Overlong, uninspired snooze fest.

Rating: Null/10 (17 November 2001)

Co-star Richard Harris said of the book, "It's not my cup of tea." This from a man who has probably read ever great novel and performed every great play written. In other words, her prefers stories which stick to the ribs as opposed to cotton candy which will melt away in the shadow of adulthood. For a blockbuster film filled with special effects HARRY POTTER has surprising zilch to offer as far as groundbreaking cinema. We've all seen films about magic, broomstick flying, monsters, etc... and though the production values are far beyond that of a CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, they are not beyond that of SUPERMAN, and the story falls far from the film perfection of a MARY POPPINS or the classic literacy of C.S.Lewis. The acting by the youngsters get the job done but don't expect to see much more of them (except for sequels), and the older famous counterparts give their usual professional turns that seem to be lifted from previous roles. In essence, the hype of the books have carried over to carry the film. The story line pales against the classics and there goes the real story. Most college students would have a difficult time reading the classics by Verne, Stevenson, Homer, Melville(the original versions), and Harry Potter (a step above Dr. Seuss, but without the wit or satire) gives students a chance to say they have actually read a book that wasn't a comic book. HARRY POTTER will be forgotten before the next generation arrives and be buried alongside PIPPY LONGSTOCKING in the LET'S-NOT-ADMIT-WE-ACTUALLY-ENJOYED-THIS crypt of forgotten lore. But back to HARRY POTTER, a muddy muddle of a movie. England has never looked more drab, magic has never looked more insignificant, and Brits have never looked more stupid. Chris Columbus, who did a terrific job with YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES shows none of the imagination he showed in that film. Trimmed by an hour this film would be a nice diversion on children's TV, but as a cinematic event, it falls way too short.