of his father James and even godfather Sirius Black. But the troublemaking isn't left to just Harry, the trio is completed with strong performances by both Rupert Grint as Ron finding his own feet and Emma Watson as the head and heart strong Hermione. On the flip side to these characters who continue to grow in their skills and friendship, we see the anguish of Draco's unique growing pains through a formidable performance by Tom Felton.

In the fifth film, The Order of the Phoenix, we saw a theme of students versus teachers and with The Half-Blood Prince we see that line pushed even further as the world because more focused on actions and allegiances rather than rules and roles. The timing for this shift is spot on with the characters as they approach adulthood and the film intensifies this timing with shifting to romantic endeavours at any opportunity it can, but I feel in doing so we are left with not as much attention to the plot of this film (think of the title) nor the overarching plot of the series. There are even a few threads are also left hanging, including a new character with no formal introduction. Perhaps splitting the final book into two films allows time for these gaps to be filled in the future along with the exploration of the remainder of the story.

Concerned I was getting hung up on the book to film changes, I trekked out to the theatre for a second viewing after which I will concede that all of the changes work, and even enhance the world. One example of this is the depth and perspective given to the characters Professor Slughorn played sweetly by Jim Broadbent. But, just like The Order of the Phoenix there were certain scenes in the book I had hoped to see on film that like were not included. Considering it is must have been a mammoth task of condensing such a large text, it is understandable. The changes and additions were mostly along the lines of the hormones a-raging tempo, which do lead to beautiful moments of realism with relationships, romances, unwanted advances and even isolation. The series continues to blend a brilliant combination of the trials and tribulations of everyday growing pains and triumphs alongside the magical world that becomes more dangerous and powerful in each instalment.

Although I have reservations over some of the changes and choices, it is wonderful to see a see a series that is so rich with story, characters, themes that develop over time and to see the actors grow as the roles become richer and complex.

Now, the big questions is do I re-read the entire series in anticipation of Deathly Hallows Part I, to be released November 18, 2010? I bet I will. Will you?

Shannon's Overall View:
I know I will grow to love it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it to fans of to fans of magic, fantasy and adventure

10 minutes of preshow including 2 commercials and 6 previews: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Fame, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Sherlock Holmes, Shorts and Where the Wild Things Are

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

In anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince I went through a weekly countdown of watching & reviewing the five Harry Potter films. You can watch my vlog about the experience or read the individual reviews here:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Poster at Nova Scotia theatre (which has the Friday as a release date):
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Poster at Toronto theatre:
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Toronto theatre was all decked out in HP character cut outs:
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Along with character banners:
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Even the coffee place next door was playing along with us Muggles:
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Rabu, 15 Juli 2009

Countdown to Harry Potter Marathon Vlog



As it's the day Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is released, I thought it would be perfect timing to share the experience of my Harry Potter Countdown where I watched & reviewed the first five film in anticipation of the new one. There are spoilers for films 1-5 but no mention of anything in the Half-Blood Prince, which I hope to be seeing very soon!

Along with spoilers and a very few nitpicks I also reveal my pre and post countdown ranking of the films from fave to least fave to see what if any differences there are.

A special thanks to Kim over at Kim's Entertainment Blog for participating in the countdown, watching and reviewing the films. It was great to read your reviews along the way!

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Post re-watch ranking
1. #1 - The Philosopher's Stone
2. #3 - The Prisoner of Azkaban
3. #2 - The Chamber of Secrets
4. #5 - The Order of the Phoenix
5. #4 - The Goblet of Fire

Pre re-watch ranking
1. #1 - The Philosopher's Stone
2. #3 - The Prisoner of Azkaban
3. #4 - The Goblet of Fire
4. #5 - The Order of the Phoenix
5. #2 - The Chamber of Secrets

Also check out the poll results of your favourite Harry Potter film (so far).

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Rabu, 08 Juli 2009

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Dir: David Yates (The Tichborne Claimant)
Regular Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis
Additional Cast: Imelda Staunton, Evanna Lynch, Gary Oldman, Bonnie Wright, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, David Thewlis, Helena Bonham Carter, George Harris, Natalia Tena, Ralph Fiennes
UK/USA, 2007

Originally Seen: July 15, 2007 at Scotiabank, just one day Movie Moxie site went live

Revisited: July 6, 2009 *

It's wild to think that this 5th film in the Harry Potter series was released 2 whole years ago. We've been waiting 2 years people! And in all that time I haven't reviewed it until now. I did go and find my original notes from the first viewing, which consist of offhand comments like "everyone wears stripes" or "so-and-so looks different/weird" or "evil woman is awesome". Last comment works for more than one character. But, out of all of the films this was the only one (so far) where I noticed things changed in the book to film translation, or I had looked forward to seeing certain scenes and characters only to find them completely omitted. But it's a mammoth book at 870 pages in trade paperback which was condensed to a 2 hr 18 min film which I'm sure is a challenge.

Right off the bat we see that the film has a different tone than the rest of the series, starting instead of in a world that feels warm to a land that is hot, dry and dangerous. Safe havens are few and far between as the world of muggles and magic start to blend together. With this film we are introduced to a new director, David Yates who takes and will keep this role for the remainder of the films. Although as a whole the film reverts back to patterns that were established in the first three films with starting location, introductions to new and stronger magics, new locations and transportation methods we also see changes to the look and feel of the creatures and/or effects established in previous films. A bizarre choice there, and both new choices were less effective but on the bright side I think we can expect consistency from here on in.

Set in Year 5 of Hogwarts for Harry, Hermione & Ron and the trio are now 15 years old, but the film brings a focus to a broader age range of students together. This is mirrored in the adult world by continuing to highlight Dumbledore's inclusive and trusting nature to witches and wizards of different levels of skill and aptitude. It's one of the things I appreciate most about his character and the films in general, that everyone has a place, a right and way that they can help to make a valuable contribution to the greater cause. This is present in the other films but is very clear in The Order of the Phoenix and shows the differences between the dark wizards who crave purebloods for alliances and have little patience or tolerance for anything but perfection. The themes of the film centre on rules, obedience, rigidity as well as trust, belief and as always friendship. I think it is brilliant how they work in the concept of learning theoratecally in a safe environment versus real life learning involving real risk. This is a conversation I find I'm continually with friends who are parents, but as I'm a PNT'er (pets not kids) they don't always take my opinion on real life risk to heart. The contrasts in the film are effectively projected by using multiple colour stories of warm and cool colours that began in The Goblet of Fire and are again prominent here and represent the choice between good and bad.

The trio certainly has many trials and tribulations in this film and it becomes quite the emotional roller coaster for Harry in particular. Even though we see many serious issues arise and danger is everywhere, there is an air of lightness and humour folded seamlessly into the film often giving a chance see more of the secondary characters such as Fred & George Weasley. The music plays on this very well, giving us welcome tonal shifts to ease the pain when it becomes so very dark.

Whether good or bad, the women of this film shine. Any reservations about gender imbalance that cropped up in The Goblet of Fire are easily quashed here as The Order of the Phoenix as we are introduced a trio of fantastic women: the new and decadently cutesy evil Dolorus Umbridge played by Imelda Staunton, the powerful dark witch Bellatrix Lestrange played by Helena Bonham Carter and oddball but genuinely kind and calm Luna Lovegood played by Evanna Lynch. Plus, Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) continues to become more powerful and prominent as a secondary character. The women truly come to light in this film in a spectacular way.

Overall it was really fun to revisit it and I'm still surprized it landed 4th place on the Poll for the Best Harry Potter film (so far). But the best news is that this means we are only 1 week away from the newest film The Half-Blood Prince to be released. I can't wait!

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I own it - in widescreen!
I'd recommend it to fans of magic, fantasy and adventure

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday July 15, 2009, I am doing a weekly countdown to watch & review of the first five Harry Potter films

Rabu, 01 Juli 2009

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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Dir: Mike Newell (Pushing Tin, Donnie Brasco, Love in the Time of Cholera, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time)
Regular Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis
Additional Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Stanislav Ianevski, Clémence Poésy, Robert Pattinson, Miranda Richardson, Robert Hardy, David Tennent, Bonnie Wright
UK/USA, 2005

Originally Seen: During it's theatrical release in 2005 at The Beach cinema

Revisited: June 29, 2009 *

In this fourth installment of the Harry Potter series, we are coming off a virtual high from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, one of the most loved of the series. But, apparently not the most loved as The Goblet of Fire narrowly claimed top standing in the Poll for the Best Harry Potter film (so far). We see quite a few changes in the world with The Goblet of Fire with Mike Newell directing this instalment before the reins get passed to David Yates who takes on from The Order of the Phoenix and then for the rest of the series. Also for the first time we are seeing a more truncated version as the book is twice the size of those which came before.

In my review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I noted that we start to see patterns emerge in the series but many of these do not persist in the fourth film. Another changes is seeing instead of one predominant colour scheme, The Goblet of Fire uses a combination of a cold as well as a warm colour story. This is in line with and strengthens unpredictable tone of the film and the themes deception and danger. Previously we had a gradual introduction of new things to the central trio of Harry, Hermione and Ron now in their 4th year at Hogwarts and 14 years old, this year we get a taste of the contrast of seeing how young by the introduction on several older, powerful and charming students Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski) and Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy). Of course, this fits perfectly with being 14, a time where you can just start to get your footing and then can easily get thrown off again. A new turn for the film is to show scenarios where people are actively making choices, be that to go into a dangerous situation or even to be deceptive. This is quite the leap considering that up until this point we have mostly seen investigation and reactionary measures. Add all of this together and we end up with a lot of tension including inadvertant strain in the friendships and relationships.

This strain is completely believeble but as a viewer, it makes it a too little sad for it to compete as a favourite of the series. When I first watched the film I wasn't sure if I even liked it, although I eventually did come to love it. Watching it again this time I picked up more of what that was about. It is the only one in the series shows even a hint a gender imbalance. It isn't huge, but it is there if you look and this is a disappointment considering the series is otherwise devoid of anything like that. Perhaps it was used to highlight gender in general as this is the first of the series that introduces romance. It could also be more prevalent in the film due to being a more truncated version of the book. I haven't re-read it recently so I will have to research that more.

Ironically, with the sour comes the sweet. Even with this tension and imbalances the film has beautiful moments that may very well be my favourite of the series. So far it's the only time I've looked forward to repeat watching of the Quidditch scenes, it has fantastic seasonal celebrations and the beautiful progression in some of the smaller characters, specifically Neville Longbottom. There is also a continuation of more mature relationships between the teens and adults making them more eye to eye, not only with Dumbledore but with the introduction of Mad-Eye Moody, Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher (Vol 4) played by Brendan Gleeson.

Overall, a lot of charm is adeptly snuck into a film that is preparing us for the dangerous downward spiral this world is taking. I look forward to jumping down the rabbit hole for the next instalment: The Order of the Phoenix.

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I own it in widescreen
I'd recommend to fans of magic, fantasy and adventure

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday July 15, 2009, I am doing a weekly countdown to watch & review of the first five Harry Potter films

Senin, 29 Juni 2009

Poll Results: Which is the Best Harry Potter Film? (so far)

The results are in and The Best Harry Potter Film (so far) is #4 The Goblet of Fire with 29%! I'm a little surprized, I really thought it would have been #3 The Prisoner of Azkaban which was right behind it at 27%. Although I'm currently revisiting the films and I haven't rewatched The Goblet of Fire but will today. I remember not liking it right off the bat but it really grew on me and it will be a treat to watch. The next best was going back to the roots with #1 The Philosopher's Stone at 20%, then the most recent release #5 The Order of the Phoenix with 15% and to no surprize #2 The Chamber of Secrets brings up the caboose at 6%.

Huge response on this poll, biggest yet in fact. Thanks to each and every person that voted!

Only a few weeks until we get to see the The Half-Blood Prince!

29% - #4 The Goblet of Fire
27% - #3 The Prisoner of Azkaban
20% - #1 The Philosopher's Stone
15% - #5 The Order of the Phoenix
6% - #2 The Chamber of Secrets

Rabu, 24 Juni 2009

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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Dir: Alfonso Cuarón (Y tu mamá también, Children of Men)
Regular Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis
Additional Cast: David Thewlis, Gary Oldman, Robert Hardy, Emma Thompson, Julie Christie, Timothy Spall
UK/USA, 2004

Originally Seen: During the 2004 theatrical release, in IMAX at Paramount

Revisited: June 22, 2009 *

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third film in the Harry Potter series and it is the time things get a little shaken up and we see changes happening. First up, a change in director from Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) to Alfonso Cuarón whom at the time was best known for directing the racy Oscar nominated Y Tu Mamá También. I know that one had a lot of people taken aback. Then due to the sad passing of Richard Harris, the character of Albus Dumbledore needed to be filled and was with Michael Gambon who is not necessarily known for playing the 'nicest' of characters (see: Gosford Park and The Cook The Thief His Wife and Her Lover) and that one had me a little worried. But, the fears were in vain as we ended up with one of the most well loved films of the Harry Potter series.

The film has a different look and feel from the first two, shrugging off the golden and warm colour scheme and favouring cool colours of white, black, silver, green and grey which give it a more edgy feel. Although all the films have situations and themes that involve danger, this one feels like the first time they demonstrate it in a more sophisticated manner. It literally introduces grey areas, just like the new colour scheme, where not everything is as it appears, people aren't necessarily what they seem and the solution isn't near at hand. They introduce more complex characters into the story where right and wrong it isn't clear cut. Also, the main characters of Harry, Hermione and Ron become more complicated themselves as they transition from reactionary & rudimentary magic to more active & advanced magic, which includes bringing in possible consequences for their active choices and actions. As with the second film, this is a great parallel to the world of being 13 years old where you do start to do things on your own (good or bad) as you gain independence and stronger taste of power.

Even though it branches out to new ideas and themes, it is the first of the series where I actively noticed patterns of the films. We see the introduction of new modes of transportation, new locations outside of school grounds, a new class, magical items/spells and as always new characters. This allows the viewers to gain continual but gradual knowledge of the world as a whole, but also is a great way of showing how the characters grow and become more responsible, capable and worldly every year.

One of the wonderful things about the third film is that the trio of actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint playing Harry, Hermione and Ron respectively, now feel really comfortable in their roles. I found in this film the characters and their relationships feel very flushed out, natural and believable. Speaking of characters we are introduced to a slew on new ones that heighten the enjoyment of the world including charismatic yet always tired Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the eccentric Divination instructor Professor Trelawney (Emma Thompson) and Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) himself. I continue to marvel at how perfect the casting is for these films, all three of the new characters are played brilliantly. Michael Gambon also does a great job bringing a new a different take as Dumbledore, even though his character is not on the screen much we do get a taste of his more hippy vibe and sage like manner which is an interesting choice from Richard Harris who had a more Obi-Wan/grandfatherly tone. It took me a while to warm up to but now I certainly can appreciate both takes on the character.

The film really has everything going for it, the story is interesting, there is great character development, we see new ideas, characters and creatures throughout. But, some of the most charming and memorable moments for me are barely there, yet provide great additions to the tone of the film. Things like the changing of the seasons at Hogwarts, often featuring the Whomping Willow. Or bonding between the guys of Gryffindor. Even the end credits are fantastic. It's the complete package with this film, it really has it all.

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I own it in glorious... widescreen!
I'd recommend to fans of magic, fantasy and adventure

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday July 15, 2009, I am doing a weekly countdown to watch & review of the first five Harry Potter films

Rabu, 17 Juni 2009

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Dir: Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Only the Lonely)
Regular Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis
Additional Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Jason Isaacs, Toby Jones, Shirley Henderson, Bonnie Wright, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, Hugh Mitchell
2002, UK/USA/Germany

Originally Seen: I believe originally seen at what-was-then the Paramount, and then a second time at the Revue

Revisited: * June 14 & 15th, 2009

The second film in the Harry Potter series is a lovely extension of the world we are introduced to in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Where the first film allowed us to see a magical world the second provides us with an opportunity to get more grounded in it.

The friendships between Harry, Hermoine and Ron are strengthened, and we also have the growing tension with Draco and the Slytherin house by the introduction of many of their family members who may have only had brief or no screen time in the first film. This is a brilliant way to keep the film and characters real as that is what happens with actual friendships at that age. It also provides the view with the opportunity to see various dynamics of the magical families. I will admit my favourite one is the Weasley’s. Who wouldn’t want to live at their crazy house? Molly Weasley is on my favourite film characters list but after seeing this one I am a littlee sad I left off Ron's father Arthur from the list. I love his earnest and strongly curious nature and of course his openness and sense of adventure.

Although we are introduced to various new things about the wizarding world, the second year at Hogwarts doesn’t feel too much different from the first. It has a gentle progression of the world, new ways of getting into trouble and a lot of disruption. The plot is strongly tied to a mystery element, and even though the first film does the same thing, I wonder if that is one reason why people don’t tend to like the second film so much. I think it is even safe to say that it is the least liked of the series, but not for me. Perhaps it’s the age as second year is all about being 12, a very awkward age of not really a kid but not yet a teen and that is mirrored by themes of planning, patience and needing help. Again, no favourite or fun things in that list for many. The trio is still are very young, and I think getting to true darkness would be too early for those still in the land of crushes and branching out to only a few new experiences.

The trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione is well played in this film and they really feel like a solid group friends at this point and it is great to see that friendship grow. We are also introduced to some wonderful new characters in this film, and one of my favourites is the charming and smug Gilderoy Lockhart as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher played by Kenneth Branagh. Wow, what an infusion of light and goofy energy this adds to the film. He has a sense of ease and confidence but so superficial. As a polar opposite we get to see Lucius Malfoy (played brilliantly by Jason Isaacs) as Draco’s father whom sheds light to families whom aren’t quite as good natured as say, The Weasleys. A few notes on the smaller but beautiful casting choices with Shirley Henderson as the shrill Moaning Murtle and Hugh Mitchell as ever enthusiastic photographically inclined Colin Creevey.

I think I like the second film more than most and it was a treat to revisit. In fact after the film was done I left the DVD running in the player and just the menu music is soothing.

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I own it in glorious full screen DVD
I'd recommend to fans of magic, fantasy and adventure

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday July 15, 2009, I am doing a weekly countdown to watch & review of the first five Harry Potter films

Rabu, 10 Juni 2009

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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Dir: Chris Columbus (Only the Lonely, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Rent)
Regular Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis
Additional Cast: Ian Hart, Sean Biggerstaff, Zoë Wanamaker, John Hurt
USA/UK, 2001

Originally Seen: At the Fox Theatre in early 2002. Although I had read & enjoyed the book I was really seeing it as a part of my then-annual 'see anything that has Oscar nominations' race. It was nominated for Art Direction, Costumes and Original Score.

Revisited: May 29, 2009 *

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a wonderful introduction to the world of magic, mystery and muggles (non-magic folk). Although the muggles are nowhere near as interesting as the witches & wizards in the film. We start with a very young Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe) whom along with the audience has their eyes opened this world where school classes are based on different kinds of magic making over math. Hooked yet?

The film has has a wonderful underdog-turned-appreciated feel to it and plays with outsider/insider themes which give numerous opportunities for demonstrating friendship or engaging with enemies. Friendship is a strong theme in the film, and it was fun to revisit this with characters at their beginning stages after we have seen them grow so much over the years. When you consider that source material is the first of seven books by J.K. Rowlings, you know we are in for a long and intricate journey ahead.

Although there are many fantastic characters in the film from the ever persistent Hermione (Emma Watson), the gentle and wise headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), to the bumbling groundskeeper Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) there is one character in particular who pulled me right into the films world and kept me there from the first viewing. The character is Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) as the teacher who takes no crap and with a performance that is over dramatic, melodramatic and perfect in every way. I giggled in delight every time he is on screen, even though he's the teacher you'd never want to have.

One of the beautiful things about the film is that it blends the magical with the practical. Released in 2001 and mere weeks before Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, it was one of the first times we have seen visual effects so seamlessly added to a film. Instead of showing something extraordinary just to boast talents (creative, magical or CGI) everything shown fits in the world in a perfectly logical way in terms of the world and the story. Each magical moment makes sense and has a specific meaning in the world. This also reflects how well the original work was written and then adeptly adapted.

It was fun to revisit the film in its entirely with focused attention as I did for this countdown, but it made me realize how many times I've seen the film. I watch it during the holiday season while making cookies or wrapping presents, I watch it if I'm down and like Star Trek: Generations it is a film I used to use if I had a bout of insomnia (I know it sound-for-sound for the first 15 minutes). I even have it on VHS which has literally worn out and won't play anymore and has been replaced with a DVD.

Although I'm sure it could be argued it isn't the 'best' film of the series, it I think it will always stay my favourite because it began the series that is all about magic.

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I own it in glorious full screen (DVD) and worn-out due to watching so many times VHS version
I'd recommend to fans of magic, fantasy and adventure

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* in anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday July 15, 2009, I am doing a weekly countdown to watch & review of the first five Harry Potter films

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