00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Director: Chris Columbus
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 152 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Saunders Triplet, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Derek Deadman, John Cleese, Sean Biggerstaff, Warwick Davis, Zoë Wanamaker, John Hurt, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, Matthew Lewis, Mark Williams, Julie Walter

Description: Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Review: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is the first movie in the Harry Potter series. Based on the books by J.K. Rowling. She wanted to be involved with the making of the movies, so that they stayed true to the source material.
Harry is introduced to us, we learn about his past. Director Chris Columbus takes his time for that, because people who haven’t read the books should understand.
The actual magic starts when Harry visits Diagon Alley and platform 9 ¾. Daniel Radcliffe is a good Harry Potter. Off course he doesn’t have a lot of acting experience, but that doesn’t matter. His friend Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, is a pleasant surprise, but Emma Watson as Hermione Granger is probably the biggest discovery. Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, probably has the most experience. He is perfect for the mean role of Draco.
Then the adults. Robbie Coltrane is exactly the Rubeus Hagrid J.K. Rowling described. His raw appearance and voice fit the character perfectly. Richard Harris has the friendly, warm and sophisticated charm for Dumbledore. Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape, both also excellent cast. Especially Rickman is very convincing.
It’s obviously a well-cast film and Rowling can be proud of the first film. I really love this first Harry Potter adventure.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - A United Kingdom

Director: Amma Asante
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Tom Felton, Jack Davenport

Description: The story of King Seretse Khama of Botswana (David Oyelowo) and how his loving but controversial marriage to a British white woman, Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), put his kingdom into political and diplomatic turmoil.

Review: Whenever a film starts with the words ‘based on a true story’, the film makers have two choices: tell the actual facts or exaggerate a bit a make it more Hollywood like. The last is often the more popular choice, but director Amme Asante choose the first option. “A United Kingdom” tells a strong tale of forbidden love, discrimination and political distress, without any.
We end up in London in the late 40s, where Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams meat each other in a stylish jazz bar and have a undeniable click. They seem like an impossible couple, because Seretse is supposed to follow his uncle as the king of Bechuanaland (later Botswana). A marriage between him an a British typist would not be appreciated back in Africa. But Seretse and Ruth take the risk, marry and travel to Bechuanaland to start their life together.
Seretse and Ruth have to overcome many obstacles. The British government want to kick Seretse off the throne, while the citizens of Bechuanaland slowly come to peace with Ruth’s presence. But she still has to stand strong in the place she now calls home.
The script is factual, but it also feels refreshing. It often feels more like a documentary then a melodramatic love story. “A United Kingdom” is a really strong film, also thanks to David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike. They fill in their characters really well. The start of the film, which is also the start of their romance, feels a bit rushed. But the rest of the film takes its time to tell a beautiful story.
“A United Kingdom” tells a real life struggle and has a strong message.

Rating: 4 / 5