One hundred points to Warner Brothers!

Rating: 9/10 (2 March 2014)

Now a cultural phenomenon with a mature cast and a excellent representation of talent British filmmaking can offer, 'Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone' remains the latter, played by a fresh-faced trio we forget we first joined back in 2001. As such, their over emphasis and misplaced charisma can be forgiven, as it gives the original film a childish charm that is actually much appreciated, given that the later films in the series evolved with author J.K Rowling's darkening narative.
The best 'Harry Potter' plots play like a detective novel, with elements of whodunnit keeping readers guessing until the final reveal (this is also true of the overarching plot of the entire series). 'Philosopher's Stone' plays very well on this, with plenty of exposition from the young Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as they unconvincingly scratch their heads and pull the simplest of bemused expressions. Even a fan of the novels, who could recite every development of the plot from memory, can appreciate the intricacies of events as they gradually unfold through a two and a half hour runtime packed with set piece after impressive set piece. At the best of times, 'Philosopher's Stone' proves a great novel to adapt as it offers up Quidditch, mountain trolls and the group's first visit to the forbidden forest. At its worst, director Chris Columbus overcomes its episodic nature not by omitting vital material, but by ensuring a relentless pace and sense of adrenaline fill his film, as he makes great choices with his cuts, timing both those and his introduction to scenes with a keen eye for exactly what will grab and maintain the audience's attention.
An ensemble of seasoned veterans help the lead cast carry the weight of their film debut, with Alan Rickman proving perfect for master manipulator Severus Snape, and Dame Maggie Smith playing the sharper and softer sides of Professor Minerva McGonagall to great effect. Robbie Coltrain as Hagrid, Harry's half-giant ally, brings the comic relief in buckets. A mixture of practical effects and pioneering digital trickery make the film visually awe inspiring.
Sure to become an important antique of the British film industry, 'Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone' is a sumptuous extravaganza of special effects and a story brought to life on the screen in the most riveting way possible. It isn't the benchmark of the 'Harry Potter' series - or even of fantasy film - given the wooden nature of its lead cast. When, in the 2010s, the likes of Asa Butterfield and Chloe Grace Moretz can give an Oscar-worthy performance at the same age, it is a slight shame that Radcliffe and Watson - Grint actually has great comic timing - hadn't quite honed their skills in the same manner by the age of ten. Later instalments would prove they were undoubtedly the right casting as their talents matured, but their forced performances in 'Philosopher's Stone' remain either a nostalgic charm for devoted fans, or something the casual viewer needs to overlook. Regardless, 'Philosopher's Stone' is excellent, and of course by some degree it is because of them alongside the countless others who made the adaptation what it is.