A wonderous film of wonderous book!

Rating: 9/10 (10 November 2001)

To get the main question out of the way, is the film as good as the book ? No, but it only falls short by the slightest of margins. To describe those margins would be to give away plot points. So I won't. Personally I don't think any film could completely capture Ms Rowling's imagination, invention, characters and "just one more chapter" writing! Whilst I feel the film deserves every success, the books should not become a mere spin-off of the film(s). The film(s) are most definitely a by-product of some wonderful books!
Ok, the film: it's good...very good! Whereas much of Summer 2001's blockbuster fare was vapid, effects driven drivel that felt like over long demonstrations in the art of product placement, Harry Potter is a welcome return to character, storytelling, imagination and genuine entertainment. Rest assured that the film will not disappoint and does in fact measure up to the wall-to-wall publicity.
The three young actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron portray them so convincingly that it is to their credit that they are not overshadowed by the combined might of Robbie Coltraine, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith to name but a few.
Harry Potter should not be seen because the publicity machines tell you to. Nor should it be seen because your children insist on you taking them to see it. See it because Harry Potter is a film that will transport you to a magical world. Just keep enough money spare to buy next three books afterwards....