IS THE MAGIC IN HARRY POTTER APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN?

Of course it is! Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a family fantasy film being the first instalment in the Harry Potter series, but is flat and ridiculous.

When Harry Potter, a young orphan, discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to study spells at Hogwarts, he escapes his dreary life and enters the world of magic, but he soon finds trouble awaiting him.

Director: Chris Columbus
Cast:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Ian Hart
Writer: Steve Kloves
Release Date (Australia): 29 November 2001
Runtime: 152 minutes/2h 32m
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family
Country: USA
Language: English

PG (for some scary moments and mild language)

Even compared to the majority of fantasy films, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone takes the magical powers and fantastical creatures way too far. It’s just like the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling, except Chris Columbus has brought the words and magic to the screen.

It’s easy to say that only those who read and enjoyed the book will adore the film. That’s definitely true, but you have to seriously be engaged with these sorts of forgettable fantasy tales to take delight in either. Coming from the perspective of one who dislikes over-the-top fantasy features like Harry Potter, The Philosopher’s Stone is flat, boring and extremely fantastical.

If you hate fantasy adventures or these Harry Potter stories, skip the first movie; it’s uninteresting and boring. Obviously what’s left is how welly-designed all the magic and creatures were, in addition to the costumes and average performances. Some will watch it for Daniel Radcliffe, or the story, or both, but avoid The Philosopher’s Stone especially if you can’t sit through fantasy tales.

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