Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) Chris Columbus   One of the most popular books of modern times, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has been vividly brought to life in this spectacular film adaptation. Director Chris Columbus serves Rowling's work with admirable fidelity-no small surprise, given Columbus' track record in the genre of fantasy adventures. (As a screenwriter, Columbus penned the scripts for Gremlins, Goonies, and Young Sherlock Holmes). Harry Potter is a distinctly British story, and Columbus also wisely opted to film the story in the UK with an all-British cast. This pays off fabulously, with a convincing verisimilitude which could never have been achieved if made in Hollywood.    The story begins when Harry Potter, an 11-year-old English orphan who was raised by his cruel aunt and uncle, is one day inundated with letters from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry soon discovers that he is no ordinary child, but is a gifted sorcerer, and he is soon off to the Hogwarts School where he embarks on an exciting and sometimes perilous adventure. The story works on many levels, and is among those rare films which appeals both to children and adults. Part of its effectiveness lies in the character of Harry himself, whose early plight strikes a familiar chord, particularly in those of us with a taste for fantasy. All children feel isolated and alienated at some point in their life, and to discover, in the midst of that loneliness, that you are a powerful wizard and be granted an escape from a painful (or just plain mundane) childhood is a common fantasy of youth. A worthy successor to the likes of L. Frank Baum, C.S. Lewis, and Roald Dahl, Rowling evokes that longed-for childhood dream-the elusive, enchanted otherworld accessible only to the favored few who are worthy and willing to believe. This is also one of the best-cast films I have ever seen, and with every actor perfectly in tune with the character they portray. Some of the finest performers of our time are featured, such as Maggie Smith (as Minerva McGonagall), and Richard Harris (as Headmaster Dumbledore). Alan Rickman offers a shady and menacing interpretation of Severus Snape, and the rotund Robbie Coltraine was born to play Rubeus Hagrid. Cameos include appearances by John Hurt as Mr. Ollivander, and by John Cleese, who proves he has not lost his comedic touch in the part of Nearly Headless Nick. The younger actors also prove every bit as believable as the veteran performers. As Harry, Daniel Radcliff carries the lead role-a tough job for a young actor, but he is vibrantly believable in the part. A tangible chemistry is at work between Radcliff and Emma Watson (as Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (as Ron Weasley), and the three prodigies make an appealing triumvirate of mischief-makers. It is difficult to pick out the best elements of the film, for there are so many. The Quidditch match is a particular highlight, as two opposing teams mount their broomsticks and swarm about in a kind of aerial soccer match, complete with self-guiding balls. The troll sequence is another highlight, at once frightening and funny, as Harry races to save Hermione from the horrible monstrosity which has wandered into the ladies' room. The climactic chess game is also a riveting sequence, as chess whiz Ron risks his life trying to manipulate the giant chess pieces so that Harry can get through to save the day. The film also boasts of a wondrous and dynamic score by the great John Williams, who uses a whimsical, euphoric, and slightly macabre waltz as the primary motif of the score, evocative of magic and childlike innocence; Williams' music actually furnishes much of the film's atmosphere of enchantment.   It is clear that everyone involved with the making of this film was having the time of their lives during its production, and that enthusiasm infectiously touches the audience as well. In short, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a stupendous achievement, and one destined to take its place among classic films for children of all ages. —Paul Andrew MacLean

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