Citizen Critique-Harry Potter

by Anita Martello


I love fantasy books. I love kids' books. So why haven't I jumped on the bandwagon and read Harry Potter? Perhaps because it seemed rather full. And not just full of kids either -- full of people of all ages in silly costumes and waving wands about and generally just acting like the sort of crowd with which I would never associate. But a friend talked me into seeing the movie. And here I am on the bandwagon (no silly costumes or wands, however).


The movie clocks in at more than two and a half hours. And not a moment of it seemed long, which I think is an achievement in and of itself. Having never read the books, I cannot tell you if the movie is a faithful adaptation. But I can tell you that Alan Rickman plays the sort of character he plays best. John Cleese pops up for just the right amount of time -- no more, no less. The kids in the lead roles do a great job (especially Rupert Grint who plays Harry's friend, Ron). And the special effects are enchanting without being overwhelming.