Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001, GBR/USA) C-152m. SCOPE *** D: Chris Columbus. Starring Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Saunders Triplets, Daniel Radcliffe, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Ian Hart, Vern Troyer, John Hurt, Julie Walters, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Alan Rickman. First of J.K. Rowling's incredibly successful Harry Potter stories is brought to the big screen in grand style. Plot follows Harry from his foster parents to the Hogwarts school of magic, where he makes new friends and has to pass his first big test when he suspects evil-doings in one of the teachers (Rickman). Adaptation leaves some things desired (especially to those who have read the book) and overlength may make it difficult for impatient kids, although this is not for very small ones anyway. Still, an enjoyable, effective film. Also known as HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE. Followed by HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002).