For anyone cast under a spell and therefore unaware of the Potter phenomenon, take note. Young Harry Potter lives at the home of his mean spirited uncle until the day he is summoned to Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. It’s an event of considerable surprise as he didn’t even know wizard’s existed, much less that he was one. No sooner can you say Platform 9 ¾ than his life changes irreversibly, for Harry also discovers that he is legendary in his new world. As a baby he is notable for sending evil Lord Voldemort to purgatory - however ‘you know who’ is preparing a comeback. Yet, with a new school, new friends and Quidditch (wizardry’s favourite broomstick sport) to contend with, such events are pushed far from Harry’s mind.

One of the most anticipated films of the year has smashed box office records and pushed up stock prices for publishers and distributors alike. And despite Harry hype - the film pleasingly fulfils expectation. Faithful to the original text (author J.K.Rowling rejected any changes or non-English actors), the rip-snorting action suffers most from familiarity. Right down the line, Harry Potter the movie is Harry Potter the book – which pleases and disappoints in equal measure. While it remains light on surprise, and therefore light on the magic you might expect, the exemplary production (aided by Australian John Seale’s camera) leaves no one bitterly disappointed as Harry take his rightful place in the hearts and minds of kids (big or small) the world over.
 

// COLIN FRASER