enjoyable, but it's not the book

Rating: 6/10 (10 November 2001)

Elements of the book that have been edited I would have liked to have seen included but differences from the book were inevitable. The biggest disappointment for me was the quidditch game during which the slytherin team came across as comic-book characters rather than sinister and cynical as they seemed to me in the book. However it remains engrossing despite knowing the story in much detail beforehand. The child actors turn in respectable performances and much of the adult cast is superb, particularly - for me - Alan Rickman as Professor Snape. The sets are superb although there is slightly too much dependence on cg effects in some parts. Perhaps this comment sounds negative but despite the niggles - mainly based on the impossible task of recreating the book precisely - it remains a worthy and entertaining adaptation of the story. 8 out of 10.