REVIEW: HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE (PG)

The long wait is almost over. After a year of what Hollywood executives call 'buzz', the film adaptation of Harry Potter is about to hit Bath's cinema's screens this Friday and Harry's legion of fans, both young and old, are making no secret of their jubilation.

Riding a huge wave of expectation, local cinemas have been inundated with enquiries regarding Harry's first adventure.

Well aware of the potential disaster that lies waiting in the wings when tailoring any literary classic for the silver screen, Warner Bros made it clear early on that they would not only be faithful to author JK Rowling's creation, but more importantly, to her 100 million followers worldwide who have so enthusiastically embraced her books.

And the result, according to the 'buzz', is a film as magical as Harry himself.

Scripted by screenwriter Steve Kloves and directed by Chris Columbus, the film looks set to launch a British hero every bit as celebrated as the chap who's licensed to kill.

But it doesn't matter what industry pundits think. It's what Harry's core audience really think that matters. Which is why The Bath Star sent nine-year-olds Joshua Walker of Tunley, and Aidan Kalsi of Claverton Down, to Bath's Little Theatre cinema to test the magic for themselves.

Joshua's review:

If you have a great set of finger nails then I advise you not to watch this film as you will probably chew them off by the end. It's a real family film but in some parts they swear or it gets scary. But it was brilliant!

The special effects were amazing. I liked it when Harry and his friend Ron run in late for one of their classes and Ron says "Think of the look on Professor McGonagall's face if she knew we were late" The cat on the desk leaps towards them and changes into McGonagall in the process.

My favourite characters were Dumbledore and Hagrid. Dumbledore was gentle and kind. Hagrid was a funny, caring, giant of a Hagrid! The way all the characters were dressed made them look like real people from the book.

Quidditch in the book is very fast moving. In the film the game is very lively as Harry and other players race around high above the crowd, swooping, swaying, ducking and diving on broomsticks. Can't wait to have Quidditch as part of our school PE lessons!

If you've read the book then you'll love the film. If you've never read Harry Potter, watch the film and I'm sure you'll want to read the book.

Aidan's review:

The film is even better than the book. It is a world of wizards, witches, giants, goodies and baddies.

There are lots of exciting moments and scary moments, too, which make you jump out of your skin like when Harry was in a forest at night with his worst enemy from school, they see the evil person who killed Harry's mum and dad and this person tries to kill them. But don't worry as there are plenty of funny things like Hagrid riding on a flying motorbike or when Hagrid makes Harry's horrible cousin grow a curly pig's tail.

The film is quite long, but so good that you don't notice the time go by, so don't drink too much or you will miss a terrific moment when you go to the toilet.

This is the best film I have ever seen, but it might not be suitable for younger children.