Better the second time around

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2001)

For those of us who know the book backwards and forwards, at first glance the movie may seem a little disappointing. It's hard to watch the movie without thinking with each scene "oh, they've cut this out", or "they changed this a little bit". Much of the wit in the book - like Lee Jordan's hilarious commentary of the quidditch match, and the fight between Harry, Ron and Draco (and Scabbers!) on the train ride to Hogwarts - is missing in the film, which is unfortunate. However, on second viewing, you know what to expect in the film (and what not to expect), and thus it is much easier to see the film for the enchantment that it is! Dazzling sets and special effects make the film a visual stunner. Daniel Radcliffe excels at bringing Harry Potter to life, and even better, he has real chemistry with Rupert Grint's Ron - who, as the comedic relief, steals virtually every scene he's in - and Emma Watson's Hermione, who nails the character's know-it-all attitude perfectly. Chris Columbus - who directed the incredibly awful "Home Alone" series - wisely avoids sappiness with "Sorcerer's Stone" and instead captures the dark tone that runs through Rowling's novel. The movie-makers have done an excellent job at bringing the first novel in the Harry Potter series to life. Can't wait to see what they do with the even better novel, "Chamber of Secrets"!