AGW Entertainment reporters Brigid c., 12, Sarada c., 8 and Lynn b., all of California, went to a preview screening of one of the hottest films of the year. Here are their thoughts on:

HARRY POTTER
And the Sorcerer's Stone

Warner Brothers

When director Chris Columbus asked veteran actors from his "dream list" to star in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, every one of them said "Yes!". This rarely happens but it just demonstrates the excitement and loyalty fans of all ages have to this world-wide icon. When asked where he was and what happened when he heard the news that he was chosen to play Harry, 12-year-old Dan Radcilffe said "I was in the bath and I cried".

For those few who don't know….. Orphaned Harry Potter, nearing his 11th birthday, is living with his Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and insufferable cousin Dudley. The Dursleys make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs and treat him horribly. Harry is cleverly "invited" to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and is told by gentle giant Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) that he is actually a powerful wizard or will be once he's properly trained. Harry learns that his parents didn't die in a car crash, as the Dursleys told him, but were murdered by a powerful wizard. Harry's survival of the massacre makes him famous in the magical world and also explains the strange lightning bolt scar on his forehead.

Embarking on his new life, Harry meets fellow first year students Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) on the Hogwart's Express bound for the school. Together, the three new best friends are assigned to the same "House" (dorm) and start their lessons with professors Dumbledore (Richard Harris), McGonagall (Maggie Smith), and Snape (Alan Rickman). They meet new enemies and discover dark secrets, including a hidden sorcerer's stone that holds the power of eternal life and riches. Harry learns more about his parents and begins a journey of self-discovery that will change his world forever.

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Brigid says: I think that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a very good movie. It was a lot like the book. There were only a few parts of the book that the movie didn't include. I especially liked the actors that were in the film. My favorite character in the movie is Hermione, because she is smart, and she's a very good student.

Sarada says: Harry Potter was exciting, thrilling, magical! The movie had some funny phrases that were not in the book. They left out some minor details that I liked. Although the movie was two and a half hours long, it was too short for me because it was so interesting with all of its special effects and its funny characters. This movie was so great that I would want to see it many more times. I would recommend that you see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- you won't be disappointed!

Lynn b. says: I don't use the word "Mythic" very often but, like the Star Wars saga, the world of Harry Potter deserves this title. It's about good versus evil on a grand scale and the value of teamwork, love, loyalty, sacrifice and family. More humor is added in dialogue but, the images that started with author J.K. Rowling are vividly brought to life. Like Luke Skywalker's tale, Harry's is a male "Cinderella" story. He's a kid yanked out of a horrible, hum-drum life into an adventure where he'll be tested and tempted by the "dark side" of the force. It's his pure heart that makes him both vulnerable and strong. Yes, it's a formula but it works! Adult, teen or kid, you can't help rooting for him all the way. Harry and each of his friends have something unique to contribute as they learn that friendship and bravery is more important than who is the best wizard.

Director Chris Columbus directed another film I enjoyed, Young Sherlock Holmes which also dealt with a group of young people in a British school investigating and conquering evil so he was well-chosen for this film. For "Harry", the director has chosen a great trio of young actors for his lead roles and they are backed up by an incredible cast of old "pros" who are totally convincing as the quirky, larger-than-life adults in Harry's Wizard world. Effects are excellent. From the talking "sorting hat" to a tiny dragon, to "Fluffy" the giant three-headed dog, to giant animated chess pieces to the broomstick-riding Quidditch match, everything you see on screen is magical and believable. Scenes in the sky-ceilinged great hall in which the mail is delivered to students by hundreds of gorgeous owls is breathtaking. John Williams' music is totally appropriate although it sounds like the main theme was originally used as part of The Witches of Eastwick soundtrack.

Readers of the Potter books have already discovered the characters. I've never read the books but I was happy to see that Hermione, almost the only witch among all the wizards, is the one who can best master spells. She more than carries her weight among the boys and is only rescued once when threatened by a giant troll. You go gurl!

The first movie or book in a series is always the "set up" tale and, as such often is only a teaser to the more interesting and involved stories to come. It often leaves more questions than it provides answers. But, if "Sorcerer's Stone" is only a prequel, I can't wait for the meatier tales to come in this film series.

Rated: PG
Official Website: www.harrypotter.com

Directed by: Chris Columbus
Screenplay by: Steve Kloves based upon the book by J.K. Rowling
Starring:
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore
Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall
Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid
Alan Rickman as Professor Snape