Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding fantasy adventure film for kids
Review: This film is an outstanding fantasy adventure film for kids from about seven through fifteen. After that, its appeal drops off dramatically. Director Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire) does a fine job of bringing the wildly popular children's series to the big screen.Columbus had a difficult decision to make with the first film. The introduction of Harry Potter requires a good deal of character and plot development, which isn't particularly interesting to those who aren't dedicated fans of the books. Columbus chose to be true to the series and spent a lot of time doing background work that would be useful in later films (two more of which are already planned). That encumbers this film a bit, weighing it down with details at the expense of plot pacing. So, while this film is not as thrilling as it might have been, it sets the stage for more exciting sequels. From a technical perspective the film is marvelous. The visual effects in this film are often astounding, especially the Quidditch match. The cinematography is rich and dramatic, both the outdoor shots and those shot on the sets. Columbus entices excellent performances out of the young and inexperienced cast members, but also works well with the veterans. The acting is fabulous. Daniel Radcliffe is an excellent find as Harry. He has a kind of nerdy coolness that is perfect for the part. He comes across more as a regular kid trying to come to terms with special powers than a self important superhero type. This is exactly the right balance. Emma Watson, playing Hermione, is the consummate scene stealer and it is difficult to believe that this is her first feature film. Watson packs a perky punch and has a wide array of facial expressions that often make dialogue completely superfluous. Her self assurance and boldness provide the ideal contrast to Radcliffe's characterization of the timid and tentative Harry. The adult actors also represent themselves admirably. Richard Harris and Maggie Smith provide steadying influences as Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. Harris is almost unidentifiable under the flowing beard and robes, but his distinctive voice is unmistakable. Smith is suitably stern and kind, showing she has a soft spot for Harry, but maintaining the authoritarian demeanor required of her position. But the show stealer among the older actors is clearly Robbie Coltrane as the overly loquacious Hagrid ("I shouldn't have said that. I should NOT have said that.") Coltrane makes Hagrid as lovable as he is bumbling; a kid in a grown-up's body that is clearly on the kids' side. This is a delightful film for middle school kids, a segment that has fewer film choices than toddlers and teens. I'd rate it a 9/10, shaving a point for excessive workup that slowed down the story a bit. However, for Harry Potter fans, this is a perfect ten.
Rating:
Summary: A Spectacular Movie!!!!!
Review: This Movie is a wonderful movie for kids and adults alike. There are great special effects and spectacular acting. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are delightful as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Among the adult actors, my favorite ones are Richard Harris as Dumbledore, Maggie Smith as McGonagall, Alan Rickman as Snape, and John Hurt as Mr. Ollivander. Chris Columbus did an excellent job directing this movie and John Williams composed an excellent score. On the DVD, there are many different things to do like there is a self-guided tour of Hogwarts and there are interviews with the crew. My favorite scenes in this movie are Quidditch and the gigantic wizard chess match. VERY COOL! As this is a wonderful movie, I would not recommend this movie for very small children, as there are some scary parts in this movie. All in all, this is a great movie to purchase.
Rating:
Summary: Leaving the Muggles Behind
Review: As a reviewer, I have a tendency to wordiness, and usually look disparagingly at reviews of ten words or less, all in caps, which basically say "WOW!" This is the first time I have had to struggle with the temptation simply to say something like "ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! THIS MOVIE WILL BLOW YOUR MIND! DON'T COME HOME WITHOUT IT!" and leave it at that. For one thing, it really is that good. For another, there is so much to say about it that one's mind boggles at trying to keep within a reasonable limit. Since there will be countless reviews that discuss plot, effects, and individual performances, I will leave those to others, and focus on some things that I found of special note. The first thing that struck me about the film (other than the fact that I was unable to stop staring at my monitor while it was playing) is the sense of 'rightness' one gets while watching. What I mean by that is, given a book that has way too many events to capture in a film, the production still manages to have delivered everything that was necessary and sufficient to make it seem true to the original. This may actually be a first in cinematographic history. Given a tremendous opportunity to tweak or modify the plot or improve on the character the producers have instead remained almost completely faithful to J. K. Rowling's writing and intent. One of the factors in this is the carefully balanced acting. Given that the title is "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," it really should be "Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Draco and even the Weasley's AND the Sorcerer's Stone." Nobody grandstands, nobody overplays his or her part, and nobody ever goes Hollywood. Star or part of the background, there is a lack of pretentiousness (except when one is supposed to be pretentious) which makes you really feel like you are looking into the life of a notable student and his friends at Hogwarts. This invites viewers to immerse themselves in entire tapestry instead of simply hanging on the actions of a particular actor. And what a tapestry it is! Like the book, the film turns out to be just as meaningful for the old and the young. The lessons are delivered in easily digestible bits, leaving the flow of the story undisturbed. Somehow, inside, a part of you knows that maybe, just maybe, you are a little bit better for having watched this film. Harry's need for family, accomplishment, and self-esteem is no stranger to any of us who seek the courage to face our own 'He Who Shall Not Be Named.' So 'BRAVO' says this reviewer, 'VERY WELL DONE INDEED.'
Rating: 
Summary: What happened to the story of Harry Potter that I loved?
Review: I looked forward to this movie so much and when I saw it it made me very angry. For one the begining was a disappointment when they left out the part before Harry came to Privet Drive. Nothing was right at the Dursley's. When they went to the zoo Dudleys friend was supposed to go. When Harry started getting letters they should have had Harry move upstairs. Hagrid is supposed to tell Harry about his parents at the little cabin not at Diagon Alley. When Harry meets Ron that is all wrong. Also Ron is supposed to be almost as tall as the Weasley twins and Percy doesn't look right. When Harry meets Draco is wrong too, they are supposed to first meet at a robe shop and then indroduced on the train not at Hogwarts! There is no Peeves in the movie. I have to admit the Quiditich match is exciting, but aren't there supposed to be two matches. When the see Fluffy Neville is supposed to be with them and its supposed to happen at night. When Norbet the dragon gets into the picture, the dragon stays with Hagrid awhile and Hermione and Harry take it to the Astrmony tower so Charlie Weasley can take it to Romania. They, Draco, and Neville get in trouble, but Ron is not with them. And when they are getting to the stone Hermione solves an important part of getting there. And Quirrel does not crumble, it was so lame. I think that all of you who say that the movie goes along with the book so well, I think you need to read the book a little closer. The book is so much better!!!!!!! 5 stars for the Harry Potter books!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: 16-year old scifi/fantasy fanatic
Review: First of all, I'd like to establish that I AM a Harry Potter fan. I've read all of the the books more times than I can remember (or care to admit). I of course, when I heard the news that there was to be a HP movie was interested, but wary that such a project could be successful. Then it was discovered that J.K. Rowling herself would be a big influence in the filming. Eventually the movie was done and released to the world. It was a interesting movie, but ultimatly came far short of the books. Most book-to-movie adaptations result in a dumbing down of the plot. That did not happen here, the movie is roughly two and a half hours long. But it loses the, for lack of a better term, magic of the books. Flying on broomsticks for example: in your mind it you can see people sifting their weight when they change in direction, but is lost when putting on film. Nit-picky maybe but it all adds up. The casting was a mixed bag: some characters were spot on (Hagrid), while others...?(Dumbledore-was worried he would fall over dead before the end of the film. What happened to funny, alive, brilliant if a bit mad Dumbledore that rules?!)Also, the special effects were,frankly, not very good.
What kills this movie,though, is that stays close to the book only at points that advance the plot(mostly).And even then it would have seem confusing had I not read the books (example: Nicholis Flamel) Much developement and interaction that you really could relate to in the books was gone. This is a movie with it's heart removed.
I did still enjoy it to a certain degree. Mr. Olivander was great, so was Madam Hooch. It had a good DVD transfer and has good sound quality. The extras are average to decent with a good if short documentury with the filmmakers.
Still, a decent companion to the books that doesn't ruin them(if that can be done :) and worth the money of HP fans. But stands shaky on it's own, especially if you haven't read the books.
Rating:
Summary: Easter Eggs??
Review: Not having read the book, i really enjoyed this flick and if fact was surprised at how much i liked it. I can totally understand why the books appeal to old and young kids. I wondered if buying the Widescreen Edition and viewing it on a small tv (less than 20 in) would take away from the viewing experience, I am happy to say it did not. The DVD itself has some kinda cool sections for kids to check out and interact with. Unlike some other dvds, you actually have to hunt for the deleted scenes or at the very least pay attention to menus.
Rating:
Summary: Movie is 5 stars, extra disc...no...
Review: Of course the movie itself is great on DVD. The extra disc is no big deal. It is difficult to navigate the "special" features and very frustrating that there is not more there. I missed full bios on the cast, as I have been enjoying that on other DVDs. But, this DVD set is worth the price any day!! Harry Potter is alive again in my living room!
Rating: 
Summary: 3 1/2 stars, more faithful to book than most movies
Review: I'm one of those adults who's read the books but missed seeing the movie in the theatres and tried the DVD instead. I found the casting to be very good, although Emma Watson as Hermione is too pretty. The story was amazingly faithful to the book, which is very unusual for any book/ movie adaptation with just a few things edited out or rearranged (I believe Hagrid's gift of the photo album to Harry was a Christmas present, not a going home from school gift). It was certainly close enough that a movie viewer could probably get away with claiming to have read the book. I found the 2nd disc to be infuriatingly difficult to get through, most kids won't like to try that stuff. If , as at least one reviewer says, the seven deleted scenes are that hard to find (why doesn't something tell you they exist and how to look for them?)they'd better be good to put up with that run around.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful story
Review: If you've read the book first, you will still really enjoy this detailed and wonderful account of Harry Potter and his new adventures in a magical world within our world. I have read and listened to the books-on-tape, and I really enjoyed the film. The acting was excellent. A different kind of role for Richard Harris ("A Man Called Horse" and "Man in the Wilderness"). The brick wall on Diaganon Alley was a brilliant piece of special effect work. This is a film that you can watch again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: this movie was fantastic I really love the graphic sceens. I can't wait for the next one. I recommend you buy this tape.
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