Better than the first, but something is missing...

Rating: Null/10 (19 November 2002)

Let me say first that I enjoyed this movie immensly, even more than the first. The acting is better this time, and you can tell that Radcliffe, Grint and Watson are much more comfortable in their roles. The adult actors are excellent as well, and the story flows smoothly enough that those not familiar with the book can still follow it closely enough. The problem is that the story isn't just told...it's driven down your throat.
There is little to no room for exploration in this movie...the entire thing paces itself on getting the story out, and that's about all. A good example is the lip service paid to Lockheart; in the book, he's a constant presence, always annoying the teachers and students with his posturing. In this movie, he's there, and that's just about all. Oh, some key scenes remain; the book store, the first class with the pixies, and the disastrous dueling classes. But it's a half-hearted attempt at these sequences, almost as if the director tossed them in and then checked them off on a list. The extreme distaste of the other teachers for Lockheart is completely missing, and it makes his character weaker than it should be.
The adult actors are excellent as always, though underrepresented. Alan Rickman makes a few brief appearances, as does Richard Harris and Robbie Coletrane. Important scenes are there, but underscored in the attempt to get the entire story told. So, while you get the story, it's much less flavorfull than in the first movie, or in the book.
A few gaffs in the storytelling are evident, as well, with some very key scenes from the book taken out. One of these, and the most important, is the scene in Knockturn Alley where Harry sees the family Malfoy selling dangerous and illegal magic items to avoid an inquest from the Ministry of Magic. Without this key sequence, you have no reason to have Harry appear there at all...it's just dead space. Another is the scene where Uncle Vernon finds that Harry is not allowed to use magic at home, and so traps him there, leading the Weasley's to come get him out.
All in all, the movie was great. A nice return to Hogwarts and Harry's world, but I do wish it had the sarcasm, wit and flavor of the book.