Worth fighting the hordes of kids to see

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2001)

All right, I'm in my 30's. Many of my friends think I'm odd for liking the Harry Potter books. But I do, and you can call it a solitary vice if you want.
The movie was not perfect, there were sections that dragged a little, the soundtrack is utterly forgettable, but who cares? It's Harry Potter!
This is the first movie I've seen lately where the special effects are used to tell the story instead of being the story. Even though there was a lot of CG in the movie, it was completely transparent. You believe that they are flying on brooms. The quiddich match looked extremely real.
If certain details are missing, like the ghosts, well, they just didn't have time. The movie runs very long as it is, and still there was very little fat to be trimmed. Poor John Cleese, his character had gobs of humor for him to mine... but it was a time thing.
I would say that everyone could benefit from seeing this movie, and if you haven't read the books you may have an advantage. Instead of worrying about Peeves and other details, you would be able to simple enjoy the story on its own merit.
See it. Push the kids in costume out of your way if you have to, but see the movie. I promise you will enjoy it.