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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The first of the movies based on the best selling series of books by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone introduces us to Harry Potter and his friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. More importantly, it introduces us to Severus Snape, Potions Master, played by Hot Bad Guy Alan Rickman and Draco Malfoy, played by Cute Bad Kid Tom Felton. Here's the short story: Harry Potter is 11. He is shockingly neglected by his aunt and uncle, who have taken him in after the death of his parents. Unbeknownst to him, he is actually a wizard. Eventually, he receives an acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Since the other choice is staying with his horrifying "family," he naturally decides to go. There, he finds that he is famous for his defeat of the Evil Wizard Voldemort and also that he is a smashing quidditch player. Wackiness ensues.

While all the child actors do a fine job stepping into the huge shoes of the book's characters, Tom Felton's portrayal of Nasty Little Bastard Draco Malfoy really stands out. You just really want to slap the kid, which is, I think, the point. And he does get an award for Most Evil Broomstick Takeoff Ever Recorded on Film. But honestly, all the weaknesses that automatically come with making a movie out of a crazy popular book are completely overcome by the vision of Alan Rickman in flowing black robes. Not only is he far more appealing than the description of Snape in the book, his voice can make even the strongest woman melt. You want to teach me to bottle fame and brew glory? Okay, professor. Just keep talking...