Well made, but lightweight

Rating: 7/10 (11 November 2001)

I hate being just about the only dissenting voice, but I was not overly impressed with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (as it is titled in the UK).
I have not read the books at all, so I did not have any preconceptions about what should be in there from the book, and I didn't have any idea of the plot.
Firstly, I found the movie overly long - I don't have any problem with long movies per se - as long as something is happening. There seemed to be far too much exposition, and it was over halfway into the film before a plot started to develop - and even that was quite slight. Perhaps this is because J.K Rowling was loath to lose too much from the book, perhaps they've already got the next 6 movies in mind.
The adult actors are very good - Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane - are all excellent. Unfortunately the child actors are quite one dimensional, especially in their failure to show any meaningful emotion.
The effects aren't brilliant, but they're generally good enough. The sets and locations are superb.
Overall I found it a well made but light confection - enjoyable enough, but easily forgotten.