Faithful to J.K. Rowling's wonderful series...

Rating: 8/10 (17 December 2001)

I had grave reservations when I heard that Chris Columbus was directing the movie adaption of Rowling's excellent book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone." His recent movie works have been syrupy and schmaltzy, and besides, how can an American properly direct the movie adaptions of such a "vedy" British series?
However, I think Columbus has pulled it off, and has retained the spirit of the books quite nicely. I still prefer the books and probably always will, as Rowling is such an incredible writer and conveys much more emotion and depth in the series than Columbus has thus far into his movie adaptions.

Kudos to the children who play Harry, Hermione, and Ron - all are winning in their roles. Daniel Radcliffe is simply perfect as Harry, and Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are admirably winsome. The casting of Richard Harris as Headmaster Dumbledore was an excellent idea, and Maggie Smith does a noble service to her role as Headmistress McGonagall. Robbie Coltrane is simply delightful as the lumbering but lovable Hagrid, and often steals the movie with his line deliveries - especially the often repeated "Oh dear, I shouldna told ya that."
I was a little disappointed by Alan Rickman's Prof. Snape, who's been toned down a bit in the movie (he's much, much nastier in the book). Rickman can play horribly mean very well (remember his role in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves?), so hopefully he'll be able to let loose in future movies. I'm now definitely looking forward to the future Harry Potter movies - especially the adaption of the 4th book, The Goblet of Fire, which is quite dark.