Thanks to Chris Columbus, the world is not square at all!

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 2001)

It is a poorer world without books. When I went to see 'HPATPS' none 0f my family had read more than a few pages of any of JK Rowling's books. I had tried in vain to persuade my two children to become interested in reading. So, I thought, the film may do the trick, and it may just have done that. They are actually threatening to READ it now. Phew! I may even have a go myself. I suspected that the four of us were in a minority in the cinema, not knowing hardly anything about the story. The hype suggested that those 'not in the know' would struggle to follow the opening 30 minutes. I have to report that this warning was superfluos as we all seemed to know exactly what was happening! The money was obviously well spent, and, although I am not a lover of computer effects, they were handled sensitively and sensibly.Dare I suggest that the story did seem to slightly drag in the middle somewhere, but it was always entertaining, because of the fact that everything was wonderful to look at. The fine cast were great, although I kept expecting Alan Rickman to 'let rip', until the end, when I realised why he hadn't! It is the three children, however, who outshone Britain's Best. All 3 are magnificent in their roles, especially Emma Watson, who stole the film for me. My thanks to the director, who, if this film does prompt my children to read, will have, like his namesake, have proved that the world really is round, and not square. Another good thing to come from this film is that the '12' certificate is completely unnecessary. If Harry Potter gets a 'PG' then I can't think of another '12' film I've seen which does not deserve likewise. This was scary at times. Good for the censors, but they really should assess all films consistently.