The Magic

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2013)

I really enjoy both of Christopher Columbus' films in the Harry Potter series (he also directed "The Chamber of Secrets"). The first two films of the Harry Potter series are definitely the two that manage to catch every aspect of the magic that was involved in the Harry Potter series. This is an amazing start to a great series of films.
To begin with, the cast is delightful. The very young children playing the roles of the students are fantastic, just as you would expect them to be. The child actor's in this series are definitely some of the best of this era. It truly is the cast of British actors in the adult roles that create a new world of wonder and magic. Richard Harris captures every single moment of Albus Dumbledore's charm and wisdom. Maggie Smith was amazing in her role of Minerva McGonagall, showing audiences the firm, yet caring teacher. Alan Rickman is absolutely amazing in his role of the greasy, cold-hearted Potions teacher Severus Snape. Robbie Coltrane has some great moments as the half-giant Hagrid.
If you've read the books, Hogwarts will come to life just as you always had imagined it. Hogwarts is done beautifully, accompanied by a score by John Williams. The magical world is created very quickly before your eyes.
This is truly an amazing film that captures every detail of the magic that J.K. Rowling initially put into her novels, and can stand on it's own as a great movie, reminding every viewer to always enjoy life with a little bit of magic.