Critics declare 'Harry' just wizard

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The first Harry Potter film was given an enthusiastic "Golden Snitch" at its premiere in London by the critics, who declared themselves completely spellbound.

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (which goes by the title "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" for American audiences) does not open at cinemas in Britain or the U.S. until November 16, but everything seems in line with projections it will be not only a Christmas blockbuster, but could be one of the biggest-grossing films of all time.

Writing in Britain's top-selling daily newspaper, The Sun tabloid, Dominic Mohan raved: "It's dark, it's scary, it's funny ... with special effects that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

"Never have two-and-a-half hours passed so quickly ... I am convinced the Harry Potter phenomenon will be here for years to come."

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The film was "a wizard show" and "captivating stuff" said Baz Bamingboye of the Daily Mail.

"I suspect that fans of all ages will want to see it again and again, meaning it could well overtake 'Titanic' as the biggest money-making film of all time, paying its £100 million cost ($145 million) many times over."

John Hiscock in the Daily Mirror called it "breathtaking... a dazzling delight," declaring himself "entranced."

"Its great story and eye-popping effects would be enough on their own to make it a success.

"But fine acting from the three young stars-to-be ensures it will be one of the biggest money-makers ever. Daniel Radcliffe is in almost every frame and is wonderful as Harry."

In The Times, Kate Muir -- who watched the film with her 6-year-old son Barney -- called it "the best moment of my son's life so far."

Barney told the paper: "This is great, the best film I've ever seen, way better than any of the Disney cartoons I've seen."

What minor reservations there were centered on the "scariness" of the work.

According to the young Barney: "I think this film should only be seen by kids of 4 and over, but some might still be scared by it."

The Independent queried whether what it otherwise called "a remarkably solid piece of work" was rather too frightening.

Its reviewer said: "Many set-pieces -- the Quidditch match especially -- are conducted with speed and extraordinary violence, as if aimed at the vital teenage multiplex audience.

"Some of the more terrifying moments made me jump out of my seat and would surely traumatise unsuspecting six- and seven-year-olds."

Nevertheless, the reviewer concluded: "There is much to enjoy ... Everything about this movie flies, as will its box-office receipts over Christmas and beyond."

Celebrities at the London premiere too said they were transfixed.

The Duchess of York commented after seeing the movie: "It's brilliant. It is really important in this day and age, with all that's going on, that children should be allowed to dream."

Her daughter, Princess Beatrice, 13, said: "It takes your imagination to another place." Singer Cher said: "It was great, I wasn't disappointed" while singer Cliff Richard declared it to be "an absolutely wonderful and magical film."

Director Chris Columbus told CNN: "We've given the fans the movie that they wanted and that's the most important thing. I really do believe that.

"We haven't turned it into an animated film. We've made 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' and I thought that was so important."

But what about the person behind the phenomenon?

Writer J.K. Rowling called the film version of her book "wonderful" and said: "Admittedly I've been given a say in to how things looked, but they really do look as I'd imagined inside my head."

The film's studio, Warner Bros., is a sister AOL Time Warner company to CNN.com.