Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Chris Columbus (2001)

146min

PG Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Andrew Collins

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 demonstrated that the franchise was 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.

Summary

An orphaned boy endures a miserable childhood, until he discovers he has magical powers and enrols at a special school for young wizards. However, his suspicions are aroused by a sinister teacher who seems to be up to no good. Fantasy adventure, adapted from the first of JK Rowling's books, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman and Richard Harris.

Cast & Crew

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

Director Chris Columbus

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Warner BrosGuidance: May be edited for violence.Available on: video, DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 16 Nov 2001

Drama Children's

Full Episode Guide

Chris Columbus (2001)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

Other Information

Latest News