Mediocre showing that won't deter its popularity

Rating: 6/10 (16 November 2002)

The Harry Potter book series is clearly a pop culture phenomenon, as Ms. Rawling's novels strike at the heart of every child's dream both young and old. But also a crowning example of popular cultural is Hollywood's effort to bring films to the silver screen, where quality becomes practically irrelevant, due to the powerful force of consumerism in today's society.
'The Chamber of Secrets" isn't a terrible film by an means, but director, Chris Columbus, in classic big budget Hollywood fashion, is catering to the lowest common denomenator far too often. Being a fan of the books, I was more excited about the second film because I thought 'Chamber of Secrets' was a far more thrilling and dark novel compared to the carefree 'Sorcerer's Stone.' But the producers and Mr. Columbus decided to overemphasize everything to the point of ruining the very thrill I recieved from the novel.
The most obvious flaw was several instances of over-acting on the parts of many characters, which seemed forced and unceessary. But, we are all so stupid, I suppose, that the film makers had to outline every single moment where something dramatic was happening so obvious that only completely mind dead individuals would not get what the intended mood was to be.
There were moments, I admit, where the film had some pizzaz and a few of the actors were either defying Mr. Columbus' apparent request to over act, or were the few characters who he wanted to come across as a bit more subtle. The effects were pretty good as well, but sometimes also too over the top. My real problem was that the book was very thrilling and this movie only had moments where you felt that way.
But, as I noted earlier, if you read the book or somehow think you "have to see it" for whatever reason, you will go, and no one can stop you. Go. Try and enjoy it...I wish you much luck. Maybe keeping your expecations lower will help....may be.