Inventive fantasy film...

Rating: 7/10 (22 November 2001)

1st watched 11/20/2001 - 7 out of 10(Dir-Chris Columbus): Inventive fantasy film that appeals to young school-age kids in many different ways. As I watched this movie in the theatre, surrounded by middle school kids, I understood why they are captivated by this character, Harry Potter. Not having read any of the books, but only having brief information fed to me by my 9-year old I was unprepared for what this movie was really about. I believe this character appeals to kids because #1 - he's from a broken home (like many young kids today), #2 - he's fighting against the evils of the world everyday(like many kids are at this age - trying to figure out what's right and wrong), #3 - it's fun (there was a tremendous game played at Hogwart's where the characters are flying on broomsticks where the pace is very fast like many video games that kids play today), #4 - the class mentality displayed at Hogwart's(similar to school rivalry's just blossoming with kids these days), and finally #5 - Harry wins and wins by playing by the rules(most of the time). This is even fun to watch for old-timers like myself (even though I had to get tips from my 9-year old every once in a while about what was happening on-screen, which she gave me unsolicited every couple minutes). All in all this movie is basically a good time had for all. Not taken seriously it is very appealing to people of all ages.