This installment is darker, harsher, and made for grown-ups...

Rating: 10/10 (25 November 2002)

Very Mild Spoilers below. ************************

Leave the really young kids at home, and go see this movie, now! If you are at all a Harry Potter fan, then this is worth your full price to see.
"Chamber of Secrets" is an engaging story of magic and heroism. Steven Kloves' interpretation of Rowling's book translates beautifully to the screen in just under 3 hours, with nary a boring moment.
There is anxiety, suspense, camaraderie, loyalty and decency in this film... all the right ingredients for a made-for-everyone film. The plot moves at just the right pace, with three 5-minute scenes that rush like rollercoasters to keep action fans happy.
The characters are endearing. Ron Weasley, in particular, will steal more than a few scenes with his vulnerability and awkward willfullness. Doby the elf is an impish addition to the Potter gang. Lord Malfoy is absolutely loathsome, and Hermione is even more likeable in this installment. I particularly appreciated that the three protagonists are all older and more adolescent in this film, with deeper voices and more texture to their faces.
High point for me: the Quidditch match was particularly exciting to watch! I would rank that scene close to the Star Wars 1 speeder race through the Tattoine desert for chills and spills.
Word of warning to parents: Kloves has written in many darker and harsher elements to this story, including bloody animals, vicious reptilian monsters, and pickled heads. There are some jump-in-your-seat scenes that would not be good for children under 10. Please read your children carefully before choosing to take them to this exciting film.
Grown-up Potter Fans: you are bound to enjoy this. Go see it now.

9 kernels of popcorn out of 10.