Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001 Chris Columbus)

Or 'Sorcerer's Stone' as the book and film were known in the US (J.K. didn't have enough clout to stop the publisher's changing the title). It's very like one of those 'kids at school' sort of books or comics.

Robbie Coltrane steals the acting honours though Richard Harris is a fine Dumbledore.

Great production design, lighting and music - Stuart Craig, John Seale, John Williams, well adapted by Steve Kloves.

The CGI is not very good (the Quidditch scene is not particularly well handled). Columbus brings the 'Whoah!' factor despite an exclusively British cast.


Also I'm not sure a fitting detention for first years is to go into the Black Forest (or whatever it's called) at night to stop unicorns being slain, J.K.

It's taken me this many years to wonder why HP doesn't fix his own eyesight with a spell.

P.S. 30/10/21. I note from the Time Out Film Guide there's a 1957 Satyajit Ray film called The Philosopher's Stone, which can change base metals to gold...