Pure Magic

Rating: Null/10 (4 June 2002)

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and and I rate it up there with the all-time great "kids" movies. A wonderful blend of Cinderella and Wizard of Oz. I have it now on video and have seen it twice and it's great fun. I think perhaps I understand now why kids really gobbled this up. Just the simple fact that kids tore themselves away from the computer games and picked up a book, is an amazing feat in itself. But I salute J.K. Rowling for providing the youngsters with something highly entertaining and that promotes good, positive things for kids -- Loyalty, friendship, teamwork. Not evil and black magic. For all the individuals who claim that the material in this film is corrupting the minds of youngsters -- need to have their heads examined. Chances are, several of these narrow minds didn't even see the film in the first place.
A brilliant cast. I'm so glad they chose to stick with a British cast. To attempt to "Americanize" it would have been a crime.
Daniel Radcliffe was excellent as Harry -- unsure and a bit uncomfortable with his celebrity status but humble and very likable. A true hero for the kids. Harry's pal Ron played by Rupert Grint was absolute gold. He has the best lines and delivers them like a pro. Even after multiple viewings, I still bust out laughing at his scenes. Emma Watson plays her part to perfection. How many of us had a classmate like her when we went to school? C'mon raise your hands.(before she does and shows you up in front of the teacher)
A great supporting cast, and top rate visuals. Even on the small screen after seeing it on the big screen, it doesn't lose it's luster at all. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a wonderful piece of entertainment and I foresee it becoming a future classic.