Harry Potter
AND THE
SORCERER'S
STONE
(Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)

2001 **** 152 mins. (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone runs 147 mins.)

This first installment in the Harry Potter series is an engaging film that introduces its viewer to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry very well. Granted, the ways some parts of the story are presented do seem a bit hokey, but they still work.

On his eleventh birthday, young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is taken off to a year of schooling at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he is forced to learn, very quickly, the ways of the wizarding world. Since Harry has grown up with a muggle (non-wizarding) family, he knows nothing of magic. Therefore, one can only imagine what kinds of trouble he could get into.

The trio of youngsters (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson) are perfectly cast and do a very good job in this quaint film that Richard Roeper of "Ebert and Roeper" calls "A complete triumph."

NOTE: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the international title.
Rated PG.

• Original theatrical aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (Super 35)
• Premiered in the U.K. on November 4, 2001

• ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Stuart Craig [art director] and Stephanie McMillan [set decorator]), Best Costume Design (Judianna Makovsky), and Best Music, Original Score (John Williams)