Pop Culture Movies and More: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

Harry Potter is an average eleven-year-old boy who has lived with the Dursley family ever since his parents died in a car crash. For some reason, the family has always mistreated him, even making him work around the house as some sort of slave. On his eleventh birthday, a giant man named Hagrid hands him a letter telling him that he has been accepted as a student at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry learns that his parents were wizards and were killed by the evil wizard Voldemort, a truth that was hidden from him all these years. He embarks on his new life as a student, gathering two good friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger along the way. They soon learn that something very valuable is hidden somewhere inside the school and Voldemort is very anxious to lay his hands on it. The Philosopher's Stone is the first instalment in the Harry Potter franchise and is based on the best-selling book series. I have such fond memories of this fabulous fantasy film, which has become such a staple in pop culture and the movie industry being the first of 8 thrilling adventures. I have always loved the Harry Potter novels and read them during my school years, where I became enthralled with this magical world. My love only grew with the series of films that felt just as magical as the books. Alongside the abundance of amazing visuals for the time, one of the highlights of these movies has to be the actors who each did a phenomenal job in their roles. Of course, in regards to all the younger actors, their performances can be a little off but after all, they are children and as they get older they only improve and develop. I enjoyed how we get to see all the children grow up with every new feature. With Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) growing up with each new school year, it was great seeing these actors age alongside each instalment both in terms of becoming so experienced to actually getting older. Supporting actors were integral to the story too and Alan Rickman as Severus Snape was sheer perfection giving some chilling performances that completely stole the show. He is so careful and calculated with every single word. I also like all the other characters and I can't think of any I disliked. From Hagrid, and McGonagall to Dumbledore, each of the characters is so entertaining, charming and funny. They are equally loveable and it is pretty obvious why they are such fan favourites. The world-building in this film is exceptional and well-executed. From the grand-scale buildings to even the tiniest of details, they all make this world all the more magical. From the wondrous castle of Hogwarts with its infinite rooms and halls to the shop windows in Diagon Alley displaying brooms or wands, this world feels lived in and so alive. Undoubtedly, Hogwarts became the most popular school in movie history with so much to explore with many background details to notice mainly with the moving portraits. John Williams composed the mystical music of the first two instalments which are so surreal and are some fantastic pieces. My favourite has to be 'Hedwig's Theme'. It is so enchanting and displays Williams' musical genius which had been proven long before in his other projects like Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993). His magnificent pieces elevate the story and moods, I would even go as far as to say that without his music, this film would never have had the charm we have come to recognise and love. The mystery of the Philosopher's Stone makes for an exciting story that is truly intriguing as pieces to this puzzle slowly start to unravel for our trio to uncover. Overall, this is a fascinating start to the Harry Potter franchise, which continued to deliver exciting entries showing great development and character growth throughout each one, bringing so much lore behind it to make a believable world. This film is great family viewing that will forever stand the test of time as a perfect adventure for people of all ages to delve into. Check out the next film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), to continue the following chapter in the chosen one's years at the wizarding school.