The transition of Hogwarts - and voice transition of Daniel Radcliffe

Rating: 7/10 (27 March 2020)

In 2001, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), directed by Chris Columbus, introduced millions of children to the world of magic. In 2002, he delivered The Chamber of Secrets - a more dark venture into the world of magic.
As a disclaimer, I am not a direct fan of the fantasy genre, and have not read J.K Rowling's revered books. However, as a films, I enjoy the universe.
Daniel Radcliffe still plays wonderfully, but his boyish charms withered early, as his voice transitioned sardonically with Rupert Grint's. Of course, this is a physiologically natural phenomenon, but I think it attenuates the premise of the universe; that Harry is growing up.
Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are still wonderful in portraying their characters to near-perfection as the quirky and over-achiever, respectively.
A note on Professor Dumbledore, Richard Harris to me is the definitive character embodiment - and better than Michael Gambon who also did a great job. But Harris was far more emphatic, and far less alpha male in his expression in my opinion., Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith are still wonderful. The immersive production design from the first one only grew stronger in this, and Chris Columbus once again nails the direction.
Recommended!