Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Review 2001

Much-anticipated screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling's first book about a Dickensian orphan who discovers his wizardly legacy, didn't disappoint its legions of built-in fans. Director Columbus remains painstakingly faithful to the book, although film plays, understandably, like a highlights version and sometimes lacks any personality of its own. This may have been intentional (directors Steven Spielberg and Terry Gilliam were perhaps passed over because their personal stamp would override the material), and it doesn't detract from the outstanding production and captivating storytelling. Stellar all-Brit cast is fun to watch, and the special effects are what you'd expect given a $125-million budget and use of no less than nine effects houses. Even those not familiar with the book will enjoy the film's many charms. Good mix of entertainment for kids and adults, although a bit long for the very young.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 152 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Magic, Fantasy, Prep School, Top Grossing Films of 2001, Books to Film: J.K. Rowlings, Aunts & Uncles, Nieces & Nephews

Screenplay

Steven Kloves

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Zoe Wanamaker, Alan Rickman, Ian Hart, John Hurt, Tom Felton, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, John Cleese, Warwick Davis, Julie Walters, Sean Biggerstaff, David Bradley, Matthew Lewis

Cinematography

John Seale

Director

Chris Columbus

Music

John Williams

Other

John Midgley, Richard Francis-Bruce, Neil Lamont, John King, Judianna Makovsky, Stuart Craig

Producer

David Heyman, 1492 Films, Heyday Films, Warner Bros.