It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live.

Rating: 7/10 (26 July 2007)

I went back to look at the two Chris Columbus-directed Harry Potter movies. These were the one that were more light fantasy and enjoyable in that light.
Mr. Ollivander: Curious... very curious... Harry: Excuse me, sir, but what's curious? Mr. Ollivander: I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. It just so happens that the phoenix whose tailfeather resides in your wand gave another... just one other. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand... when its brother gave you that scar. Harry: And who owned that wand? Mr. Ollivander: We do not speak his name! The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why. But I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things. Terrible! Yes. But great.
This is the film that Harry discovers who he is. Others know more about him than he does. We are introduced to all the great characters that we have come to know and love: Daniel Radcliffe (with his clothes on), Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Maggie Smith, Tom Felton, and Robbie Coltrane, in particular.
We see the spectacular art and set decorations, particularly in the Great hall by Stuart Craig (art director) and Stephanie McMillan (set decorator). Costune design by Judianna Makovsky and music by John Williams makes this a film to remember. The special effects were fantastic.
With close supervision by author J.K. Rowling and unprecedented approval of all aspects of the movie, we know we are going to get something that will not upset book fans, and we did.