Review of Potter, written in character as Dumbledore

Rating: Null/10 (24 January 2002)

Well, sooner or later you goodlies here at the Internet Movie Database would have to hear from us at Hogwarts. That said, let me thank the Muggles of 1492 Pictures and Heyday Films, whose combined talents were instrumental in making our film possible. Where, I wonder, should I begin? Perhaps we should give a proper thumbs-up to Steve Kloves for crafting such a magnificent screenplay. I only hope that the goodlies at Don Shay and Jody Duncan's Cinefex Magazine will put together an official making-of-the-film book, so that everyone can remember the adventure we shared with our Master Potter. Richard Harris does such a tremendous job bringing me .... well, to life --- so much so, in fact, that I doubt I will ever be seen in the same light again. I will, however, tell you that, during the Los Angeles World Premiere of the film, an Associated Press photographer --- one with a very keen eye, I might add! --- caught yours truly shaking hands with David Hasselhoff! (Would that I could have done a guest shot on Baywatch! [Heh-heh!] It might have been fun teaching Mitch Buchanan and company a few lessons in water safety --- Hogwarts style!)
Anyway, John Seale's cinematography was insightfully delicious; as were the wonderfully spirited costumes of Judianna Makovsky. Richard Francis-Bruce was a masterful film editor; and the visual effects units, under the supervision of Robert Legato, and utilizing the services of such effects legends as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light and Magic, Rhythm & Hues Studios and a few others, brought rainbows to the eye and inspiration to the heart. I just hope, when the 74th Academy Awards roll 'round, that we can indeed make the cut in terms of the technical awards (Sound, Sound Efects Editing, Cinematography, Film Editing, Costume Design, Visual Effects, etc.)
And yes, that lovely John Williams score. The main theme tickles my brian every time I hear it. I'm especially proud of John's version of the Hogwarts school song, here entitled "Hogwarts Forever!" I only wish they'd tracked down old Leslie Bricusse, that he might add a few lyrics to the tune.
And the story? Ah yes, the story. Many of our fans the world over know of Harry's origins, so I shall not recap that aspect of the story for you. But the heart of the saga involves the efforts of Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson) to prevent the Sorcerer's Stone from falling into the hands of Lord Voldemort, who of course also seeks to finish what he apparently started a decade before ..... by murdering young Harry. Robbie Coltrane did an enjoyable job portraying old Hagrid --- I must say it is one of his most huggable roles yet! Maggie Smith, meanwhile, was quite tremendous as the doppelganger of Professor McGonigall. I'm sure Minerva herself had the chance to view an advance copy of the film prior to the various premieres and such.
Lastly, let me tell you good people this: Some of you have come away from the movie feeling disappointed that not everything in the book found its way into the film. The magic of the movies, my friends, has always been built on the premise that you should suspend disbelief. So it is with the magic we try to accomplish here at Hogwarts: As long as you are willing to imagine, believe, and embrace what you once were when you were a child, then certainly the magic that dwells within you can be let loose again. I hope that this is the case with everyone who sees our movie, its forthcoming sequel, and the several such sequels yet to come; and I hope as well that similar fortune may yet smile upon our next printed adventure --- "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."
Yours most sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry