The tagline for the first Harry Potter film is "Let the Magic Begin," and it's apt. Most of the two-and-a-half-hour movie is a beginning, dedicated to the setup of the characters, their world and the conflict that runs through the whole Harry Potter saga.

When we first meet Harry, he's just a baby in a blanket, dropped off at the door of his relatives, awful Muggles who make cheek-pinching aunts and pull-my-finger uncles look like winning the genetic lottery. We catch our first glimpse of his legendary lightning scar, and learn that Harry's life has been anything but magical. In the miserable Muggle house, Harry sleeps in a closet beneath a staircase, he's malnourished and berated, and he's not even allowed to accept a letter addressed to him.

Apparently, though, the letter is of the "offer you can't refuse" variety. Though his guardians run away to a remote and rocky island, there is apparently no hiding from Hogwarts. In the middle of the night on Harry's birthday, the half-giant Hagrid bursts through the door and sets the boy wizard free. Soon enough, Harry is off to London, where he picks up supplies in Diagon Alley, and friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger on the train to school.

He finally encounters an enemy in Draco Malfoy, and another apparent one in Severus Snape, but the film's real action - starting with his encounter with Lord Voldemort's disembodied head - doesn't take place until the last few minutes. First we must meet various ghosts, watch a baby dragon hatch, encounter troll snot, learn about Quidditch and its rules, and witness Harry take the first of many drubbings on the field, among other things.

From a parent's point of view, this slow windup has its merits. The characters are nicely established. Alan Rickman's portrayal of Professor Snape might just be one of the best on-screen villains in any kids' movie. Rickman has a slow, oily way of speaking that's wonderful to watch, and if this film is in your DVD collection, his performance endures repeat viewing quite well.

What's more, the pacing makes the story clear and understandable, so young kids will be able to follow along. And they won't be too scared, either. Perhaps because its only real confrontation comes at the end, this is the least scary of the Harry Potter movies by far, rated PG for some mild language and perilous moments.

That relative lack of action perhaps makes it the least enjoyable from a grown-up's point of view, though. Not that we're obsessed with Harry Potter or anything. We know it's for kids. Really. But we're glad that subsequent installments built on Chris Columbus's first effort.

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Synopsis of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™