“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (Warner Brothers)
One year after the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” comes the second installment in the “Harry Potter” series. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are reunited in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” This time out the movie is more exciting, more frightening, and more amusing than the first one was. Also the actors seem to be more at ease in their roles.
The film starts with Harry at the home of his Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths). He is visited by a strange creature named Dobby who warns him that he should not return to Hogwarts Academy. Dobby says Harry will face certain danger if he does.
But Harry does return and he, Ron and Hermione are soon on the trail of a mystery that will put all three of them in jeopardy. Harry has matured a lot since his first year at Hogwarts and he now possesses more skills as a wizard. He also has a sharp mind and a brave heart. He is up to a challenge and he finds many of them.
Christopher Columbus has directed this second in the series and he still has the magic in him. He gets good performances from his young actors and carefully gives his older actors a chance to shine. Outstanding are Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and the late Richard Harris. They are joined by Kenneth Branagh and Jason Isaacs.
The special effects, which are most effective, include a magical flying car, which Ron Weasley commandeers, and the Hogwarts sport of Quiddich. Both look perfectly natural and both impress the eye and the mind. There are also assorted monsters, which appear in the film and add to the thrills and chills.
The movie is rated PG for violence and mild profanity.
Those who loved the first Harry Potter film will love this one even more. It is a step up from the first and builds on the fact that most of the viewing audience is more than acquainted with these characters.
If this movie is an indication of quality, the Harry Potter series will only get better and better and more and more popular.
I scored “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” a hidden 7 out of 10.
©2003 Jackie K. Cooper
