- Film Review
- Reviewed By Andrew Collins
-
4 out of 5
With millions of Harry Potter books sold around the world, this CGI-packed fantasy adventure is more than just a big-budget movie adaptation - it's a cultural phenomenon. Eleven-year-old Daniel Radcliffe makes a likeable Harry, the boy wizard who's whisked off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and is charged with finding the blood red stone of the film's title. A scene-stealing Robbie Coltrane is among a host of familiar adult faces who breathe life into JK Rowling's charming characters - though some such as John Hurt and John Cleese only make cameo appearances. To criticise at all feels like an act of isolationism and yet there is a lack of emotional core - Harry's orphan status fails to move - and, at over two-and-a-half hours in length, the movie is surely too long for the younger fidgets. However, this faithful rendition of the inaugural Potter book demonstrates that the franchise is in safe, sensible hands - writer Steve Kloves (The Fabulous Baker Boys) and director Chris Columbus (Home Alone) were both on board for the first sequel The Chamber of Secrets the following year.
Plot Summary
Fantasy adventure starring Daniel Radcliffe. Harry Potter lives a miserable existence with his loathsome aunt and uncle. That is, until he learns from a giant named Hagrid that he is the orphaned son of powerful wizards. Harry is offered a place at the prestigious Hogwarts boarding school for wizards and soon embarks on a new life filled with magic and mystery.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Harry Potter
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Ron Weasley
- Rupert Grint
- Hermione Granger
- Emma Watson
- Rubeus Hagrid
- Robbie Coltrane
- Prof Minerva McGonagall
- Maggie Smith
- Prof Severus Snape
- Alan Rickman
- Prof Albus Dumbledore
- Richard Harris
- Prof Quirrell
- Ian Hart
- Uncle Vernon Dursley
- Richard Griffiths
- Aunt Petunia Dursley
- Fiona Shaw
- Nearly Headless Nick
- John Cleese
- Madame Hooch
- Zoë Wanamaker
- Mr Ollivander
- John Hurt
- Mrs Molly Weasley
- Julie Walters
- Goblin bank teller / Professor Flitwick
- Warwick Davis
- Mr Angus Filch
- David Bradley (2)
- Draco Malfoy
- Tom Felton
- Dudley Dursley
- Harry Melling
- The sorting hat (voice)
- Leslie Phillips
- Lily Evans Potter
- Geraldine Somerville
- The fat lady
- Elizabeth Spriggs
- Griphook
- Verne Troyer
Crew
- Director
- Chris Columbus
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