Solid, faithful adaptation

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2001)

I should point out that I had only read about 2/3 of the book when I
saw the film, if that matters. On the whole I found this a faithful
adaptation of the original, despite the necessary conflation and
condensation that inevitably occurs when transferring a novel to a
film. The characters are true to their literary originals and visually
the film is a real treat. Hogwarts is very much as I pictured it while
reading the book and the major roles all seem quite well cast. I
think fans of the novels will not be disappointed.
Yes, some of Rowling's more adult humor doesn't make it to the
screen, but since that humor derives primarily from her style of
writing it would be difficult to find a cinematic equivalent. This is a
fine effort and a highly entertaining film.