Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Movie)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Movie)
Plot:

On Harry's 11th birthday he is informed that he is a wizard and will be attending Hogwart's school of wizardry and magic. Harry is living with his aunt and uncle, as his parents were killed when he was a baby. The aunt and uncle are hesitant to let Harry go, or even deliver him his mail, yet they can't overpower the giant Hagrid that comes to tell Harry about his abilities. Harry ends up heading to Hogwart's where he takes classes on potions and broom riding, makes new friends (namely the famous Ron and Hermione), and even makes the quidditch team. However the three friends soon discover that something is amiss at Hogwart's, as a troll is on the loose and a giant three-headed dog is guarding something in the basement. Harry is also in the process of learning who he really is, being the boy who lived despite being attacked by fame evil wizard Voldemort. The three friends fear Voldemort is attempting to use the sorcerer's stone to return to power and decide they need to get to the stone before Voldemort. After battling a maze of traps, Harry makes it to the stone only to find his professor, Quirrel, already there attempting to bring Voldemort back. Harry nearly dies, yet his touch burns Quirrel and he survives in time for Dumbledore to save him. Before Harry leaves for the summer he learns Dumbledore will destroy the sorcerer's stone. Yet Harry doubts he heard the last of Voldemort.


Comparison to book:

I'm currently in the process of re-reading the first Harry Potter novel, as it has been years since I have read it. Thus, I can't really relay any significant differences between the book and the movie at this time. I plan to update this section when I'm done reading. I do, however, remember thinking that the movie was a pretty accurate rendition of the book. Most of the Harry Potter movies have to remove some scenes for length reasons, but they are all pretty true to the original plot line.


Review:

This is an excellent movie that is very significant to tweens. Harry Potter was first published in 1998, yet every year the next generation of tweens checks out the giant volumes, carry them around school, and become completely immersed in Harry's world from beginning to end. The stories grow in maturity as the characters grow, making the first couple volumes the most appropriate for younger tweens. This series has significant staying power, with the final installments of the movie still coming out years later. Tweens have grown up alongside Harry Potter and will continue to do so for years to come. Librarians are mostly thankful to the series for encouraging children to read, and we can still use the popularity for this purpose today. Tweens that have seen the movies can be drawn into reading the series, and the movie is appropriate for the age group such that vice versa can be said. A media presentation on movies would really be remiss if it lacked the presence of the young wizard.