"There won't be a child in our world who doesn't know his name."

Rating: 8/10 (1 April 2012)

With Professor McGonagall's (Maggie Smith) description of young Harry Potter, I wonder if J.K. Rowling ever realized the world wide phenomenon she would be creating with the series of novels that began with 'The Sorceror's Stone', and the subsequent movie franchise that would make her Britain's wealthiest citizen. Well, it's history now, and for future generations, the saga of Harry Potter will be relived again and again to the wonderment of new fans and followers.
For myself, this introduction to the Harry Potter universe was an entertaining one. I'm not a kid and have no interest in reading the books myself, but I find it encouraging that youngsters will spend time reading the novels instead of frittering their hours away on less productive pursuits. I've heard the criticisms about the witchcraft and wizardry that are part of the Potter lore, but these are the kinds of subjects that fascinate the imagination the way all good entertainment does in whatever form. So I say keep reading and enjoying.
As for the film itself, I like movies that have a bit of the magical and whimsical in them, along with clever writing and understated humor. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his young friends take us on an exciting journey through the venerable halls of the Hogwarts School, and introduce us to a colorful cast of characters, some who may not be what they seem at first glance. For my part, I'm now well versed in the concept that the wand chooses the wizard, and that evil wizards must drink unicorn blood to keep up their strength. I'm still not clear why the knowledge of Harry's reputation would have preceded him with his contemporaries, but I guess I'll find that out in due time. With the film franchise now complete, I can pace myself at my own leisure without having to wait a year between installments to watch the Harry Potter saga unfold.