A great Potter Adventure - And not a Rabbit in Sight...

Rating: Null/10 (11 November 2001)

There is no doubt that whatever is said in reviews over the next few weeks about this film, will not effect the inevitable box office success that Harry Potter is destined to deliver. Judging by the amount of anticipation surrounding the movie, it is possible that many editors will be scared to publish critical reviews for fear of being branded as heretics! It is good to know then that on the whole the movie is a thoroughly entertaining affair that follows the true spirit of fantastical adventure. The casting is superb even if the well-known faces such as John Clease and Julie Walters often only appear very briefly. Robbie Coltrane stands out from the main cast as an inspired choice and manages to bring a certain charm that enchants the audience whilst the slimier than ever Alan Rickman reminds as all why he plays the ultimate bad lad. As for the children's characters, there are a variety of talents on offer with Daniel Radcliffe putting in a fine performance in the lead role and a reassuringly annoying Emma Watson as the oh so highly strung Hermione.
There is no doubt that the young as well as the young at heart will be convulsing with joy at the adventure sequences as well as the 'out of this world' nature of the production. However the entertainment and especially the laughs may be a little thin on the ground for those without younger relatives to coo over. The trend in recent years for films which entertain all age groups including the grown ups with cross over humor and adventure such as Toy Story, Shrek and the upcoming Monsters Inc may well cause some people to expect more from the Rowling cash cow.
This movie really is a children's film and if you are a grown up without a child's heart then you may well find yourself disappointed. However if you accept the film as a young-uns adventure then you should be dragging the tykes back to the multiplex again and again although I don't suppose they will put up too much of a fight.