So I saw CHAMBER OF SECRETS last night...

[Mike Sampson]

...and while I'm embargoed to discuss the film in an official forum, I certainly can answer some questions here. Keep in mind, I'm not a huge POTTER aficionado and haven't read any of the books. But if you're curious to know what you're in for, let the question asking begin.

MS

[The Other]

Well, I guess this question was obviously going to be asked...

If you've see the first HARRY POTTER flick, do you think THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS is better? Or about the same? or.... Heaven forbid worse?

Just a simple question...it couldn't hurt the embargo thingamajig...

[dh1989]

HOLY SHIT! Okay sorry. Man you are so lucky. I have a lot of questions. I'd be overjoyed if could answer some questions.

1. How was Dobby The House Elf? Was he funny?
2. Did Aragog the spider look good?
3. Did Fawkes the phoenix look okay?
4. Was Knockturn Alley creepy?
5. How was Arthur Weasley?
6. Was Ginny Weasley cute?
7. Was the basilisk(giant snake) scary?
8. How was Tom Riddle?
9. Was there a Deathday Party for Nearly Headless Nick?
10. Did Harry set-off a firework in Snape's class.
11. How did the film begin? What was the first scene? Did Harry's scar light up like in the first film? Was there a flashback to the first film?

Oh man I am so excited. Mike you are the luckiest man on Earth.

[The Other]

I know you mean well dh1989, but do you really think Mike knows what you are talking about using names and such?! :D ;)

[sleekproductions]

How was Lucius Malfoy? Was He Scary?
Overall, Did you like the movie?
What would you give it out of 10?
dlh1989 pretty much stole all of my other questions. He beat me too it. Bastard! Ham just kidding.

[dh1989]

I have a few more.

-Why does Harry fall out of the flying car while over the train?
-Was there a rouge bludger chasing Harry during the Quidditch match.
-When does Draco say "you'll never catch me Potter"? Is it during the Quidditch match or the scene where Ron belches slugs?
-Does Hagrid grow giant pumpkins in the film?
-Where does the film end? On the train or something?
-Do we see a sign that reads "her bones will lay in the chamber forever" or do we just hear about it?
-Do we see a young Hagrid in the diary scene?
-Are you going to write a full review(I HOPE SO :)).


Thankx

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by The Other
If you've see the first HARRY POTTER flick, do you think THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS is better? Or about the same? or.... Heaven forbid worse?


I didn't see the first but my wife is a big POTTER freak and she was with me. I asked her (cause she's seen the first about 5 times) and she said CHAMBER is much better. Her explanation was that the first film, while enjoyable, had to spend too much time setting up Harry and his saga. This one had the privilege of having all that behind it and could focus more on the story. If that makes sense.... But a trusted HARRY POTTER devotee said much better.

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by dh1989
HOLY SHIT! Okay sorry. Man you are so lucky. I have a lot of questions. I'd be overjoyed if could answer some questions.

1. How was Dobby The House Elf? Was he funny?
2. Did Aragog the spider look good?
3. Did Fawkes the phoenix look okay?
4. Was Knockturn Alley creepy?
5. How was Arthur Weasley?
6. Was Ginny Weasley cute?
7. Was the basilisk(giant snake) scary?
8. How was Tom Riddle?
9. Was there a Deathday Party for Nearly Headless Nick?
10. Did Harry set-off a firework in Snape's class.
11. How did the film begin? What was the first scene? Did Harry's scar light up like in the first film? Was there a flashback to the first film?

Oh man I am so excited. Mike you are the luckiest man on Earth.

Before I start, let me just warn you that I'm answering these questions as in detail as possible. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!

1. Sometimes funny. Not Jar-Jar annoying, that's for sure (although the need to refer to himself in the 3rd person grew old quick). His role is somewhat limited. 3 scenes maybe.
2. Yeah that was a creepy scene. Not just the big spider but his legion of spiders in the forest. Suspenseful. As for how the spider looked, the way they handled was the spider just poked its head and four legs above a ledge and spoke. You didn't see the full body. But plenty of close ups of its creepy eyes.
3. Umm...it was OK. Some scenes looked better than others. It seemed like in some parts it looked very muppet-esque but in others (when it was more CGI animated) it looked better and more fluid. Very colorful though.
4. No not really. They don't spend much time there at all.
5. That's Ron's dad? He wasn't in very much. Has one scene at the Weasley house where they eat breakfast and he's supposed to be angry at Ron for taking the flying car but more interested in how well his invention worked. Another when he comes face-to-face with Lucious Malfoy in a bookstore and they exchange unpleasantries.
6. Not really. I did however notice Hermione got a bit cuter from what I saw of her in the first film. (On a side note: Moaning Myrtle = ANNOYING!)
7. It actually was a bit scary. I felt bad for people who brought their kids only to have them scared out of their minds. It provides one really good jump and a few other quick startles. Convincing CGI work.
8. The actor who played Tom was pretty good actually. I'm not sure how big his role was in the book, but in the movie he has two scenes. One in the middle when Harry flashes back with Tom to the last time the Chamber was opened and then, of course, the finale. A good villain.
9. Nope. He had maybe 10 seconds of screen time in this one.
10. Not that I remember. The only interaction I remember with Snape and magic is a duel between Draco and Harry where Snape interferes.
11. The WB logo comes up through the clouds (we're flying through the clouds now) and then the HARRY POTTER logo. It's an overhead shot of London and we close in on the Dursley house. Harry's in his room and he talks to his owl (whose name escapes me) about how he misses his friends but they never write. This leads into the scene where Harry is to remain in his room while the Dursley's have guests. Of course Dobby comes and causes trouble. No flashbacks, no scar, nothing like that.

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by sleekproductions
How was Lucius Malfoy? Was He Scary?
Overall, Did you like the movie?
What would you give it out of 10?
dlh1989 pretty much stole all of my other questions. He beat me too it. Bastard! Ham just kidding.

Lucious was good, if not a bit stereotypical. Had there been a moustache, assured there would've been much twisting. But I understand that's the character so it didn't bother me. I really like the actor who plays him. You really kind of hate his character.

I did like it although it dragged slightly in parts. But that's coming from a HARRY novice. The little inclusions meant for big fans were lost on me so I was more worried about moving the plot along. If I had to give it a grade, I would say 7/10. (But I caution that my wife, who is a huge fan, would grade it MUCH higher. And the audience really seemed to dig it, applauding in various places.)

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by dh1989
I have a few more.

-Why does Harry fall out of the flying car while over the train?
-Was there a rouge bludger chasing Harry during the Quidditch match.
-When does Draco say "you'll never catch me Potter"? Is it during the Quidditch match or the scene where Ron belches slugs?
-Does Hagrid grow giant pumpkins in the film?
-Where does the film end? On the train or something?
-Do we see a sign that reads "her bones will lay in the chamber forever" or do we just hear about it?
-Do we see a young Hagrid in the diary scene?
-Are you going to write a full review(I HOPE SO :)).


Thankx

1. If I remember correctly it's just because Ron takes a really sharp turn. They were on the tracks and the train snuck up behind them. Ron swerves to get out of the way and Harry falls out.
2. Yup.
3. I don't particularly remember but I'm guessing Quidditch cause they have a lengthy chase scene during the first match. The slug belching was more of a result of Draco insulting Hermione. Harry didn't do much in that scene.
4. Nope.
5. The film ends in the cafeteria (for lack of proper terminology) with Dumbledore giving props to Hagrid, who's just arrived following his release from Azkaban. The students and staff (minus Draco and cronies) all clap.
6. You see the blood on the wall. I think it actually says "her skeleton" not her bones. Bones might've been too graphic.
7. Yes and no. You see his body, but he's shadowed, so no face.
8. Nah. I'm not good at writing film reviews and besides, WB would hang me up by toes and skin me alive.

[dh1989]

I forgot four questions. I am really sorry Mike, but I just love Potter and I cannot wait to see this flick.


1. Does Prof. McGonagall(Maggie Smith) run on to the Quidditch field to cancel a match before Harry and Ron find out Hermione has been petrified?
2. How do Harry, Ron, and Hermione find the cat petrified? In the novel, it was after a Deathday Party. Are they like coming from dinner or something when Harry hears the voice.
3. Does Lockhart take all the bones out of Harry's arm? What does the hand look like?
4. Does Prof. Flitwick(a very short teacher) do anything in this film?

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by dh1989
I forgot four questions. I am really sorry Mike, but I just love Potter and I cannot wait to see this flick.


1. Does Prof. McGonagall(Maggie Smith) run on to the Quidditch field to cancel a match before Harry and Ron find out Hermione has been petrified?
2. How do Harry, Ron, and Hermione find the cat petrified? In the novel, it was after a Deathday Party. Are they like coming from dinner or something when Harry hears the voice.
3. Does Lockhart take all the bones out of Harry's arm? What does the hand look like?
4. Does Prof. Flitwick(a very short teacher) do anything in this film?

Not a problem, that's what I'm here for.

1. Yup.
2. Harry is leaving detention with Lockhart when he finds Ron and Hermione and they stumble upon it. They're just walking the halls. No mention of a Deathday Party.
3. Yeah, a funny scene. I'm not sure if it was prosthetic or what but it looked pretty convincing. It just flopped around and Lockhart kept fooling with it.
4. Nothing except stand around in the background.

[The Other]

Man, dh1989, don't you want some things to be a surprise?! LOL.

[scabbers9]

Hello mr Sampson!!
please would you be so kind as to anwser these questions for me..

1, Did Hermione hug Ron aswell as Harry after she was petrified?
2. what was Ginny's (Ron's sister) voice like? (sorry i know it's a weird question)
3. did you get the impression that Ron really fancied Hermione in this film?
4. Who was your favourite character??

thankyou soooooooooooooo much!!:D

[dh1989]

Do they explain why Harry has his own bedroom? In the first novel, Harry gets his own room, but in the first film he never gets this. In the trailers I see Harry talks to Dobby in a bedroom not a cupboard. Is there any reason given why Harry has his own room?

[dh1989]

Originally posted by The Other
Man, dh1989, don't you want some things to be a surprise?! LOL. Nah

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by scabbers9
Hello mr Sampson!!
please would you be so kind as to anwser these questions for me..

1, Did Hermione hug Ron aswell as Harry after she was petrified?
2. what was Ginny's (Ron's sister) voice like? (sorry i know it's a weird question)
3. did you get the impression that Ron really fancied Hermione in this film?
4. Who was your favourite character??

thankyou soooooooooooooo much!!:D

yes I would...

1. Nope. She goes to, stops, smiles and sticks out her hand instead....
2. Gee, I don't remember. She doesn't say a whole lot.
3. Not at all.
4. Lockhart. Kenneth Branagh did a great job.

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by dh1989
Do they explain why Harry has his own bedroom? In the first novel, Harry gets his own room, but in the first film he never gets this. In the trailers I see Harry talks to Dobby in a bedroom not a cupboard. Is there any reason given why Harry has his own room?

No explanation given. But yeah, Dobby appears in his bedroom, jumping on his bed.

[Horror whore]

1- Overall, how was Quidditch handeled?
2- How was Harry (Daniel Radcliffe)? He was my biggest pet peeve about the first, I don't really think he did too good.
3- Would you nominate it for any Oscars?
4- How was Snape (Alan Rickman)?
5- How was the "Dueling Club" scene?

[dh1989]

When Harry puts the snake tooth into Riddle's diary, how does Riddle disapear? Does he fall to dust or turn to smoke? Maybe blow up?


Does Ron's bedroom at the Weasley home have walls covered in orange Quidditch posters?

Does Hermione turn into a feline? Does it look good?

Did you like Colin Creevey?

Do we meet the Hogwarts librarian?

Do they tell about Percy(Ron's older, mature brother) having a girlfriend?

Does Fawkes cry on Harry during the final battle in the chamber of secrets?

Is there any mention of Halloween? A Halloween feast?

Do Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley have a fist fight in a book store?

Is petrified Hermione clutching a piece of paper explaining about basilisks(giant snakes)?

While at Ron's house, do they de-gnome a garden?

Are Fred and George Weasley with Ron as Harry is rescued from Privet Drive and his nasty aunt and uncle?

Is there a test that Lockhart gives consisting of questions like "What is Lockhart's favorite color"?

Does Lockhart saying anything funny after his memory is erased?

When Hagrid is arrested is there man named Cornelius Fudge(Minister of Magic) there?

Is there a scene between Lockhart and Hagrid?

Does Lockhart ever decorate the school for Valentine's Day and does Harry recieve a valentine?

In the film do they spell it Tom Riddle or Tom Riddell?

During the chamber finale, does Fawkes scratch the snake's eyes and is there a sorting hat there?

Does Monaning Myrtle ever hint that she might fancy Harry?

Do they ever enter Gringott Goblin Bank in this film?

Could you explain what Floo Powder looks like when Harry is flying around inside the fire places?

Do they ever mention an owl named Hermes?

Does Ron's wand do anything else other than make him belch slugs?

Is The Whomping Willow cool?

Does the Gryffindor Quidditch captain ever wake up Harry very early?

What was your favorite part of this film?

[Horror whore]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaamn, dh!

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by Horror whore
1- Overall, how was Quidditch handeled?
2- How was Harry (Daniel Radcliffe)? He was my biggest pet peeve about the first, I don't really think he did too good.
3- Would you nominate it for any Oscars?
4- How was Snape (Alan Rickman)?
5- How was the "Dueling Club" scene?

1. One scene. Ball chases Draco chases Harry chases little gold ball with wings.
2. He was very good I thought.
3. Possibly technical but majors? No.
4. I'm a huge Rickman fan so he was enjoyable. Didn't have much to work with though.
5. Good

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Horror whore
Daaaaaaaaaaaaamn, dh!

I know! :( It is just I have been waiting all year for this. CoS is one of my fav books of all-time and I need to know everything! Okay sorry. :) :) My name is dh1989 and I have a big problem. I tried to think of yes or no questions.

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by dh1989
When Harry puts the snake tooth into Riddle's diary, how does Riddle disapear? Does he fall to dust or turn to smoke? Maybe blow up?


Does Ron's bedroom at the Weasley home have walls covered in orange Quidditch posters?

Does Hermione turn into a feline? Does it look good?

Did you like Colin Creevey?

Do we meet the Hogwarts librarian?

Do they tell about Percy(Ron's older, mature brother) having a girlfriend?

Does Fawkes cry on Harry during the final battle in the chamber of secrets?

Is there any mention of Halloween? A Halloween feast?

Do Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley have a fist fight in a book store?

Is petrified Hermione clutching a piece of paper explaining about basilisks(giant snakes)?

While at Ron's house, do they de-gnome a garden?

Are Fred and George Weasley with Ron as Harry is rescued from Privet Drive and his nasty aunt and uncle?

Is there a test that Lockhart gives consisting of questions like "What is Lockhart's favorite color"?

Does Lockhart saying anything funny after his memory is erased?

When Hagrid is arrested is there man named Cornelius Fudge(Minister of Magic) there?

Is there a scene between Lockhart and Hagrid?

Does Lockhart ever decorate the school for Valentine's Day and does Harry recieve a valentine?

In the film do they spell it Tom Riddle or Tom Riddell?

During the chamber finale, does Fawkes scratch the snake's eyes and is there a sorting hat there?

Does Monaning Myrtle ever hint that she might fancy Harry?

Do they ever enter Gringott Goblin Bank in this film?

Could you explain what Floo Powder looks like when Harry is flying around inside the fire places?

Do they ever mention an owl named Hermes?

Does Ron's wand do anything else other than make him belch slugs?

Is The Whomping Willow cool?

Does the Gryffindor Quidditch captain ever wake up Harry very early?

What was your favorite part of this film?

Holy crap....OK, here we go:

1. Sort of explodes. Light bursts out of the stab areas.
2. No look at Ron's room.
3. Yes but briefly. Looks pretty good.
4.
5. No
6. No
7. Yes
8. No. But Christmas, yes.
9. No, but they exchange unpleasantries.
10. Yes
11. No
12. Yes
13. No, but that would've been pretty funny.
14. Yeah, Lockhart is the highlight of the film
15. Yes
16. Not that I remember
17. No
18. Riddle
19. Yes and yes.
20. Not verbally but she does "flirt," for lack of a better word, with Harry
21. No
22. Well you don't see him fly around. It basically just looks like ash. They stand in the fireplace, toss the powder on the ground and disappear in a burst of green flame.
23. Don't think so
24. Yeah but I'm having trouble remembering what. I know he tries to turn a rat into a goblet and it only works halfway. The goblet is furry with tail.
25. It was cool. I think it scared a few kids in the audience.
26. No
27. From when they entered the Chamber on to the end.

PHEW!

[dh1989]

THANKS MIKE SAMPSON! That is all I wanted to know. I am not worthy to look upon you. :) Once again thanks.

[ak]

Mike. I wonder if you'd be so kind as to answer my single question:

I've heard the tone shifts somewhat in the next few chapters of the story, and, seeing how the first film felt heavily atmospheric, was there any change in the atmosphere in this film, or was it mostly the same? (If you could, tell me which scene you thought had the most atmosphere).
Thanks a lot.

[Mike Sampson]

Originally posted by ak
Mike. I wonder if you'd be so kind as to answer my single question:

I've heard the tone shifts somewhat in the next few chapters of the story, and, seeing how the first film felt heavily atmospheric, was there any change in the atmosphere in this film, or was it mostly the same? (If you could, tell me which scene you thought had the most atmosphere).
Thanks a lot.

Gee, I dunno. I didn't see the first film so any comparisons would be tough. As I said before though, I thought the scenes in the actualy Chamber of Secrets were the strongest.

[dh1989]

Did you have to be invited to this screening or is it free for all? Was it packed(sold out)?

[JoBlo]

Sorry folks, but as it turns out, we misunderstood Warner Bros' embargo details on this film screening.

We thought that we weren't allowed to put up an "official review" of the film, but could discuss it on our movie board (in a question format such as this thread), but as per the WB's phone call to me a few minutes ago...this too is a no-no, so we apologize for this inconvenience, and certainly apologize to WB for the miscommunication.

I guess we will all have to wait until opening day for more on this one.

This thread is now closed. Sorry.