neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
	Chris Columbus Daniel Radcliffe, Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, John Hurt 2001		The highly anticipated movie adaptation of J.K. Rowling's best-selling novel about British wizard-in-training Harry Potter does its best to be splashy, sprightly, well-honed excitement for all ages. It's loyal, in plot and characterization, to its source. On its own terms, it offers inspired casting, as well as meticulous art direction that leans heavily on the now-familiar prestidigitation of computer-generated effects. The kid actors who play Harry, Hermione and Ron, student allies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, are keepers, particularly Daniel Radcliffe as Harry. And the grown-ups playing magical faculty members, otherworldly shopkeepers and random spirits are all A-list UK thespians: Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, etc. The film should leave you breathless, and the first half does the trick. But, at two and a half hours plus, it's a dash too long and stately. If it lacks a certain snap, there's enough sorcery here to spell prosperity for the inevitable next installment.