Emma Watson, who rose to fame as Hermione Granger in all eight “Harry Potter” film adaptations, was one of the few actresses who managed to maintain a balanced, normal life while being one of the franchise’s most famous and highest-paid stars. Her sudden journey to celebrity was nothing short of incredible. Watson was cast as a co-star in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001) at the age of nine, despite having no prior acting experience. She was propelled into international stardom with her very first film.
Here are a few recommendations of her movies that can help you enjoy your weekend.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on Stephen Chbosky’s coming-of-age novel, follows new youngster Charlie as he befriends seniors Sam and Patrick. They introduce him to a world of parties, drugs, and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” among other things.
The film, which was written and directed by Chbosky, received a slew of great reviews for the filmmaker and his outstanding ensemble.
2. Harry Potter and the half-blood prince.
The sixth film in the series wowed critics with sweeping set plays, dazzling special effects, and a strong center ensemble.
“With its adept treatment of teen yearning and passion,” Lisa Kennedy said for The Denver Post, “‘Half-Blood Prince’ handles riddles of heart and hankering that resonate in worlds magic and muggle.”
3. My Week With Marilyn.
“My Week with Marilyn,” based on a true incident, follows set assistant Colin Clark as he spends seven days with legendary actress Marilyn Monroe and grows closer to the surprisingly vulnerable celebrity.
Lucy, a wardrobe assistant that Colin was dating, was played by Emma Watson in a supporting role in the film.
4. This is the end.
Watson made a brief cameo in the film as a parody version of herself, plundering the actors’ home.
According to most critics, “This Is the End” was an adrenaline-pumping journey that was gleefully violent and crammed with gags and cameos.
5. Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets.
Despite its long-running time and extensive world-building, critics lauded “Chamber of Secrets” as a more edgy and intelligent film than its forerunner.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is darker, funnier, and finer than its forerunner,” The Guardian’s Lizzie Rusbridger wrote.
6. Noah
In “Noah,” a father builds a gigantic ark to safeguard his wife Naameh, his adopted daughter Ila, and their three sons from a global flood.
Despite some critics’ dissatisfaction with the narrative, most were pleased by filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s ability to cover so much biblical terrain in such a short amount of time.
7. Beauty and the Beast.
Belle faces a hideous Beast after he kidnaps her father and asks to take his place in the live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast.” When Belle is imprisoned in a castle filled with magical artefacts, she befriends the Beast and begins to see him for the man he once was.
Some critics thought the picture leaned too heavily on computer-generated graphics, but the ensemble cast, lead by Watson, wowed the audience.
8. Ballet Shoes
“Ballet Shoes,” based on Noel Streatfeild’s novel, is set in 1930s London and follows three orphans — Pauline, Petrova, and Posy — who are fostered by Nana in a colorful house full of quirky lodgers.
The made-for-TV family drama was acclaimed by critics as a brilliant and magnificent adaptation of the original novel.
9. Little Women
“Little Women,” based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, follows the March sisters Amy, Beth, Jo, and Meg as their lives change for the better and for the worse during the American Civil War’s waning years.
Greta Gerwig walked a creative tightrope, staying true to the source material while infusing the film with her own particular energy and passion.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts in the final “Harry Potter” film to combat Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters in one final battle.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” exceeded expectations and ended the eight-film saga on a touching note, much to the delight of both book fans and movie critics.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s Ed Gibbs commented, “For a spectacular finale to a truly epic, good-natured franchise, this is a beautiful goodbye that’s very hard to surpass.”
