The first and weakest - but still rather good - "Harry Potter" movie.

Rating: 7/10 (2 February 2004)

As with the books, the movies seem to get better as they progress, so of the two "Harry Potter" movies currently released (the third is shortly forthcoming), this is the weakest.
It suffers mainly from some dodgy acting from child actors, at times weak special effects, and a screenplay trying to cram too much of the book's contents into the movie.
However it's still an above-average attempt with some wonderful set-pieces, magical moments and a fantastic older cast.
In fact one of the best things about the movie is its cast including the late great Richard Harris, the wonderful Maggie Smith, a very Hagrid-like Robbie Coltrane, and a great turn from a genuinely smarmy Alan Rickman who is a superb Snape. Also good support from Fiona Shaw as a smirking Aunt Petunia, John Hurt as Mr. Ollivander, John Cleese as Nearly Headless Nick, Ian Hart as Quirrell, and Julie Walters as a delightful Mrs. Weasley.