Hindsight

Classic Kids, or 100 films that the kids in your life have see before they are 13 or else!

Day 98:  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

I feel silly even talking about this movie, because who the heck has not seen it? (if you have not seen it, there is no reason to tell anyone!) Well, make sure your kids see it!  Although there are a couple scary moments, so best for kids over 8.  This is the first in a series of Harry Potter films, and I think the best of them all. Ah, to see all of the Harry Potter kids so young!  Based on J.K. Rowling's book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone, the film is one of those rare occasions where the film is as good as the book.  Favorite scene: Harry's childhood meeting with the dark lord, Voldemort.  Oh, but then there is the moment at the end, when Harry says good bye to his friend Hagrid, before he leaves Hogwarts.  Harry is heading back home to some non-wizards who previously treated him poorly.  Hagrid advised him to use magic on cousin Dudley Dursley during the summer if he caused any further trouble, but Harry responded: "But we're not allowed to do magic away from Hogwarts. You know that." Hagrid quipped: "I do, but your cousin don't, do he?"  The film picked up Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.  The story in case you are the one person left to read the book, follows Harry and his new friend Hermione and Ron, as they navigate the world of Hogwarts, a very British school for Wizards. 
Themes:  Bullying, Friendship, Powers, Games, Strategy, Fame Media Literacy Questions for Kids:  How is the film different than the book?  What is your favorite scene and why?  Why is Harry a hero in the movie?  What are the key values in the story?  Were there any special effects you found particularly good?