It has been one of the most hyped British books in recent years, now Harry Potter is carrying on the traditions on the screen.

With a series of screen previews and the long awaited premier last week, the screen adaptation of JK Rowling’s first story of the boy wizard, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone captured the imagination of critics and audiences alike and is well on its way to shattering box office records in the States and in the UK.

The film may be too long for some people (two and half hours to be precise), but there was plenty in the first big screen outing to keep the audiences enthralled and on the edge of their seats and is the best advert the book could ever ask for.

And when the film industry dishes out their gongs, if this film does not get a clutch of awards, then there is something seriously wrong.

Top of the list would be best newcomer to young Daniel Radcliffe as the Boy Wizard Harry, who emerges through the film with top marks, superbly assisted by Robbie Coltrane as the Gentle Giant Hagrid.

For the minority not to have opened the book, Harry grows up in the home of his miserable Aunt and Uncle, Fiona Shaw and Richard Griffiths, before being confronted with his destiny at Hogwarth’s School. 

At this exclusive academy, Harry flanked by fellow junior wizards Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) learns how he becomes an orphan and how close his to his evil archenemy Lord Voldermort who killed Harry’s Parents.

Included on the staff role of Hogwarts reads as a who’s who of the British Film industry, with Maggie Smith refining her Jean Brodie accent as Assistant Headmistress, McGonagall, with Richard Harris taking command as Professor Dumbledore.

Also lurking in the background is the stammering Professor Quirrel (Ian Hart) or the no nonsense Hooch (Zoe Wannamaker).

The fantasy world of the books is brought to life with some superb special effects, including the Goblins, Giant Trolls, the fast and furious Quiditch game and not forgetting a giant three headed dog called Fluffy, who has passions for gentle flute music.

It seems that the world cannot get enough of the boy wizard and his adventures.  And with JK already working on book number five, work is well under way regarding film number two. 

Don ’t say that you have not been warned.

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