Survives the transformation from page to screen

Rating: 8/10 (8 December 2001)

Harry Potter. The name has become synonymous with the merchandising that surrounds it. While the attempt to make as much money as possible is a major factor in the toy production, it seems that the movie itself had other motives: to accurately and successfully adapt the treasured first book in the series. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is full of magic, mystery, and miscellaneous, as author J.K. Rowling derives style from books like Norman Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth and any of Roald Dahl's works. The movie keeps these delicate, creative qualities intact, while harnessing the advantages of film. The story follows 11 year old Harry Potter, from his wretched life with his aunt and uncle to his acceptance and enrollment at Hogwart's School of Wizardry. Harry must get acquainted to a new and magical world while he learns about his past and the mystery surrounding the heavily guarded Sorcerer's Stone. For those who read the book, the movie -- though 150 minutes long -- seems to rush. Though no plot is omitted, the extra detail that enhanced and decorated the book is missing. Fortunately, that is the biggest problem. When a three year old child and his parents can both sit still and enjoy a film for two and a half hours, something good is taking place. Director Chris Columbus (Home Alone) enhances his status in Hollywood with this film. He manages to make Harry Potter an interesting family film, full of suspense, intrigue, and humor, without resorting to childish jokes. All of the actors do a impressive job with their characters; even the child actors manage to evoke just the right emotion in the audience. Richard Harris and Maggie Smith make a fine team of professors. Harris plays Headmaster Dumbledore with the charm and intellect of the typical Merlin figure. Maggie Smith is perfect for the role of Professor McGonagall; she is strict and intimidating, but has good intentions and is always fair. The majority of the cast consists of experienced English actors who know how to use their character to power the conflicts and the plot development.
Unlike many other movies that grapple with high expectations, this one, like Harry himself, meets the challenge. Grade: A-