Travis Simpkins: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

From the moment the film rights for the first "Harry Potter" novel were purchased, interest in the project was high. Steven Spielberg was the first choice for director, but he envisioned it as an animated film with American actor Haley Joel Osment voicing the title character. Spielberg gracefully bowed out, as this concept differed greatly from the guidelines laid down by the book's author: J.K. Rowling. With the cultural identity and integrity of the story in mind, Rowling had insisted that all the actors be either British or Irish. In keeping with her wishes, newly hired director Chris Columbus did just that, and the locations were suitably chosen as well... with historic medieval buildings and studios scattered across the U.K. serving as the setting. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) was a major success, both critically and financially. The fantasy story finds Harry Potter in his first year at Hogwarts, making new friends as well as enemies... and fighting his first battle against Lord Voldemort while protecting the Philosopher's Stone, an alchemistic element meant to create gold and eternal life. The magic special effects are amazing, and the cast is delightful... with old timers Richard Harris, John Hurt, Alan Rickman, John Cleese and Maggie Smith alongside the pint sized stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.