J.K. Rowling's best selling novels have cinematically come to life.

Rating: Null/10 (16 January 2003)

Although I have never read a page of a 'Harry Potter' novel, I looked forward to watching 'The Philosophers Stone'. I feel I have an advantage in that I do not know the complete Harry Potter story, making it quite new' to a viewer like me. This movie also shows me why Harry Potter is so popular with Children, as its story is directed right at that viewing audience. There is also an uncanny comparison to 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone'. Be captivated by the world's most popular mythical character, who has come to life!
In a world where wizards, witches and regular folk live in an uneasy co-existence, Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and has special powers. When he is rescued from the abuse of his aunt, uncle and cousin, he is asked to attend the prestigious Hogwarts', school of Wizardry and Witchcraft. There, he meets two best friends, Ron and Hermione, who become his closest allies that have to help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths at the hands of a powerful adversary.
I was not sure what to expect when I came to watch the first Harry Potter movie, but after watching I was certainly glad that I did. Its stars are well chosen, whether it be the adult or child actors. The main man of the show was Daniel Radcliffe, who landed the envious role of Harry Potter. I found him to be a perfect Harry Potter', and a remarkable resemblance to the character that has been written and drawn. Once Harry goes to Hogwarts School, he meets both Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), who become his closest friends. In fact their friendship is one of the highlights of the movie. Having such young actors in those most important performances was quite achievement.
The adult stars were also of the finest quality in Harry Potter. The star I recognised the most was Professor Severus Snape (Alan Rickman). He was perfect for his role. He is deceptively good as Snape. Rickman is best remembered in the first Die Hard movie (1988). Harry's headmaster at Hogwarts is Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris). He is most respected at the school and has a long grey beard. Unfortunately Harris died a few months ago. Thankfully he finished his work on the second Harry Potter film. I liked Harry's adult friend Rubeus Hagrid, who saves him from his evil family. He is a funny guy, who helps Harry be the greatest magician he can be. Also look out for the funny cameo performance by John Cleese, who plays the humorous ghost Nearly Headless Nick'.
The Philosopher's Stone has some fine scenes and special effects attached to it. I enjoy how we see Harry start to discover the strange world he is about to be involved in. When he gets right into Hogwarts', he is participates in the popular and important sport called Quidditch. The game that we get to see being played out is an impressive special effect. Then you have the three-headed dog, Fluffy, who scares the three young magicians many times. It is a funny character, who is an impressive computer generated image. Yet the best scene for me would have to be the vital Chess game that the children have to play when they are on the search for the mystery behind Harry's parent's death. This also shows what impressive sets had to be designed for Harry Potter. The chess set must have taken along time to complete, but what an achievement it was to see.
Director Chris Columbus did a fine job with Harry Potter. I like the direction he took the audience on. It is also quite obvious that Columbus stuck very close to the unique Harry Potter story that has been written in the past, which is another positive for this film. This really is the perfect book to movie adaptation. The screenplay for the Philosopher's stone was written by Steve Klobe. While he had plenty of help by J.K. Rowling's herself, the story felt pretty accurate. The only problem I found with it was that it was a little childish' for my liking. But what can you expect from a story that is directed at children.
So with most of the world going Harry Potter' crazy, buying all-sorts of the wizards merchandise, clothes and now the movie, some people have warned me of the dangerous effects that such a story can have on the world's youngsters. Witchcraft can have a bad effect on anyone, yet by having it in the hands of a child, makes it all the worse. I fully understand why some people are very weary towards Harry Potter. What is of great disappointment to me is the Harry Potter DVD, which was not released in widescreen and seemingly only directed at children. I wish it had an adult and a child section which were separate. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter of this story will be like, as I have heard nothing but praise for the Harry Potter sequel titled the chamber of secrets'. So I have big expectations when I do get around to seeing it.
CMRS give Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone': 4.5 (Very Good  Brilliant Film)