Better than the first.

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2002)

'Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone', being the first in a series, suffered from the problem of exposition: by having to explain the rules and denizens of an all-new world it left its own plots and thrills to be short-changed. On its own, it just didn't pack enough punch.
The second movie in the series, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets', doesn't have that problem. It can get rolling from the first frames right on through into the thrilling climax sequences, and benefits greatly from the familiarity. We already know who the characters are, we've already seen most of Hogwart's School, and we have an idea of what to expect. Director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves, adapting this book as closely and faithfully as they did the first one, don't let us down. High adventure and high drama unfold on the screen.
There are changes. First and foremost are the physical changes in the young cast members, most notably in the boys. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron) and Tom Felton (Harry's nemesis Draco) all have grown like weeds and had their voices drop into that grainy in-between range that hits all teenaged boys. For some, especially Felton, the growth spurts help their performances (Draco Malfoy is now a lot taller and even more sinister. He's no longer a kid playing at being nasty - he just is.). Emma Watson (Hermione) doesn't have as drastic a change, but she does seem more comfortable in her role. Given a part that swings wildly from sedate to obnoxious, she has reined in her extremes far better than she did in 'Sorceror's Stone'. Radcliffe is also more confident as Harry, though a little uneven in his reactions to his surroundings. Still, as he's in almost every scene, he handles himself quite well. Grint, the best comic actor of the three leads, gets a few chances to show his stuff here, but like Watson, is less a part of the story this time around - it's pretty much Harry's movie.
Returning from the first film are the main adult roles, as well. Alan Rickman (Snape) is as drily dark as ever; Maggie Smith (MacGonagall) and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) return, but have precious little to do in this installment. The late Richard Harris (Dumbledore) is given more depth and substance here - as he will be throughout the series - and is wonderful with his balance of whimsy and wisdom. He'll be sorely missed, and terribly difficult to replace.
New additions on the adult side include the arrogant and narcissitic Godefroy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh, delightfully hamming up every single scene), and Draco's father Lucius Malfoy, a malevolent force of darkness (Jason Isaacs, seeming to enjoy himself almost as much as Branagh). The best thing you can say about the adults is that they all seem to be having a blast doing these pictures, in a way that proves acting is not a chore or a burden - but a ton of fun.
The events in 'Chamber of Secrets' are darker and more dangerous than the first film, as Harry discovers deeper plots than before. There are some scenes that probably aren't appropriate for the really young children in the audience, but most of the older kids have seen much worse in lesser pictures. The event pieces are good thrills and well-executed: best are the flying car hurtling towards Hogwart's; the spider encounter in the Dark Forest, and the penultimate battle with the serpentine basilisk inside the Chamber itself.
It's a fun ride, more focused on the plots and twists than the first film was, though still prone to drawing out the action in the same style as the book. There's not much reason to mess with a good thing, but Columbus will probably take some hits for a lack of originality in his direction. So what? It's still a very enjoyable film, and should satisfy Harry Potter fans quite nicely.