Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Released November 15, 2002

Rated PG for scary moments, some creature violence and mild language
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane
Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay: Steven Kloves
Director: Chris Columbus

Reviewed by Peter Veugelaers Ó 2002
- Who said they don't make em like they used to?

The movie sequel to last year’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a hugely entertaining fantasy, a superior piece compared to the first film in the Harry Potter franchise, released last year.

The Harry Potter phenomenon has captured the imagination of children through the best selling books by J.K. Rowling, and for the next few years the lead-up to successive Christmases will be inaugurated in the movie world by millions of young fans speculating about the adaptations from director Chris Columbus.

It is curious as to why Harry Potter is so big. Theories could be formulated to describe the success of films that cater to young audiences and delight producers with their hefty box office returns. Star Wars is such a case. The Potter movies, however, owe themselves to Rowling’s largely consumerable books – which are about the discovery of wizard Harry Potter, an orphan destined for greatness – so it is easier to understand why millions of dollars are falling off trees.

Together with the irresistible marketing savvy is the simple and brilliantly conceived fable about good verses evil. As to why this well-worn and traditional story comes with such a following is a mystery; no one seems to mind stories about conquering fear and facing challenges while hastening trepidation.

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is warned by an elf not to go back to Hogwart’s School of Wizards and Witchcraft because of strange disturbances there. However, Harry goes, and along with his two companions, Ron and Hermione, faces the dilemma of finding out what lies in the chamber of secrets, which was opened 50 years earlier to chaos.

This is long at 160 minutes but does not feel like its length – the entertainment value is more than enough to keep one interested. The first half is punctuated with spectacle – flying cars, agile trees, and situations of danger, to name a few – making this a treat for the senses. After the beginning of the second half it drags on, and slows down, until a spectacular finale lifts it to a satisfying and uplifting end.

Along with its crystal clear development of themes reminiscent of the fairy tale textbook are the convincing special effects that make Hollywood appear to be the front-runner in providing realistic images out of fantasy pictorials (Reign of Fire with its envisaging of dragons foreshadowed Harry Potter superbly). As well, the cast is apt and fitting, including a long list of British heavy weights enjoying themselves, which cap off the modern day children’s story, an appealing mix of adventure and charm.