More than adequate sequel

Rating: 9/10 (16 November 2002)

"Chamber Of Secrets" continues pretty much where "Philosopher's Stone" left off. Hence we don't get the long character introductions, and are thrown straight into the action. Although not perfectly true to the book in every respect (key lines are transposed from one character to another; key events are lost or misplaced), it's a pretty faithful representation.
The first half an hour is perhaps the least interesting; it seems too fast-paced and action packed, and the story only "starts" properly the first morning when Harry is at the Weasleys' house. After this, however, the plot unfolds at a good speed and the magical touches which director Chris Columbus brought to the first episode are still there. Kenneth Brannagh is perhaps the brightest star of this movie, putting many of the other performances to shame with his witty rendition of Gilderoy Lockhart.
Ron is funnier than before, Hermione is bossy as ever and the actors all seem to have grown up and into their roles well. We get a glimpse into the harsh relationship between Draco Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy, his father - a possible hint that Draco's bully attitude stems from his own father's evil. Perhaps the only major let-downs are the parts where the script strays from the book, and some of Daniel Radcliffe's acting appears a bit forced during the final 'Chamber' scene. However, this is what makes films such as "Harry Potter", "Indiana Jones", "Back To The Future" etc so watchable and memorable. People don't go to the cinema to watch real life, they go to escape it.
Overall, a very good sequel in a series which looks to be turning darker and asks more fundamental questions with every film. May it continue...