Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets [2002]

Daniel Radcliffe gives a more assured performance here as Harry, though he's not quite strong enough to carry the film without the aid of an excellent ensemble cast of experienced adults, notably a twinkly-eyed Kenneth Branagh. Of course, most viewers will already know what's going to happen as far as the story is concerned, so for them the pleasure in watching The Chamber of Secrets lies in the visualisation of Rowling's magical creations and the verve brought to the action sequences. It's fantastic fun for kids and a good excuse to regress back to childhood for the rest of us. --Laura Bushell

On the DVD: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets's first disc offers the film in all its fine widescreen (2.35:1) and surround-sound glory--it's a shame they didn't think of adding a commentary.

The second disc's special features are sparse compared to last year's release, most notably the games, which are simpler and dull in comparison to The Philosopher's Stone. Gilderoy Lockhart's classroom offers nothing magical, and the interviews with teachers and students offer only snippets of the actors' thoughts on their characters. Don't get over excited about the "Build a Scene" feature as, unfortunately, this is not a miracle of modern DVD technology, but a simple featurette. The real gem on the disc is a 16-minute interview with JK Rowling and Steve Kloves about the transfer from book to screen. --Nikki Disney

The story revolves around Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) who has not had a fine summer. Not only has he had to put up with his haughty Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and Uncle Vernon Dursley (Griffith) and their fear of his magical abilities, but also it seems as if Harry's best friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) have forgotten him - as they haven't responded to a single one of his letters. Then, unexpectedly and strangely, house-elf Dobby emerges in Harry's bedroom and warns of great danger if the aspiring wizard should attempt to return to Hogwarts. Dobby than tries to prevent the wizard from attending his 2nd year at Hogwarts. Although they faced a dangerous mishap at Platform 9 and 3 quarters, the worst was yet to come. The news of the flying car (that Harry and Ron rode) had reached Snape. But basically (Later) the 3 youngsters continue their adventures this time trying to find out about the deadly 'chamber of secrets'. Watch them unravel the haunting mystery at Hogwarts!

Bad: There isn't really anything 'bad' about Harry Potter. Gilderoy Lockhart however, was very annoying. Snape was as usual the mean, cruel, hateful, and despising teacher at Hogwarts. But if you think about it, that's the way Rowling has made them... so I guess there's no 'bad' in the movie!

Ugly: In only a word... "snakes". Creepy, crawling, slithering, slimy, ugly reptiles! However 'snake-lovers' (like the majority of the people I went with) would enjoy the 'snake scenes'.

Harry Potter is a creative work of art! Overall rating: A+


Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets   November 18, 2002
Stephen Hill
45 out of 88 found this review helpful

This is a three star film, based on a five star book. Once again director Chris Columbus has tried to film the whole book, but has lost a lot of the spirt of the book.

Kenneth Branagh was a good choice to play the preening, egotist, Lockhart, but he hasn't been given the role to play as it is in the book. He even leaves the film un-noticed at the end, missing one of the great scenes in the book. Other scenes form the book are missed entirely or shortened with a great loss of impact. Maybe some of these will be available when the DVD is released. It must be very difficult to start to produce a film based on a subject matter that the audience will know inside out. It may be that the films should have taken the route Steven Spielberg wanted to take, where he would have used the first three books in one film!

I will still be looking forward to reading the long awaited fifth book, and to listening to the audio version read by Stephen Fry. I would recommend his reading of the Chamber of Secrets to anyone, maybe he should be involved in the next film!


Another triumph   February 24, 2003
41 out of 45 found this review helpful

After accompanying my children to the cinema to see the first Harry Potter adaptation, I must admit that I was quite looking forward to spending 2.5 hours in the company of the Hogwarts hosts, and my enthusiasm wasn't un-rewarded. Once again the time flew by far too quickly and my kids were again awestruck by the sheer scale of the deception.

There were shocks and surprises along the way. The first shock was how much Daniel and Rupert have grown since the last film, in looks, height, and confidence. Daniel's lower voice took a few scenes to get used to as well. The biggest surprise was the brilliant portrayal of Gilderoy Lockheart by Kenneth Branagh, who stole every scene he appeared in and brought much of the humor of the books into the script.

Obviously keen to overcome some criticisms of the first film, director Chris Columbus tried to include as many parts of the storyline from the book as he reasonably could in the time and as a consequence the pace never lets up. Fortunately the plot isn't too complicated (unlike the next book) so kids won't have too much trouble keeping up.

Once again excellent performances from the adults and the 3 lead children, Emma Watson settling into the role of Hermione as if she was born to play her. Ruperts facial expressions of fear, whilst funny at first, did start to wear thin towards the end, and Tom Feltons portrayal of Draco was, to be honest, embarrassing, but cut thankfully short.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable film, better than the first, a little scarier (especially if you are afraid of spiders !) and a must have DVD for your collection when released.


If you're a Muggle, look away now.......   February 23, 2003
Nicky (Liverpool UK)
33 out of 38 found this review helpful

As a huge fan of the Harry Potter series of novels, I really wanted to see just how well Chris Coloumbus made the transition from book to film. The first outing for Harry was excellent, and introduced old readers and new viewers alike to Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of Hogwarts' staff.
In 'The Chamber Of Secrets', Harry is developed as a character, as are his friends, although in reality a little more of the book has been edited out than I really would have liked. But that is my only real criticism of this film.
Daniel Radcliffe proves that he has developed as an actor since 'The Philosopher's Stone', and he is well backed up by his co-stars, both in Ron and Hermione, but also in Malfoy and his cronies.
I am a big fan of both Alan Rickman and Keneth Branagh, and their performances are just briliant, tongue in cheek enough for the older viewers, but Alan Rickman's bad guy Snape and Branagh's comic Lockhart will also appeal to younger watchers.
I love the Harry Potter movies, and I think that they will, perhaps not be as classic as the books, but still will remembered as some of the best children's films in recent years. I personally think that they are great,and I will enjoy them for many years to come. I hope you do too.


Outstanding film!   December 17, 2002
Kona (Derbyshire)
22 out of 30 found this review helpful

The second Harry Potter film is wonderful! It starts as Harry and Ron fly their car to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and they begin their second year. They meet their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart, a silly, egotistical fraud. Mrs. Norris (the cat), Hermione, Colin, and Nearly Headless Nick are mysteriously petrified, and Ron's sister Ginny is kidnapped and taken to a legendary room called the "Chamber of Secrets." As Harry and Ron try to find out who is behind all this, they encounter scary, giant spiders and a monstrous snake. Harry triumphs over evil with with remarkable courage in a finale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Daniel Radcliffe shines as 12-year old Harry, the orphan-hero. He is much more confident and an all-round better actor than in the first movie. Rupert Grint (Ron) gets all the funny lines and makes a lot of very funny faces. Emma Watson (Hermione) has a much smaller part this time, but is also very comfortable in front of the camera. Jason Isaacs is the villian you love to hate, Lucius Malfoy. The late Richard Harris, as Dumbledore, looks ill, indeed, but plays the grandfatherly protector well.

This film will appeal to HP fans of all ages. It's more sophisticated than the first film. If you like action-packed plots and special effects, you will not be disappointed. This movie is all action, all the time. The special effects are much better this time, and Daniel Radcliffe emerges as a real screen star. You'll like The Chamber of Secrets!