Funny, charming and just dark enough to have an edge

Rating: Null/10 (22 November 2002)

I was not a fan of the first film (Philosopher's/ Sorcerer's/ Whoever's Stone), so it was lucky that I did get to see this next instalment. The various magical goings on have been integrated into the story rather than presented as the special effects guy's CV and the performances are good rather than tolerable. The three juvenile leads have really found their roles this time round (Daniel Radcliffe seems to have a particular talent for interacting with CGI) and should be easier for children to identify with while CoS is also a lot funnier than SS, especially the Kenneth Branagh performance as Gilderoy Lockhart. Although in comparison to Lord of the Rings the mysterious, magical world is still a little "normal" (and too concerned with presenting sorcerous versions of real world objects and institutions), there's sufficient innovation and genuine darkness to feel you are watching a fantasy film. Well worth seeing; enough spectacle for children and enough interest for adults.