Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [26]

The first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerors (Philosophers) Stone, was my first introduction to the magical world of J.K. Rowling. I immediately set out to read all of the books. So it was with high anticipation that I awaited the second movie in the series. I was not disappointed. No introductions are needed for the cast. If you have not read any of the books, you can see the first movie to get the back story.

The actors are growing up. But they still play their characters well. Looking back on the first movie, some might say maybe they were a bit young. Or maybe they are too old now. But, I think they look right in both this movie and the previous.

* Spoilers * This second movie is much scarier than the first. The giant basilisk that lives in the chamber and the spiders in the forbidden forest are not for young children. The movie really works for an audience the same (teen) age as the characters. As an adult, nothing was lost on me however. I loved the flying Ford Anglia. There is a Matchbox #7b collectible from the early 60s of this car!

Kenneth Branagh plays a delightfully narcissistic professor of dark arts. Seems that the previous one did not last the year. It will be a running gag that no professor of dark arts can make it through the school year at this rate. Alan Rickman is thouroughly wicked as Professor Snape. He has been one of my favorite evil guys since playing "Hans Gruber" in _Die Hard_.

The movie does not suffer from the overuse of special effects. Every effect is needed and none seem gratuitous. Technology has come a long way. It makes me wonder if this movie could have been made effectively before computer graphics reached their current state.

I highly recommend this movie and look forward to the rest of the books (5, 6, and 7) and hopefully movies 3 through 7. The principle cast is signed on for a four picture deal. So at least we will get to the Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. {BB}

Ed Note: **** Spoilers to Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince ****

We now know that the diary of Tom Riddle, the magical item that guides Harry to the chamber, is very important. We knew it contained a portion of Lord Voldemort. Now we know that this is called a Horcrux. And it did in fact contain a seventh part of Lord Voldemorts soul. Being that young Tom Riddle appears, it was probably the first one created. All will be revealed about Horcruxes in movies 6 and 7 if they are released. Now the question from Dumbledore, "Is there something you wish to tell me, Tom?" carries even more weight than originally felt.

Group29 Harry Potter Horcruxes article

Added: July 6th 2004
Reviewer: BB
29 Point Scale Score:    [26]

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