Captivating and genius story telling.

Rating: 9/10 (16 November 2002)

It's back to school for students of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and that means more mystery, more danger, and more adventures for our magical trio; Hermione Granger, Ron Weasly, and of course the famous Harry Potter.
The first movie in this series, Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone, depending on where you lived) had to meet the expectation of millions of fans (children and adults alike) of the J.K. Rowling's books. And live up to them it did. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets now has even more to live up to based on the success of the first movie, as well as the book it is based upon. And it delivers, just as much, if not more than the first.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets begins in much the same place we originally found Harry at the Dursley's residence, just before Harry's birthday. Without surprise, the Dursley's have no sympathy -- nor respect for Harry. He has, however, upgraded from the cupboard under the stairs to his own bedroom (formerly Dudley's 2nd bedroom), and is anxiously awaiting his return to Hogwart's.
However, someone is trying to prevent him from going back that someone is Dobby the House Elf (who serves another wizardry-family, and who by now you've seen in the trailer for the film). Regardless, a Harry Potter story just wouldn't be the same without a trip to Hogwarts.
You may remember that last semester saw the leave of the Defense of the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Quirrell. This year a rather conceited Kenneth Branagh (as Gilderoy Lockhart) has replaced him. And we have the pleasure (and I use the term loosely) to meet Lucius Malfoy, the father of the Slitherin nemesis of Harry, Draco Malfoy. There are a few more additions to the cast, as well the rest of the students and staff of Hogwarts are all present and account for this year.
Like any good sequel, certain events should remind us of the first story, when it is necessary, and without running into a constant re-telling of the previous story. It accomplishes this feat VERY well, and tells it's own unique story with absolute perfection. We also get to learn a little bit more about the history of the wizardry community, a little more about Hagrid's past, and a little bit about Hogwarts past.
Joanne Rowling has a knack for writing a compelling story full of wonder, adventure and mystery and it's one thing to be able to inspire a thought or idea and create imaginations but for Chris Columbus to be able to feed the scribe new life and create a living, breathing image, is exceptional.

When I saw the first film last year, I immediately was compelled to read the book, and see how accurate the conversion to film really was. I found it to be quite accurate perhaps the most accurate book to film conversion I have seen. (I was sorely disappointed when it wasn't even NOMINATED for the adapted screenplay Oscar.)
I have yet to complete Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets in book form, but I am mostly expecting a good translation from book to film yet again, based on the content and imagery I saw on screen, and comparing it to the experience I had with the first film.
[Aside: Keep in mind, that my first love is film. More times than not, my reading of the book before seeing the film has left me hating an otherwise good film. I'd prefer to enjoy the film and it's instant satisfactions, and THEN enhance that experience by reading the book.]
I had, however, read about a quarter of The Chamber of Secrets before going to see the film, and what I read was VERY accurate on-screen.
The visual effects are very well done, including the completely computer-generated character, Dobby the house Elf. As well as all the mystical and magical creatures that one might expect to find at a school like Hogwarts. The completeness of this environment and the detailing are incredible. Nothing in this world seems out of place. Everything fits perfectly, and lends the realism and authenticity that is missing from many films.
Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets is a truly immersing experience, even more so, I found, than the first film. There is a sensation that you are right there at Hogwarts with Harry, discovering the clues, uncovering the mysteries, and experiencing all the magic that is to be found in a Harry Potter story.
This only being the second in the series (that promises to be seven in all) it is clear to see that this film franchise promises big things in its future. The stories are full of wonder, wit, charm, and gripping plot lines that certainly deliver, will keep you satisfied, and leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
I'm likely going to take a lot of flack for this next comment, but I dare say that this collection of films promises to be bigger and more successful than the Star Wars franchise. Not that I don't love the Star Wars films, but the Harry Potter films are truly sensational and pure genius story telling and movie making.
If you saw the first film and loved it (and why wouldn't you?)  I highly recommend seeing Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. If you haven't see the first film then by all means, rent it, and then go see this one. I'm giving it a very solid 8.5 IMDB score.