HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

2001

Even if you've never read a word of any of the four books, (and My God, why haven't you?) you'll LOVE this film. Easily one of the most eagerly-awaited films of the decade, this masterpiece lives up to all of the hype...and more. Its sheer brilliance elevates it to the level of classic, up there with "The Wizard of Oz," "E.T.," the Star Wars films, and all of the great Disney animated classics. If it doesn't become the most popular film of all time, I'll eat my Hogwart's sweat shirt! Unless you've been living in a cave for the past few years, you must know that Harry Potter is an orphaned 11-year-old English boy, who finds out that his late parents were wizards, and that he has just been invited to enroll in Hogwart's School of Wizardry. In the film, the faculty of Hogwart's is played by some of England's greatest actors (Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, John Cleese, etc.) The three children hold their own in this illustrious company, and are absolutely wonderful. Director Chris Columbus must be commended for being completely faithful to the book. With author J.T. Rowling looking over his shoulder, he had to be! In fact, she supposedly put her "OK" on each scene as she watched the miracles unfold on screen. It shows. Her greatest achievement is that she takes adult subjects and themes and makes them accessible to children. Go with the family, and you'll have the time of your life. What a wonderful holiday gift for all of us.

5 Stars

NJB

Charming and witty, the film version of the book by the same title is almost as enchanting as the book. Almost. In this episode, young Harry finds out that his parents were wizards and he begins his schooling at the Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Mysterious events peak the curiosity of Harry and his friends and as you might guess our young hero saves the day. A strong cast highlighted by Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, John Cleese, John Hurt and Robbie Coltrane all put in excellent performances, but the one major weakness I felt this film had was with Harry himself. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry just wasn't what I thought he should be. I felt his acting was subpar at best and his onscreen presence was pretty weak. The other children were all very good, however, especially Hermione and Ron. The creativity and imagination of author JK Rowling are captured very well and that is what really drives the film. I'm also happy to report that even at a unbelievably long 2.5 hours (for a children's film) and with about 300 children in the theatre, I never heard a child make a sound. There should be an Oscar given just for that.

4 Stars

CDF