Outstanding fantasy adventure film for kids

Rating: 9/10 (21 June 2002)

This film is an outstanding fantasy adventure film for kids from about seven through fifteen. After that, its appeal drops off dramatically. Director Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire) does a fine job of bringing the wildly popular children's series to the big screen.
Columbus had a difficult decision to make with the first film. The introduction of Harry Potter requires a good deal of character and plot development, which isn't particularly interesting to those who aren't dedicated fans of the books. Columbus chose to be true to the series and spent a lot of time doing background work that would be useful in later films (two more of which are already planned). That encumbers this film a bit, weighing it down with details at the expense of plot pacing. So, while this film is not as thrilling as it might have been, it sets the stage for more exciting sequels.
From a technical perspective the film is marvelous. The visual effects in this film are often astounding, especially the Quidditch match. The cinematography is rich and dramatic, both the outdoor shots and those shot on the sets. Columbus entices excellent performances out of the young and inexperienced cast members, but also works well with the veterans.
The acting is fabulous. Daniel Radcliffe is an excellent find as Harry. He has a kind of nerdy coolness that is perfect for the part. He comes across more as a regular kid trying to come to terms with special powers than a self important superhero type. This is exactly the right balance. Emma Watson, playing Hermione, is the consummate scene stealer and it is difficult to believe that this is her first feature film. Watson packs a perky punch and has a wide array of facial expressions that often make dialogue completely superfluous. Her self assurance and boldness provide the ideal contrast to Radcliffe's characterization of the timid and tentative Harry.
The adult actors also represent themselves admirably. Richard Harris and Maggie Smith provide steadying influences as Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. Harris is almost unidentifiable under the flowing beard and robes, but his distinctive voice is unmistakable. Smith is suitably stern and kind, showing she has a soft spot for Harry, but maintaining the authoritarian demeanor required of her position. But the show stealer among the older actors is clearly Robbie Coltrane as the overly loquacious Hagrid (`I shouldn't have said that. I should NOT have said that.') Coltrane makes Hagrid as lovable as he is bumbling; a kid in a grown-up's body that is clearly on the kids' side.
This is a delightful film for middle school kids, a segment that has fewer film choices than toddlers and teens. I'd rate it a 9/10, shaving a point for excessive workup that slowed down the story a bit. However, for Harry Potter fans, this is a perfect ten.