This big-screen version of the first installment in the outrageously popular children’s book series by J.K. Rowling is a slavishly faithful, paint-by-numbers adaptation – so we should be thankful the stunning production design and inspired casting help get most of the colors right. If anything’s missing, it’s that the movie never creates a living, breathing personality of its own. Even at its best, this is still a book playing dress-up.
