Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Director: Chris Columbus

Rating: PG

Studio: Warner Bros.

Review Posted: 11.14.01

Spoilers: Minor

Rating: 3.5/4

By Craig Younkin. | Read Review #1

And so the magic begins! J.K Rowling's best selling books about the boy wizard "Harry Potter" are finally making their way toward the big screen, and if they are all as great as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", then the series of films coming out over the next few years should raise Potter's approval rating through the roof.

"Sorcerer's Stone" begins with Harry as an infant. He is taken to London and placed on his aunt's doorstep by three odd looking people, a wizard, a witch, and a very large looking man called a gamekeeper. These three people are involved with the Hogwart's school of magic, and they foresee great things for the young Mr. Potter, when he is old enough to practice magic that is.

Only his aunt (Fiona Shaw) is not the most kindliest of women. Of her family, she is the only one born without magical powers, and so in her jealousy, she treats Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) like a slave while treating her spoiled and obnoxious son Dudley like royalty.

When letters finally do come from Hogwarts, Harry's uncle proceeds in burning them right away. But as more and more letters come every day, the aunt and uncle from hell decide to move to a lighthouse in order to keep Harry from getting his hands on them. It is at this point that they realize they'll have to deal with something much bigger than a letter when the massive gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltraine) returns to rescue Harry.

Once he is out of their custody, Harry finally realizes his true identity. His parents were two very famous wizards who were killed by an evil wizard named Voldemort. When Voldemort tried to kill Harry, his power boomeranged and it ended up killing him, while Harry was just given a scar above his forehead.

But Voldemort still lives in spirit within the dark wood outside of the Hogwart school of Magic, Harry's next stop on his long journey to become a hero. Harry is a wizard in training, and with the help of Hagrid, he stocks up on all of the usual wizardry things he needs to take with him on the Hogwart express, a train hidden from the normal world that will take him to the school.

While traveling, Harry makes a friend in Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and later also manages to make friends with "teacher's pet" Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). Other characters of importance in the story are the school's Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Headmistress Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), and Professor Serverus Snape (Alan Rickman).

Harry Potter is the film to see. Even if you have no idea what Harry Potter really is, and I was surprised to be one of those people as I was watching, this film gives you more than enough information and supplies you with some of the best looking visuals I've seen all year long.

I think this film may even be better if you haven't read the books. The greatest part about going to see a film is being able to see something original, and "Harry Potter" flows with originality at every fantastical turn.

Some of the most inventive sequences in the film come from the games these characters play. Quidditch, which is sort of like rugby with broomsticks, and Wizardry chess, which is a much more extreme game than the regular version, are both two sequences in the film that I won't forget anytime soon.

But for those avid "Harry Potter" fans, this is their chance to experience all the magnificent visuals the book has to offer. The special effects, ranging from the flying brooms to the CGI created three-headed dog and ogre, are incredible.  The costumes and make-up will certainly be nominated for an award this year. And the scenery is absolutely beautiful, especially the Hogwart dining hall, which features an array of floating candles.

Christopher Columbus's directing job has also not looked as good as it does here in a long time. He directs some very fast paced action, allows us to stare in awe at the imagery being presented, and also manages to bring out those tender scenes of friendship and family that he used so well in the "Home Alone" films. John Williams also must be credited for his constantly magnifying and involving musical score.

But even with all this, an inexperienced child actor could easily ruin a good thing. Just here, Thomas Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint make up a funny and intelligent trio of heroes. I look forward to seeing them in the upcoming sequels.

Breathtaking films like "Harry Potter" don't come out very often. This is a movie with good heart that grins with originality and great fun. It is certainly going on my best list at the end of the year, and next years sequel is definitely being noted in my calendar book. "Harry Potter" is the magical theater experience that has been severely lacking in the movie theater this year. Adults, kids, and teenagers will love it.

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