| Overall Grade: | B |
|---|---|
| Violence: | C |
| Sexual Content: | A |
| Language: | B |
| Drugs/Alcohol: | B+ |
| Run Time: | 152 |
| MPAA Rating: | |
| Video Release: | 10 May 2002 |
In-Depth Review
ShareHarry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone is rated PG: for some scary moments and mild language.
Harry Potter has finally stepped out of "the cupboard under the stairs" and onto the big screen--an event long anticipated by anyone who knows they are a "Muggle" (someone without magical abilities).
The movie faithfully recounts the first novel in J.K. Rowling's best selling children's series of an orphaned infant who is left in the care of his neglectful aunt, uncle, and obese cousin. Life changes drastically for the eleven-year-old (Dan Radcliffe) when a letter arrives inviting him to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Besides revealing his curious genealogy, Harry also learns of his parents' untimely demise at the hands of the evil Voldemort, a confrontation that left young Harry with his trademark lightning bolt scar.
The excitement of entering the ancient castle housing the school hardly compares to the magic Harry feels after making friends with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). Settling into their studies of spell casting and potion making, they soon discover a teacher's involvement in an evil plan. Their investigations lead them into the arms of a giant club-wielding troll, the jaws of a formidable three-headed dog, and the dark forbidden forest where they must serve a detention.
J.K. Rowling's books have stirred up a cauldron of debate among parents concerned with the "hocus-pocus" occult themes pervading her works--leaving many as likely to be offended by the portrayals of witchcraft in this movie, as they will be by the fantasy violence. Darkness pervades this film, which offers many scenes brimming with scary music and Halloween like imagery including partially decapitated ghosts, death by magic wand, an evil being who seeks fresh unicorn blood, and a few surprise "boos." Like the novel, Harry Potter may be too scary for young children.
Yet this softhearted wizard never forgets his love for his parents and the importance of working together to support his friends, allowing him to become a courageous doer of good. If your family has enjoyed the books, chances are your date with Harry at the movies will be just as enchanting.
Studio: 2001 Warner Bros..
Discussion Ideas
If you are a Harry Potter fan, and have read all the books, how does the movie’s interpretation of J.K. Rowling’s work compare to your imagination? Does the movie change the perception that you had from the novels?
Many people are concerned about the positive portrayal of the occult made in the Harry Potter books. How do you feel about the magic and the messages presented in these stories?
Video alternatives
Looking for another movie about children endowed with special powers without the occult themes? Check our review of Escape to Witch Mountain. Another film with children who save the day is Spy Kids.
Follow all of Harry’s adventures in the other movies of this series:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Join the Conversation
About the Reviewer: Donna Gustafson
Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the
beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates
preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.
