Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone parents guide

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone Parent Guide

Overall B

Harry Potter has finally stepped out of "the cupboard under the stairs" and onto the big screen--an event long anticipated by anyone who knows they are a "Muggle" (someone without magical abilities).

Release date November 13, 2001

Violence C
Sexual Content A
Profanity B
Substance Use B+

Why is Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone rated PG? The MPAA rated Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone PG for some scary moments and mild language.

Run Time: 152 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Harry Potter has finally stepped out of “the cupboard under the stairs” and onto the big screen—an event long anticipated by anyone who knows they are a “Muggle” (someone without magical abilities).

The movie faithfully recounts the first novel in J.K. Rowling’s best selling children’s series of an orphaned infant who is left in the care of his neglectful aunt, uncle, and obese cousin. Life changes drastically for the eleven-year-old (Dan Radcliffe) when a letter arrives inviting him to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Besides revealing his curious genealogy, Harry also learns of his parents’ untimely demise at the hands of the evil Voldemort, a confrontation that left young Harry with his trademark lightning bolt scar.

The excitement of entering the ancient castle housing the school hardly compares to the magic Harry feels after making friends with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). Settling into their studies of spell casting and potion making, they soon discover a teacher’s involvement in an evil plan. Their investigations lead them into the arms of a giant club-wielding troll, the jaws of a formidable three-headed dog, and the dark forbidden forest where they must serve a detention.

J.K. Rowling’s books have stirred up a cauldron of debate among parents concerned with the “hocus-pocus” occult themes pervading her works—leaving many as likely to be offended by the portrayals of witchcraft in this movie, as they will be by the fantasy violence. Darkness pervades this film, which offers many scenes brimming with scary music and Halloween like imagery including partially decapitated ghosts, death by magic wand, an evil being who seeks fresh unicorn blood, and a few surprise “boos.” Like the novel, Harry Potter may be too scary for young children.

Yet this softhearted wizard never forgets his love for his parents and the importance of working together to support his friends, allowing him to become a courageous doer of good. If your family has enjoyed the books, chances are your date with Harry at the movies will be just as enchanting.

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson. Running time: 152 minutes. Theatrical release November 13, 2001. Updated

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone Parents' Guide

If you are a Harry Potter fan, and have read all the books, how does the movie’s interpretation of J.K. Rowling’s work compare to your imagination? Does the movie change the perception that you had from the novels?

Many people are concerned about the positive portrayal of the occult made in the Harry Potter books. How do you feel about the magic and the messages presented in these stories?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone movie is May 10, 2002. Here are some details…

On November 8, 2011, Warner Bother’s studio is releasing: Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection (also known as Harry Potter- Years 1-7)

Related home video titles:

Looking for another movie about children endowed with special powers without the occult themes? Check our review of Escape to Witch Mountain. Another film with children who save the day is Spy Kids.

Follow Harry Potter’s other adventures in:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

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