****out of 5

Rating: Null/10 (20 November 2002)

When a special appears on television showcasing the talents of one or more magicians we tend to tune in to see the spectacle unfurl before our eyes, but why do we o it? The answer is very simple, because it is entertaining and within the programming we see things happen that enchant us, almost like for that short while we are swept away into a whole new universe without ever having to move from the comfort or our own homes. So why do people feel the need to condemn instead of embrace Harry Potter? Usually when a sequel is placed upon us we find that there are one of two possibilities. One, it is just a retread of its predecessor or two, it does nothing more than build upon concepts that were already presented in the first. That is why sequels are not usually found as entreating as the original. But by no means is this film even a sequel of any sort, it is merely a continuation of where the first film so gracesly left off, you will even notice that there are no opening credits to be found. We open our film with a scene in which Harry is visited in his new home by an adorable elf named Dobby (voiced beautifully by Toby Jones). Dobby tell Harry not to go back to Hogworth Academy or something bad will happen to him, but despite the warnings Harry returns and the magic unfolds. The film takes on a much more mature tone than the first making it much darker and scarier, especially for the younger children, but even through all that darkness those young children are not forgotten about and are let off with some mild humour during several of the darker scenes to lighten the load. But humour is not just used for that sole purpose. The film is often very funny, hilarious even (mainly thanks to the highlight of the show, Dobby) giving it a very warm and light-hearted feeling as well. the direction from Chris Columbus is extremely fast paced and astounding. The scene in which the children take part in a witches sport features some of the most exhilarating action sequences I have seen since Spider-Man. The special effects are simply jaw-dropping and marvellous in every way imaginable. Everything has such smooth texture and is places so well among the live actors that it is hard to believe that what is happening isn't actually real. I was also able to pick up a few points from the script that were so ironic they almost come off as satirical. For instance there is a line uttered that goes "funny how a silly book can cause so much damage." It would seem to me that by saying that the film is trying to touch upon the controversy that the Harry Potter franchise has started by telling the audience that books are merely an outlet for our own personal entertainment and not made to cause trouble or any sort. Much of the original cast has returned with some new faces here and there. I must say, for a film that relies mostly on performances from young actors there was a fairly high degree of talent to be found from the young stars. It is also nice to know that Richard Harris could end his career on a high note as Albus Dumbledore (The veteran actor recently passed away) and Kenneth Branagh also adds a good does of comedy into the fold as a renowned wizard who may not be all that his reputation says he is. You can also catch a glimpse of Monty Python Veteran John Cleese in a small role but delightful role as a ghost who can remove his head. A lot of fuss has been made from select Christian groups over this franchise, they deem that it is wrong to depict a human with Godly powers, and some even go for enough as to call it demonic. But instead of burning the books and starting protests why can't we just concentrate on the positive. This film has very strong morals on friendship and determination. It also shows teenagers as independent human beings who are just as worthy as any grown-up. So why not give it a rest and take Harry Potter for what it really is, good old fashioned adventure that is highly entertaining and dazzling in epic proportions. You may notice that I have yet to say anything bad about this film, but still it has only received four stars. Well if it is bad news you are waiting for you are going to be very disappointed because the truth is there is nothing wrong with this film as far as I can see. But the fact that I am not a hardcore Harry Potter fan, or even a general Harry Potter fan leaves me with a personal bias. This film probably deserves five star, but because of this bias I was probably not able to enjoy this film has much as the fans would have. Nevertheless it is an amazing achievement or a film that older children and open-minded adults will have a field day with.