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ahd Lo dae Lk Balada a adhe aL a EERE. "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2001 - 9 Harry Potter a dazzling film, but lacks the heart of the book SCREENING ROOM By John Foote HARRY POTTER AND THE SOR- CERER'S STONE Directed by Chris Columbus Now in theatres **"") Visually stunning, the first of the many Harry Potter films to come is wild- ly entertaining, full of breathtaking images and visual effects. Over the weekend, its first in release, the film brought in ninety-three-and-half mil- lion dollars, breaking all previous box office records and poising itself to per- haps become the highest money-maker of all time. The anticipation around the film is something akin to the release of The Lord of the Rings and the second Star Wars installment, due next year. Based on the books by J.K. Rowling, which encouraged children to read again, the film is a delightful fantasy that transports the audience to a world where magic is very real, actually taught in schools. I remember about a year ago the books were attacked by members of a school board for promoting sorcery and witchcraft, which is pure rubbish. If that is the case perhaps every book that promotes miraculous hap- penings, the Bible included, should be banned? Books are meant to entertain and educate, and obviously the Harry Potter series has done just that, selling over 100 million copies in 46 different languages. When the film rights were purchased by Warner Brothers, they first offered the directing reins to such high-profile Oscar winners as Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, both who passed on the project. The job was eventually given, in a controversial decision, to Chris Columbus, not known for big budget fantasies, and with a questionable track record. There is no doubt Columbus can make films that sell, as was seen with Home Alone (1991), but he can also make wretched dreck such as Patch Adams (1998). With Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, he has done an almost masterful job of transforming the book to the screen. If the film has a weakness, and | hate to say this, it is the length; I was squirming at the two-hour mark as were many of the young kids in the theatre around me. There is just so much the senses can take in, and the film throws everything at you, dazzling the eyes with amazing special effects, gorgeous sets that vividly bring to life Harry's world, and a booming sound score. The film is an obvious set up to the sequels that will follow. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) leaves his bullying, vicious aunt and uncle, taken away to Hogwarts School of Wizardry where he discovers his destiny is to be a great and power- ful wizard. First of all, he must learn the ropes at this magical institution where magic is encouraged and wild and wacky things happen daily. There is a moment in the film that is glorious to behold; when Harry and Hagrid, (Robbie Coltrane) a huge ogre type character, go shopping for Harry's school supplies in timeless London. Searching for just the right broomstick and wand, the film's magic begins to rub off on the audience and we are at this point, more than willing to take this journey with Harry. The film then settles into exploring the manner in which Harry is instructed and begins to realize his powers, which will eventually lead to a showdown between the young wizard and the evil Lord Voldemort, who will challenge Harry's powers in a manner the boy never thought possible. Chock full of dragons, ghosts, bullies, and nasty characters, the film moves at a brisk pace as we race from one adven- ture and dazzling visual effect to the next. At times it becomes apparent the director is trying to one-up himself over the course of the film, and the last half is clearly struggling to deliver a smash- ing climax. It is the classic case of style over substance, and perhaps Columbus' previous work clearly'lacked style, he saw the chance here to deliver the goods. Sadly, he sacrificed the heart and soul of the film, which is the story of an extraordinary. little boy coming to terms with his magical powers. Well acted, the film features a virtual who's who of British films and stage, including the great Maggie Smith as the feline teacher, Alan Rickman as the pos- sibly evil potions Professor Snape, and the great Richard Harris in a cameo as headmaster Albus Dumbledore. john Hurt gives a strong performance as Mr. Ollivander, reminding audiences why he is considered among the greats of the British stage, and Robbie Coltrane steals the movie as Hagrid. The younger cast, led by newcomer Daniel Radcliffe, acquit themselves very well, giving strong performances that lend themselves well to the story. There is, however, no great moment when | believed | was watching a real boy wizard, as there was in A.l. (2001) when I believed Haley Joel Osment was a child robot. Radcliffe does what he is directed to do, and manages to come off looking fine. Young Emma Watson is wonderfully know-it-all Hermoine, and Rupert Grint is very good as Harry's classmate Ron. The stars of the film are clearly the visual effects, which are extraordinary, and the art directiorn. | cannot recall a time when what was on the page was so beautifully realized on film. Watching the film I was sure the book had merely exploded on the screen; sadly the film eventually lacks the heart of the book. Much money will be made by the film and the tie-in merchandising, which has already started at Toys R Us for Christmas. Filming for the sequel is set to start this week and the jugger- naut that is Harry Potter will relentless- ly go on. PLANET OF THE APES (2001) Directed by Tim Burton Now on video and DVD **) On first viewing of this re-thinking of the classic 1968 science fiction film, I was won over by the speed of the pro- duction and the creation of the apes. Tim Roth gives a seething, hateful per- formance as Thade, and that remains, but I must confess to not enjoying the film on a second viewing. It ends up being something of a pale imitation of the first film. Tim Burton, one of the most imagina- tive filmmakers working in the busi- ness, chose to make an action film instead of a stinging satire, which is precisely what the first film was. That is not to say Planet of the Apes is bad, it certainly is not, but there are elements that simply do not work. A major disappointment. Le -- or X sil Semen tom 2885 Altona Rd., Fickring Ontario 505 472-3085 Call & Reserve Now! www. 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