First I must admit that I am a very biased reviewer. I have been an avid fan of the Harry Potter books for the last year and a half, having read all four books-twice. After seeing the movie, twice, it will come as no surprise that I think that the movie is perfect, and it is perfect because it is a meticulous rendering of the book to the screen.

Prior to the release of this film, people had speculated on several pitfalls that the maker's of the film would have to overcome for it to be successful. One of the main pitfalls discussed was that the book was so very popular, how would it be possible to please all of the individual imaginations of individual readers? Somehow this movie has succeeded in doing just that. It is a tribute to J.K. Rowling's descriptive abilities that the images she conjures up in her writing, produce similar pictures in the minds of the majority of her readers. Several people that I spoke with after viewing the film all commented that the movie brought the book to life just as they had imagined it. It is fortunate that the director of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chris Columbus, decided to remain completely faithful to Rowling's vision.

Also, the casting for this film could not have been better. Daniel Radcliff as Harry, Rupert Grint as Ron, and Emma Watson as Hermione are phenomenal considering their youth and level of acting experience. The realization of the book rests almost completely with them and they turn in an extremely capable performance. Daniel in particular is able to communicate the poignancy of his character in several scenes, without even speaking. Of course they have veteran British actors to support them, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, and John Cleese (to name a few).

Finally, the atmosphere of the film is a faithful reproduction of the 'feel' of the book. The production designer Stuart Craig and the cinematographer John Seale must be given an enormous amount of credit for this aspect of the film. Once again it would have been difficult for them to do a better job. I fervently hope that future Harry Potter films will succeed as well in this important area, as the books get darker and the story unfolds.

To paraphrase the words of Chris Columbus, Harry Potter is popular mainly because of its portrayal of the qualities of love, friendship, loyalty, honor, courage and, in the end, the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The film remains faithful to this quality as well. I would venture to say that the wizardry of Harry Potter is incidental to the main themes, it only provides a useful vehicle, because it makes everything possible.

It is not hard to see that I loved this film. I don't think that I am alone, as it has already (deservedly) broken several box office records. If subsequent Harry Potter films maintain the high standards set by this one, Harry Potter will become the magical classic of the new millenium.

By Kim Miles