I’ve never read a “Harry Potter” book and I was fearful that the characters first foray into film would be something a non-fan would find boring. Well, I stood in line for more than two hours to see “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and I have only one thing to say. Despite a few flaws, it was worth it.

I know some adults who also read “Potter” books authored by J.K. Rowling. I wondered what they saw in a story that I thought was kid stuff. The movie certainly assured me that it was kids stuff but it’s the kind that any kid, from age 4 to age 104, can enjoy. It has adventure, peril and even some humor.

Director Chris Columbus takes us on a journey to Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Harry Potter (a likeable Daniel Radcliffe) discovers he is a wizard. Everyone at Hogwarts has been awaiting his arrival. Harry seems to be quite a celebrity there. The teachers at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Professor Flitwick (Warwick Davis), Professor Quirrell (Ian Hart) and Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) keep a close eye on his progress. Then there is the gamekeeper Hegrid (Robbie Coltrane) who takes our hero to Hogwarts and accompanies the lad on his wild journeys.

Every fine wizard needs friends and an enemy. Harry’s pals are Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). The nemesis is the evil Draco (Tom Felton) who is intent on bringing down Harry Potter. These three characters are basically the throw-away ones. They are not constructed well and don’t get the scenes they deserve in a script by Steve Kloves.

Harry soon discovers there is a dark-side to Hogwarts. This is reminiscent to Luke Skywalker going after the dark-side with his Jedi powers. Is it any wonder that “Star Wars” regulars Warwick Davis and conductor John Williams are involved with this project. Williams’ score is actually one of his finest in years. It goes with the film a lot better than his score for “Star Wars Episode I.”

As we follow Harry’s wild adventures, which include a game of wizard chess, an adventure with a new sport called Quidditch and a run in with a three headed giant dog, we are treated to a feast for the eyes and the imagination. Director Columbus makes sure that, with the expert special effects and set design, we get right into the action. This is truly a ride movie and you’d have to be crazy not to enjoy it.

But with every good aspect comes some downers. For one thing, the film is a little over two and a half hours long. As Harry goes from one adventure to another you wonder how much adventure an eleven year old like Harry could possibly find.

The film also becomes too dark. This is a terrible trend in movies that should stop. When there are scenes where you are squinting your eyes to see what is happening because the lighting is almost nil, there is a problem.

The final problem is that the film becomes too frightening, especially near the end. This might upset smaller children.

But don’t let a few setbacks prevent you from enjoying “Harry Potter.” It’s a magical journey that is well worth the trip, especially if you are a parent and wondering just who this Harry Potter, whom kids love but some adults condemn, really is. You notice that those who condemn J.K. Rowlings books always tell you that they’ve never read the books themselves? It’s a high flying adventure full of magic but the biggest magic of all is that it’s gotten children of all ages to read again. It starts with “Harry Potter” and then they get interested in other books and adventures.

The film alone has sparked my interest in reading some of the “Potter” books. I’ve been to Oz and I’ve been to Never Never Land. Now I can proudly say I’ve been to Hogwarts too.

Grade: A -

Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12