High expectations lead to inevitable let-down

Rating: 5/10 (19 November 2001)

First off, I must say I was entertained during the entire movie - no little feat since my attention span is pretty short. I thought that the acting was superb (especially the kids and Alan Rickman). The special effects were, for the most part, exciting, though it was blatantly obvious when screens were used and some of the creatures didn't seem "real" (i.e. the troll).
The let-down, however, came because there were no surprises, and more importantly, little wit. Everyone who read the books will know exactly what happens, so that is to be expected, but it makes me wonder if going to later "Potter" movies will be worth it. The people I went to the movie with and I each preferred the images we made up in reading the books to the one presented on screen. My favorite element of the books is the smart side comments the narrator makes - something not easily achieved in film. I hope some artistic license will be allowed in later installments.