Great Start to Series

Rating: 10/10 (15 July 2009)

Okay, the first time I saw this film was in the theatre, and I hadn't read the book or anything. I fell asleep during the forest scenes, mostly because I was really tired.
I write this review, now, almost eight years later and uncountable readings of all seven books under my belt. When I watch this film now, what strikes me most is the age of the actors: they are SO young! But in terms of the film, no one could have done a better job introducing audiences to Harry Potter's world. You don't need to read the book to know what's going on in the film; the exposition fairies are excellent throughout, and the wonderment of the Wizard world is clear for all of us.
Characters are established, settings are imprinted in the minds of viewers, and the over-arching plot of the seven books gets off to a great start in this film.
It's a little long, in an interesting paradox/twist: the first books were shorter and were extrapolated for longer films, while the later books were longer and chopped for their film versions.