Harry Potter's Big-Screen Debut

Rating: 7/10 (7 August 2007)

J.K. Rowling's phenomenally successful character's big screen debut sees Harry enter Hogwart's school of magic and meet friends and foes who will follow him throughout his quest.
Nobody's idea of a visionary director, Chris Columbus landed the delicate task of setting the foundations for what Harry Potter and his world would look like on the screen. As such, the first Potter film is all bright colors and an earnest desire to be faithful to Rowling's written words. Despite Columbus's unimaginative translation, it is amazing how well Rowling's universe suits the screen, with dazzlingly visual inventions like the great hall, pivoting stair-cases and the quidditch match.
The story breezes past and the young actors deliver embody their characters with satisfactory conviction, no more, no less. Daniel Radcliff (Harry) and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) are the fortunate standouts. Overall, the film bodes well for the rest of the series.