Brilliant!

Rating: 8/10 (30 November 2010)

Chris Columbus creates this fantasy filled adaptation of the famous J.K. Rowling novel, with excellent visuals, great casting, and the most epic moments you've ever seen. Without a doubt one of the most popular movies of 2001, and is the beginning of one of the most popular series of the decade.
11-year-old Harry Potter, whose lived his life with his dreadful step parents, the Dursleys, gets a visit from a giant man named Hagrid, (Robbie Coltrane) and realizes that he and his ancestors, as well as his dead parents, are wizards. He is then accepted at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he finds himself a better life.
Brilliantly honors the book, as well as adding its own material. The cast is also well known, with Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, and Maggie Smith as the deputy headmistress. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson play the leading roles as the three most famous teen actresses of the decade. Rupert Grint plays Ron Weasley, who becomes Harry's best friend, and Emma Watson playing the clever and smart Hermione Granger who is Harry's other best friend.
Fans of the books will especially love this, but will also attract the attention of others. All the actors excellently portray their characters in the book, by both looks, and personality. A lot of phrases in the book are cited in the movie, showing the movie to be a true book adaptation.
The editing jumps from both happy and normal moments, straight into suspenseful and horrific moments in the blink of an eye. The suspension cleverly introduces itself into the subplots. The cinematography is smooth, steady, and isn't dirty or shaky at all, yet still gives off excitement. The music score by John Williams is, as usual, brilliant. Definitely one of his better music scores. The visuals are excellent as well, even though their just simple CGI. But still look pretty impressive.
Although runs a little long, just about every bit thats in their is necessary. Adds in the necessary things from the book, without including too much non-needed footage. Also includes an extended version that runs a few extra minutes.
One of the most creative films iv'e ever seen, and the best Columbus film. With clever and patient filming, stunning visuals, and adapts to the book greatly, it holds out as one of the best films ever, and will soon be a popular series.