Close, but still not as good as the book!

Rating: 9/10 (20 November 2001)

The one name that seems to be on the whole of the western world's lips is Harry Potter. The books had been read, the news of the film heard and now enough people to create over 100 million pounds worth of sales have seen it. I, like crate-loads of others have read the book and waited for the film and I wasn't disappointed.
From the moment the John Williams score kicks in at the beginning (reminiscent of the score that he created for Hook), and the view of an average road in Britain comes into view the tingling feeling builds of something so normal-looking can suddenly feel very magical and that is the key for this film working.
The sets and scenery are wonderfully thought out, created and used, with the correct mix of CG and real locations, costumes and props, especially Alnwick Castle and Gloucester Cathedral. This comes as a refreshing change to those films which use CG to excess or do not use it right. The highlight of the CG is the quidditch game, which really does give a good feel of what would happen.
The acting was also superb, with the veterans doing their job brilliantly in showing the skill that they have without over-powering the younger cast members. Richard Harris brings the dignity that was seen in Gladiator when he played the role of the old emperor; The portrayal of one who knows that he has the power but does not want to force it on others comes across very well. Maggie Smith comes shining through with role of Professor McGonagal, with Robbie Coltrane being the closest at stealing the thunder away from the youngsters in his role of Hagrid.
And onto the younger cast members. The pressure that they had to live up to was handled very well, with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson providing good supporting roles whilst Daniel Radcliffe carries the role of Harry himself very well. There are times at which he does seem to be a little overpowered by some of the others but this seems to emphasise the position that the character could be in, of everyone else seeming to know more about him than he does. It will be interesting to see how the character has changed by the next film.
The only downside is that due to the level of detail and writing skills of the author some parts have had to be cut out from the film. As it is the film is two an a half hours long and there was still at least another 1 hours-worth of back story which could have been told! It is an unenviable position for the screenwriter to be in. For those who have read the book, enough is known to leave certain parts out, and the story still making sense, but then face the wrath of the audience for the parts that are missed out (mainly pre-Hogwarts), yet for those who have not read the book but want to see what the fuss is about then some key things may be missed (mainly the Dursley's going insane [for comical value!) and the real development of relationships between Harry and his family).
It is worth seeing this film if only to complement the imagery of the book. All involved have provided exactly what was required to allow the story to be bought to life without overdoing it; don't use it as a substitute! Roll on the next one; book and film!