Wonderful adventure for children

Rating: 9/10 (11 May 2007)

I have not read any of the Harry Potter books and I only watched this movie as part of a study. The film has left me wondering what I've been missing out on. This is a fantastic and intelligent adventure, and I cannot wait to get stuck into the others.
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is hideously neglected by his aunt and uncle at home and in his bed under the stairs longs for a much better life. It comes when he receives an invitation to fulfil his destiny as a great wizard and join the Hogwart's school, which trains magicians and wizards...
Splendid production values really bring Harry's world to life and the script bounces along with a fair old pace and produces, especially for people who don't know the book, a fair few surprises. Along with Daniel Radcliffe as the eponymous hero, he is given good support from Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as his friends. Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman turn in terrific star performances that create memorable characters without overshadowing the young performers.
I am looking forward to getting more familiar with this franchise. This was definitely a great starting point.