Rating: 
Summary: Lacking
Review: I realize that it would be very difficult to turn the best-loved book into a movie, yet thought it could have turned out so much better. I'm not going to focus on scenery or talent, but the worst aspect of the film: THE CHARACTERS WERE UNDEVELOPED. You saw Neville and the Weasley twins at the beginning, by the end you were asking 'who are these people?' They were left out for the whole thing. Unless you'd read the book, you wouldn't know who the black boy was (Lee Jordan) for he was never introduced. In the time Chris spent trying to cram all the characters from the book in, he could have showed the scene at the end where Hermione figures out Snape's rhyme and gives Harry the right potion so he could go on to fight Voldemort. THAT WAS HERMIONE'S BIGGEST SCENE, AND IT WAS LEFT OUT. Chris failed to have Malfoy come across as the most evil student (calling Hermione a mudblood who he wouldn't mind seeing dead) but instead made him seem little more than an annoyance. In trying to fit into the story, the characters lost all their charm and distinctiveness....I know that a movie which had the potential and talent (though maybe not in the case of Dan, but with Rupert) to be 'bloody brilliant' turned out to be only mediocre.
Rating: 
Summary: Children Can Indeed Survive Without Playstation 2
Review: In our "real" world of video game mind burn, gratituitous sex and violence, and meaningless hyperbole, it is profoundly heartwarming to see bright and understated children dealing with "real" issues with their hearts, minds and souls.I hope children reading Harry Potter, or seeing this movie, adopt the Harry Potter heros as role models. Perhaps with these role models in mind, our children will be better able to distinguish between what is consequential from what is inconsequential. Ironically, this fantasy's "real" world seems much more true and palatable than the current world our children actually live in. My hat is off to J.K. Rowling, and all involved in this production. I hope this is just the beginning.
Rating:
Summary: A Remarkable Achievement in Filmmaking
Review: Once upon a time (and not that long ago), in the vivid, fertile imagination of author J.K. Rowling, a character was born: A boy. A young boy named Harry, who was destined to become one of the most beloved characters to emerge from a work of fiction in a long, long time, and was quickly embraced by young and old alike in all corners of the world. And now, thanks to the magic of the cinema, Harry and his companions fairly leap from the pages of the novel to the silver screen in the phenomenal motion picture, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," directed by Chris Columbus and written for the screen by Steve Kloves. Indeed, Harry Potter is a boy, but not just any boy; because Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) just happens to be a wizard. But, orphaned as a baby, Harry has been raised by his Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and Uncle Vernon Dursley (Richard Griffiths), who never let him in on the fact that he was, well-- what he was. It seems that Petunia didn't approve of her own sister-- Harry's mother-- because she was a witch; nor of Harry's father because he, too, was a wizard. When Harry turns eleven, however, the secret is out of the bag when-- after some strange goings-on-- a giant of a man named Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) shows up at the Dursley's door to collect Harry and take him off to "Hogwarts," a school for wizards and witches and all who would perfect the gift with which they were born: The gift of magic! And from the moment Harry boards the train (from station platform nine-and-three-quarters) that will take him to his destiny, the magic is alive-- for Harry, and for the audience, as well; and it's a journey you will never forget. What a monumental undertaking to even think of attempting-- translating and transferring this passionately beloved work from novel to the screen. Because to millions of people, Harry and his companions are so much more than merely characters in a book; these are characters for whom people have made a special place in their hearts, which puts a great burden of trust upon the man who would attempt to bring them to life. And Chris Columbus, it turns out, was the right man for the job. More than rising to the occasion and with some magic of his own-- and a lot of help from an extraordinarily talented cast and crew-- Columbus has delivered a film that is not only true to the story, but true to the very spirit that makes Harry Potter so special. The special effects are absolutely beyond astounding, and Columbus, with a keen eye for detail and without missing a beat, keeps it all on track and moving right along at a pace and with a sense of timing that makes this an absorbing, thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable experience from beginning to end. From the opening frame you get the feeling that you're about to have a singular experience; and you're right. Because you've just entered the world of Harry Potter. And it's magic. Even having the best special effects do not a great movie make, however, and this film is no exception; what catapults this one to the top are the performances, beginning with Radcliffe, whom you quickly forget is an actor playing a part. And that about sums up what kind of a job this young man does here. Without question, he IS Harry Potter, physically and emotionally, and when he waves his wand and does what he does, you believe it. A wonderful performance by a gifted actor who has a great career ahead of him; without question the perfect choice for the role of Harry. Also turning in excellent performances are Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione. As with Radcliffe, the casting here could not have been more perfect. Grint is "Everyboy," with that special glint in his eye and a manner that makes him especially endearing. And the spunky Watson adds some real sparkle to the film as Hermione, the one with the sense of urgency and the wherewithal to get things done; a real role model for young girls everywhere. It's obvious that a lot of care went into the casting of this film, and it's a big part of why it is so successful. Richard Harris, as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore; Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall; John Hurt as Mr. Ollivander; Ian Hart as Professor Quirrell. Exceptional performances from one and all, with two that stand out as especially memorable: Robbie Coltrane, who readily conveys the fact that Hagrid's heart is of a size that matches that of the man; and Alan Rickman, as Professor Severus Snape, deliciously droll while demonstrating menace through the fine art of articulation. The additional supporting cast includes John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick), Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley), Zoe Wanamaker (Madame Hooch), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Harry Melling (Dudley) and David Bradley (Filch). From Rowling's imagination to the written page to real life (albeit via the movie screen), "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a triumph many times over; a unique film of truly universal appeal, the likes of which is as rare as, well-- a sorcerer's stone. A film in which adults and children alike will rejoice, because it speaks to the heart in a universal language of life, love, experience and imagination; a film that states unequivocally that magic exists-- as long as there's a single child with a single dream somewhere in the world, and real wizards like J.K. Rowling, Chris Columbus, Steve Kloves and every member of this wonderful cast and crew around to bring it to life as they have here. An instant classic in every sense of the word, this is truly a film for the ages. A remarkable achievement, this IS the magic of the movies.
Rating:
Summary: WOW...the best book to movie adaptation I've seen....
Review: I must admit, I was skeptical when I heard they would be making a Harry Potter movie. I've always been disappointed in past attempts to convert GREAT books into good movies. But I must say the Harry Potter movie was WONDERFUL. They managed to maintain the integrity of the story while producing a reasonable length film. They left out almost all of the sub-plots and extras (some characters from the book are MISSING) and only changed ONE thing that I could find...(Everyone remember all the trouble with Norbert???? Dumbledor was NOT in on that one!!!) I HIGHLY recommend this movie to EVERYONE, book fans or not. It is worth the trip!
Rating: 
Summary: Great for book readers, but the rest?
Review: I loved this film! Of course I have read all four novels so seeing it come to life was a thrill. The movie is true to the book which is a pleasant surprise. But, as many book to movie films, did it have enough detail to bring in the non-book readers? I'm not sure that if you haven't read the book that you'd truly appreciate all the intricacies of the film. I'm not sure there is enough build up. It is a wonderful fantasy nontheless and all parents should take their kids. Try to read the book first! It's worth it!
Rating:
Summary: So real, I cried!
Review: What an amazing visual representation of the story we all adore! To have a movie come so close to what you picuture in your mind was truly an emotional experience. To see the look on Harry's face when he entered the stadium for his first match brought tears to my eyes. The casting was incredible, the effects were amazing. Yes, they sped through the story a bit but you have to expect that when they have to keep it within a time limit. You must see this movie!!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful to watch, needed more emotion
Review: First, see it! It's a great movie and a wonderful experience. I had a couple reservations when it was over. The faithfulness to the book meant that the movie makers didn't have the option to emphasize those parts that were better movie material. Instead of picking and choosing the parts of the book that would make the best movie, they seemed to feel they had to include almost everything from the book, giving it a slightly rushed, road mapped, "if this is Tuesday it must be Fluffy" feel. That led, I think, to my second reservation, in that you're not as emotionally attached to the characters or the story as you might have been otherwise. It's not a movie to cry over (like ET), or a movie where the entire audience yells in delight at the end (as in Star Wars). Instead, its a wonderful movie that garnered some general applause, but not tears or shouts of joy. You'll love it. Go see it several times, but to me, it's an example of how, when making a movie from a book, film values should take precedence over faithfulness to the book.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Review: I saw the movie the day in made it's debut in America. If you do see it be sure not to see a late showing the movie is approximately 2 1/2 hours long. I personally thought it was great! It is about boy who turns 11 and find out he's a famous wizard, and he's been excepted into the finest school of witchcraft and wizardry. Hogwarts (name of the school) has ghosts roaming around an pop-up every once in a while. But, we muggles (a word from the book/movie) don't know all that much about the subjects they learn. It was great for ages 8 and up, it had many scenes which may frighten younger children. I had not yet read any of the books, but my mother had just finished the 1st one. The day after I saw the movie I read the first book, it followed it rather well. While at the movie in line waiting (1 1/2 hours before it started) I noticed many people had dressed up like Harry Potter (young and old), which proves that J. K. Rowling had written a great book, and must be very astonished. My friend was with me when we saw the movie,she had her ears partially cover more than half the time, because it was so LOUD! Although it was I would like to buy this once it has come out on VHS or DVD I'm sure I won't be able to get it , it will be sold out so quickly. I also suggest that YOU go and see it, it will make you laugh, cry, gag, and shiver with fear. YES, I said GAG. Just make sure you do it in the right places. Our stars did a wonderful job and were very brave. We should all give a round of applause. Now I must come to end end of my review for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (the movie). Thank You and have a nice day.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Review: I saw the movie the day in made it's debut in America. It was great for ages 8 and up, it had many scenes which may frighten younger children. If you do see it be sure not to see a late showing the movie is approxamentily 2 1/2 hours long. I personaly thought it was great! I had not yet read any of the books, but my mother had just finished the 1st one. The day after I saw the movie I read the first book, it followed it rather well. While at the movie in line waiting (1 1/2 hours before it started) I noticed many people had dressed up like Harry Potter (young and old), which proves that J. K. Rowling had written a great book, and must be very proud.
Rating:
Summary: Great Job!
Review: I absolutley loved the movie. Extremly good acting and Fabulous effects. It was soo exciting. I was at the edge of seat through out the movie. Can't wait to buy it on video. I also can't wait to see the second one....wonder what the second one will be like. Will it be as exciting as the first? I wonder. I soo can't wait.
Thank You For Making this Fabulous Movie,
Tina
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