Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

What if I told you there is a school where you learn how to become a Wizard?  Well, it all happens at a very prestigious and secretive school- only known to the families who have magical ancestors or relatives, rests the vast castle called "Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."   And how'd you react if you had a destiny all planned out since you were born?  This is in the circumstances for a young boy named "Harry Potter". 

The first film adaptation of the international bestselling book series, "Harry Potter" is filled with tons of wonder, magic, and fun. It is no doubt to be a hit with younger audiences and to those who've read the novel will  alike be engrossed in the film from start to finish.

"Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Alone" director (Chris Columbus) swiftly and gracefully executed something that will be treasured for generations.

Bursting in the film, is a delightful composition by (John Williams). His work is absolutely magical, and it is as perfect as this treasured film.

The film boasts with a tremendous cast, which makes it all worthwhile. They all are terrific on screen and their grace never loses its spark of perfection.

Being that-as-it may, there is no actual such a place where people go to learn how to become the world's greatest witch or wizard, everyone just needs a little magic as a distraction,  to boost their spirits. And author of the novel, (J.K Rowling) has written something utterly imaginative.  Film fanatics and bookworms will be in awe of the creativity of this cinematic wonder.

"Warner Bros. presents a Chris Columbus film. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"  stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton. Rated: PG(for some scary moments and mild language.)" Runtime: 2 Hours & 39 Minutes. 

Rate: A

Forrest Gump (1994)

From author Winston Groom, and based on his acclaimed novel of a mentally challenged man named "Forrest Gump". The film adaptation chronicles his daily struggles with walking normally, fitting in, and bullies, as the film progresses, you see him change and mature in some ways. His biggest supporter is his mother, played by Sally Field in the film. She gives advice to him in ways he'll remembers for the rest of his life. Widely acclaimed actor Tom Hanks plays the intellectually challenged man. The film is played out in memories and flashbacks as told by the character, he lives in Alabama and sits on a park bench giving oral presentations to the passerbyers that he comes across.

Director Robert Zemeckis has created something so touching that this film is a gift for movie lovers. He made this film with the utmost sense of wonder and passion that this film is a gem for the cinema, as it is special.

The film also stars Robin Wright and Gary Sinise as: Forrest's love interest and curmudgeon friend. They stand out so well in the film because these characters, all of them in fact, are distinctively written in so very well with the film.

"Forrest Gump" was scored by Alan Silvestri (Back to the Future Trilogy) and this is precisely one of the best scores for a book to film adaptation. He adds very classical tones and a peaceful melody to it.

The movie offers not a lot of special effects but uses diversions as well throughout the entirety of the film, and they are well crafted.

If you ever feel like you seem to not feel lucky enough, think of the challenges the title character in this story faces. While he faces adversity, loss, and agony throughout the film. But with the love and friendships he makes he can triumph over these barriers. If you do, or if you do not have a disability, just think of Forrest Gump and know that you can accomplish anything. That's is what makes this film amazing to watch, is comprehending its themes and morals are super relevant and important.

Paramount Pictures presents a Robert Zemeckis film."Forrest Gump"  stars: Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, and Robin Wright. Runtime: 2 Hours and 10 Minutes. Rated: PG-13 (for some sensuality, drug content, and war violence) 

Rate: A

The BFG (2016)

From beloved children’s author Roald Dahl and ultra successful filmmaker Steven Spielberg, comes an adaptation of one of Dahl’s most  famous children’s novels, “The BFG”, or if you want to be more technical, “Big Friendly Giant.” Spielberg, who is no stranger in the director’s chair, he has directed films like this before, he also helmed another film involving an unlikely friendship in 1982’s “E.T”. What makes this film different from that popular film is the BGF has more magic at its core.

Reuniting with Spielberg once again for the film’s title role is Mark Rylance previously seen in the Oscar nominated film, also directed by Spielberg, (Bridge of Spies). Rylance makes a whimsical and emotional performance while opposite child star Ruby Barnhill, who is a natural, serious, yet funny and an effective talent in this film. 

Scoring the film is a man who needs no introduction, John Williams, who by the way has teamed up to compose several of Spielberg’s films prior to this one. Williams composition is quite fun and goes great with the film overall. 

If you haven’t read the classic book, whether you’re a kid or adult, you will have a problem understanding what is happening in the film. Especially with the BFG‘s silly rhetoric, which can get a little hard to digest. 

The “BFG” has many comedic successes, while he is drinking a soda, and the bubbles go the opposite direction, he makes a remark about burping and farting which is quite comical. There’s also another funny scene in which it involves the “Queen of England” and several of her “Guards“.  Audiences without a doubt will be laughing during this movie, for sure. 
In contrast, Barnhill and Rylance’s characters portray a similar friendship to that of Drew Barrymore and E.T. The two characters are from very different worlds, and it’s exciting to see each other’s perspective on their worlds. 

If you see this movie knowingly, and observe that there’s a book of the same name, you’re better off reading it before you see the cinematic portrayal.

Based on one of the most successful children’s books of all time, the “Big Friendly Giant” is a magical, funny and heartwarming experience that is better off being witnessed by those who actually have a clue as to what the film is about. 

Starring: Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill
Rated: PG
Rate: B
Director: Steven Spielberg

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The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016)

Continuing in the Divergent film series is the next chapter: part one of the finale, Allegiant. Although the franchise has not been digested well by critics for certain underwhelming approaches to interpret the bestseller onto the big screen, fans of the books disregard what they think and for opinions of their own. There are many times in the film where action and dialogue prove solid, and interaction with characters too. However, the majority screenplay in the film is rather boring and not very dramatic or exciting. To make the film a bit more tedious, characters throughout the film did not move a whole lot. They would stand and talk or they would converse with movement when something dramatic occurred. That’s when viewers will see movement and more speaking between the characters in the movie. Compared to the previous Divergent installments, Allegiant has amped up the action to a newer and higher level. Returning to the franchise is Shailene Woodley and Theo James as lead roles Tris and Four. Both actors give great performances and all, but it does get a little awkward between dialogue and character interaction. Director Robert Schwentke tries so hard at depicting the Sci-Fi world originated by Veronica Roth, but focuses too much on elements like explosions, guns, and weird looking hovercrafts. Overall, Allegiant did improve upon the previous Divergent installments, but is more of a slow paced action film.

 Rate: C

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To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

It’s considered by many to be a literary classic. Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” has captured the hearts of audiences for over five decades. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a dark, bold, yet triumphant story of a family living in a small town in Alabama which is based on Lee’s hometown of Monroeville. The fictitious Maycomb is quaint yet odd and mysterious. Playing a Negro defending attorney, is veteran actor Gregory Peck. Peck’s portrayal as this highly respected attorney and subtle or gentle father and widow, makes an instantaneous and profound connection each and every time he is on screen as this character. 
Director of the film Robert Mulligan erected a form of art that Lee created that was then to be considered to a masterpiece in cinema, one of the greatest films of the twentieth century that’ll have a lasting effect for generations to come. 
Then-child actors Mary Badham and Phillip Alford play Pecks’ on screen children. They both do so with such wonder and curiosity, that cannot be overlooked, with but as some of the greatest performances by a child actor. 
“To Kill a Mockingbird” composed by Elmer Bernstein, made something with a rustic and classical feel. His composition provides qualities of being eerie, dramatic and upbeat. 
Nominated for eight Academy Awards and five Golden Globes in the year after the film’s debut on the silver screen. Many perceive Robert Mulligan’s depiction of the Pulitzer Prize winning author’s beloved novel is definitely worth the accolades based on the finesse the film displays here.

Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, Robert Duvall, Brock Peters, John Megna

Director: Robert Mulligan

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

Synopsis:

Scout Finch (Mary Badham), 6,and her older brother, Jem (Phillip Alford), live in sleepy Maycomb, Ala., spending much of their time with their friend Dill (John Megna) and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley (Robert Duvall). When Atticus (Gregory Peck), their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping.

Rate: B