We're Off to See the Wizard

Rating: 8/10 (1 February 2010)

"Harry Potter learns, on his 11th birthday, that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards, and possesses magical powers of his own. (Sent to) 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry', Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, discovering a world of magic and fantasy, where he is destined to live," according to the film's official synopsis. This was the first of the films bringing J.K. Rowling's beloved "Harry Potter" characters to motion picture life; and, it must be considered a rousing success.
Importantly, Ms. Rowling insisted on retaining much creative control, so a higher than usual amount of integrity to the material is maintained. This doesn't benefit the film in every respect; but, it certainly was, in hindsight, the only sure-fire way to introduce these adventures to cinema. One change, done for the book, was that the title would be altered from "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" for U.S. consumption; it goes against the grain, and works perfectly. "Sorcerer's Stone" is shorter, provides alliteration, and better illustrates the conflict present in the story.
Initially, it wasn't obvious that the young trio playing "Harry", "Ron", and "Hermione" had the acting ability to go along with looking right for the leading roles; fortunately, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson would turn out to be just perfect. Richard Harris (as Albus Dumbledore) and Maggie Smith (as Minerva McGonagall) herald a stellar parade of Brits playing throughout the "Potter" films, with Robbie Coltrane (as Rubeus Hagrid) going to the head of this, the first class.
******** Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (11/4/01) Chris Columbus ~ Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane