Rating: 
Summary: A pretty good movie -- my review has spoilers!
Review: In short: Harry Potter lived pretty well up to my expectations, and that's pretty good since my expectations were ridiculous. After waiting endless months for this movie to come out, the day finally came. I went to a theater with 25 other people to see this movie, and quite frankly the anticipation had to be half the fun. When we all saw the signpost for "Privet Drive" come up on the screen, everyone clapped furiously. I have to admit, I had spent so much time envisioning how the movie was going to be that it took some of the fun out of seeing the scenes; it was as if I had expected my vision to be on the screen. Fortunately, I have forgotten just about ALL of the Chamber of Secrets, so that should help a bit next year. The problem with the first book, if it really is a problem, was that there really isn't an intensive plot. Instead, things happen, and we are introduced to this world of witchcraft and wizardry. This kind of storyline somewhat reminds me of Lord of the Rings, where things basically happen to Frodo and his Fellowship as they search for a way to destroy the ring. Events just occur, and for some reason that bothered me when I read Lord of the Rings, but it didn't when I was reading Harry Potter. The only reason I can think why is because Harry Potter is so much more accessible than Lord of the Rings is in terms of literary style and depth. Anyway, the film is almost EXACTLY like the book - events occur through Harry's first year at Hogwarts, and we mostly experience what it's like going to a school for wizards. There is very little in terms of plot, but that doesn't make the film any less enjoyable for what it is. The acting of these actors was pretty decent; for kid actors they weren't bad at all. The supporting cast was quite excellent; Alan Rickman's role as Snape was ABSOTELY FANTASTIC. For such a devious guy, he was pretty funny. He loved having these weird, awkward moments of silence where he seems to be contemplating the weirdest things, then he just says something abrupt and turns away. What a great role for him! The three kids were pretty good too; Emma Watson was a pretty good Hermione, and she was definitely the class brown-noser. Rupert Grint was great as Ron, and Daniel Radcliffe was a decent Harry Potter. As the next several movies come out, I'm sure as Harry Potter's character is flushed out he'll be challenged with more facial expressions. Of course, all three main actors had their share of awkward moments (and not funny awkward like Snape, but just oh-my-goodness-that's-really-bad-acting awkward, but they're just kids, and two of them have only had several school plays under their belts, so what can I say?!). Overall, however, the acting was splendid. The music was really fantastic, in the classical John Williams style. I personally felt that he overused the Harry Potter xylophone theme, but it was still quite enjoyable nevertheless. I've seen the trailer SO many times that the theme became tired after a while, but he still managed to add some jest to it, either by utilizing funky vocals, different pitches, or different instruments. I hope that he will still retain this theme if he composes for Chamber of Secrets, but I hope that he doesn't overuse it like he did for Sorcerer's stone. The script was written quite faithfully to Rowling's novel, and I think people should be proud of Steve Kloves for containing his desire to express his own creativity and make Rowling blow up. If Steven Spielberg had taken the helm, I think we would have seen a very different movie; after all, I don't think the Academy-Award-winning director would be able to contain his own enthusiasm for his own creativity. He would have probably pushed Steve Kloves out of the way and said, "Let me write it!" Then, we would have had a Hogwarts set in somewhere like Maine with an all-American cast, and Harry Potter would have been a robot. E.T. would have probably paid a visit in the Dark Forest, and Norbert the dragon would probably have been a raptor instead. Ok, now for the special effects. Hogwarts was absolutely beautiful, and Quidditch was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I had so many problem envisioning Quidditch, and this movie really made the game real. Other computer-generated personas were either decent or pretty good. Norbert the dragon looked pretty decent, as did Fluffy. The centaur that they meet in the Dark Forest was pretty "eh!" -- I think I've seen better centaurs on Xena: Warrior Princess or Hercules. The special effects they used for the real animals, such as the boa constrictor and the owls, were really well done. Hedwig is SOOOOOOOOOO cute! I want an owl! People say that the kids were cute, but I say "bla." The more I think about this film the more I like it. Painstaking work went into preserving the book as much as possible, and even though I complain about lack of a plot, it's not like they had a drama to go on anyway. I just can't wait to see where Chris Columbus decides to take the rest of the series, and I want to see how the actors change over the course of several movies. Of course, none of the movies can possibly compare to the books, which I have found to be some of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. Fortunately, the movie was enjoyable, and nowhere as depressing as my other super-hyped movies, like Final Fantasy and Hannibal (big boo to both). And oh yes, the two-and-a-half hours go by quickly. I wish it was longer!
Rating: 
Summary: Magical its not...
Review: The books are wonderful, unfortunately the film is flat. Its a faithful adaptation with minor variations. However, the film is tediuos, it has no punch, no vigor its like having the story explained to you by someone who is not very good at story telling. Look closely at it and you can see the actors go off on cue, like they are bored out of there skulls waiting for someone to tell them what to do next. All the pieces are there and in faithful rendition, it just lack a life of its own.
Rating: 
Summary: Its one of the best movies I have ever seen!
Review: The movie had nothing to dislike about it. Imagination was one of many strong points. The characters were outstanding. It made my friends and I feel like there really is another place, and another time.I think that this will make adults and children use their imagination with no boundaries.You've got to see this movie!!!
Rating:
Summary: Much ado about nothing!
Review: I can't believe all this heat around the HP movie. I went to see it tonight. During the first hour I couldn't wait for some action to develop. Then I lost my hopes and couldn't wait for the movie to end. Some acting was good, some other very bad, the usual CG special effects - by any means nothing extraordinary! Generally, the movie was slow and, in many places, boring. It almost seemed like there was not much stuff to make the movie about so everybody was trying to make each scene twice as long as it needs to be. It was supposed to be about wizards and magic and all I saw was lots of kids and very little magic. By the way, if you have any objections about the witchcraft content in this movie - never fear! All the witches and wizards are Christians. They celebrate Christmas so everything is politically correct. What's all this hype about?? I guess they spent 20 something milion to make this thing and after they saw what a piece of tripe it turned out to be, they desperately want to save it from a complete fiasco. One star for good acting (excluding Harry Potter kid) and one for J. Williams music. The rest can be forgotten and never spoken of.
Rating:
Summary: The most magical movie ever
Review: This movie was very magical to me. With the combination of the wonderful music and actors ( and actresses if i must be politically correct) this was the best movie ever. I intend to go back to the movie theater several times to experience the full magic of Harry Potter again. But, you might want to read the book before seeing the movie. It is quite hard to understand without knowing who is who. I reccomend to everyone who has read the book to go see the movie. You might have immagined Harry Potter in one way, but Miss J.K. Rowling might have wanted you to see it another way. I reccomend everyone to read the book, see the movie ,and live the magic!
Rating:
Summary: Magical!
Review: With the incredible success of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, Warner Brothers and Chris Columbus had quite a task at hand when filming "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Transforming an international literary phenomenon into a two and a half hour movie was no easy feat, but luckily for moviegoers and Harry Potter fans alike, the attempt has already become a smashing success as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" has shattered records at the box offices and continues at a torrid pace toward becoming the most popular movie of all time. I went to see "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" over opening weekend and I was very impressed. The movie's strength, I believe, is that it exactly followed the book. J.K. Rowling has already demonstrated that she has captured a magical recipe in her books; therefore, the movie was smart to follow the books exactly, even though significant portions were abridged due to time constraints. The acting in the movie, by Daniel Radcliffe in particular, was exactly as how I pictured it in my head as I read the book; although the movie did not "surprise" me in any dramatic way, I consider that a good thing. I really enjoyed watching what I had pictured in my imagination become a reality on the movie screen. The allure of the books even seems magnified in the movie as the magic unfolds before your very eyes. I cannot recall ever seeing a movie as exciting and enjoyable as "Harry Potter." If you haven't gone out and made history already, I encourage you to go see the film while it is still in theaters -- it's definitely worth every penny of a full price ticket. Even if you haven't read the books, I guarantee that you will soon be talking about it with your friends, regardless of your age, sex, or interests. Perhaps Harry Potter's real magic lies in the fact that the story appeals to such a diverse audience whose members are united only by their ability to be spellbound by a young wizard from Hogwarts.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone...can't say enough good about this movie. This is a spectacular adaptation of a fabulous book. Everything worked. Casting was excellent, special effects and cinematography were unreal, and John Williams out did himself with the score!!!! Do yourself a favor, and don't miss this event. It has to be seen in the theater. You won't be sorry!!!
Rating:
Summary: It was DEFINITELY worth the wait!
Review: I caught an afternoon screening on opening day in Salinas, CA. I was fortunate in that the theater was only about 1/2 filled. I was able to enjoy the film (for the most part) without the distractions of small children. There was no way on earth that the makers of the film would be able to take an exquisitely detailed book like JK Rowlings' Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone and do complete justice in a film format. But Chris Columbus and company did a remarkable job! The film was wildly entertaining. 2 1/2 hours FLEW by. It was over before I was ready. The characters, while not as developed as they were in the book, were very well represented. The Dursleys and Draco Malfoy were as sleazy and slimy as I had imagined. Dumbledore was wonderfully portrayed by Richard Harris. Prof. McGonagall was great, and the transformation from cat to Professor was very well done. Nevill was completely inept. And EVERYONE should have a friend like Hagrid! Diagon Alley, Gringott's, the Hogwart's Express, and Hogwart's itself didn't disappoint! You'll have to watch the Quidditch match for yourself! Those who have read the book hundreds of times will be painfully aware of what's missing, but the rest of us can unabashedly enjoy the film as is in all it's splendor.
Rating:
Summary: A must for all muggles.
Review: Superbly cast, very well acted and beautiful art direction. My only complaint is that the movie was too short - too much of the book was left out owing to budget and time constraints. Director Christopher Columbus - a choice which filled many with trepidation - was, I think it is fair to say, kept on a very short leash with this project, and the result is his best film yet. This is a very faithful adaptation of book 1, and at no time during the 2.5+ hour running time did my attention waver.
Rating:
Summary: A must see for older kids and their parents!
Review: I found the movie thoroughly enjoyable and I would even love to see it again. Now that I have seen it with my son (9)and daughter (3) who are both Harry Potter fans, I will read the books (probably to my daughter).I would not recommend that young children like my daughter see it yet because some parts are loud and frightening to them but aside from the volume and the frightening parts she says she did enjoy it. I also don't agree with the critics who are saying it is too long at 2-1/2 hrs as I waited 2-1/2 months to see it and that went by pretty quickly.It is also not priced higher than movies that are only 2 hrs.
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