lives up to the first installment

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2002)

A flawless translation of terrific source material to the big screen -- a joy to watch. Just enough better than the first movie to seem just as good.
It is almost as faithful to the book as the first movie, but adds a few bits of cinematographic magic, because it can. The actors are all terrific -- especially the one who is no longer on this world to complete the series. However, the show must go on. This movie made me look forward to the next five movies (and three upcoming books).
If you liked the first movie, or the second book, go see this film. If you like beautifully crafted, visually appealing family fun with a great musical score, go see this film. If you want a film that will entertain both you and your children for more than two and a half hours, you're kidding yourself if you think they're going to sit through "Lord of the Rings." See this instead. Again and again. They'll probably even ask for it.
Not recommended for Muggles who refuse to be absorbed in the Harry Potter universe of magic. If you didn't like the first film, then you probably won't like this one either. If you're anti-Harry-Potter phenomenon, you've already made up your mind to dislike this film, so don't waste your $10. Go see "Jackass" instead. Might be on your level.
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is a great family movie that deserves to be on the shelf right next to "E.T." and "Mary Poppins," just like its predecessor.