'Harry Potter' film superbly,
imaginatively recreates book
 By
Jeff Cantwell
Staff Writer
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is the
blockbuster we've been waiting for.
In what is one of the most anticipated films ever,
director Chris Columbus's "Harry Potter" has truly managed to capture
the sense of wonder, magic and imagination that has made the four books
so successful.
I love this movie; everyone that was a kid, or
is a kid, should see it, twice.
"Harry Potter" follows the story of an 11-year-old
boy who learns he is a wizard and spends his first year at Hogwart's
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in England.
"Harry Potter" redeems Columbus from recent failures
"Bicentennial Man" and "Stepmom." His all-British casting is superb
and full of children that illuminate the film instead of dragging it
down.
 Daniel
Radcliffe IS Harry Potter. He embodies the intelligent, sensitive little
wizard who, tossed into a wondrous, unfamiliar world, is mostly reactive,
questioning everything.
Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley was so perfect that
he almost outshines Radcliffe. He is energetic and portrays the young
boy's emotions with on-the-spot timing.
Emma Watson is the last member of Harry's clan
as the book-smart, snooty Hermione Granger. Watson nails this character.
I've read the first "Harry Potter" and she was exactly how I had envisioned
her.
With Grint's performance being electric and fun,
some might be quick to criticize Radcliffe for giving a slightly more
wooden performance. Comparison is unfair because Ron is a smart-mouthed
energetic troublemaker, while Harry is a quietly determined soul.
In the following books, Harry's character develops
more and I am sure that in the film versions, Radcliffe will prove his
ability as a gifted actor.
In other brilliant casting, Richard Harris and
Robbie Coletrane as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Hagrid, respectively.
Harris is just the kind of all-knowing fatherly figure read about in
the books and Coltrane brings humor and soul to the loose-lipped gentle
giant.
Alan Rickman ("Die Hard") as Professor Snape was
also an inspired casting choice. There is not a better villainous character
actor. Rickman brings his snide hatred of Harry brilliantly to the screen
despite the fact that the film forgets to show his motivations as clearly
as the book.
The film brings Hogwarts to life with vivid imagery.
Although some computer-generated elements looked noticeably fake, the
life-sized chess match and the intense quiddich game (rugby on broomsticks)
are the films highlights.
Steve Kloves ("Wonderboys") adapted J.K. Rowling's
book for the screen, and did a fabulous job in what is the most faithful
adaptation from any book in years.
Although some scenes were left out that could've
helped flesh out characters, many of them had nice, subtle development.
Instead of spelling out that Ron is poor, Columbus shows rival student
Draco Malfoy mocking his hand-me-down robes.
The movie music master John Williams orchestrated
the score and creates music that has innocence and wonders all its own.
Being a fan of the book, I can't help but miss
some of the scenes that were left out, but this doesn't make the film
bad.
In "Harry Potter" viewers become immersed in a
two-and-a half-hour trip of fantastical escapism that will please adults
and children alike.
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