Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Thoughts & Reviews

[dh1989]

http://www.mantissa.org/~lcauldron/images/2002/10/TrioOutside2.jpg

Plot: Harry Potter has completed his first year of lessons at Hogwarts, a school for young witches and wizards. He has returned to Privet Drive and is not having a fun summer. He has to deal with his Aunt and Uncle, who fear his magical powers and treat him like dirt, and their spoiled son Dudley who has a favorite sport: bullying Harry. A few weeks before Harry must take the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4, he is visited by a strange creature(a House-Elf) named Dobby, who is forced to serve one family and one house for his entire life. Dobby tells Harry that he will be in great danger if he returns to Hogwarts. Dobby says someone, or something, is planning to do dark deeds at the magic school and Harry is to important to loose to the evil force. Harry refuses to comply and Dobby takes desperate measures. He does great damage to Harry's aunt's pudding and the Dursleys become quite angry. They lock him in his bedroom and refuse to let him return to Hogwarts. Harry is rescued by his best friends Ron, Fred, and George Weasley, with the help of a flying car!, and taken to the Weasley home(a place bursting with strange magical happenings). When Harry and Ron go to King's Cross Station and try to get into Platform 9 3/4, they cannot get through! The barrier, usually wizards can walk thorugh it, is sealed and hard as stone. Harry and Ron decide to use the flying car to get to Hogwarts. They arrive, but not happily. They crash into a Whomping Willow and are beaten up by the tree. When they enter the school, beaten and bruised, they are caught by Severus Snape, the Potions teacher who loathes Harry. Snape calls for their expulsion, but the headmaster gives them another chance. Now that Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts, Dobby's warning comes true. His second year is not going well. There is a new teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart, a vain and pompus man who loves to sign autographs and stare at his own portrait. He also claims to be a great Dark Magic defense fighter, but Harry notices most of his spells are useless and do not work. Lockhart is also quite stupid, as he sets devilish blighters called Pixies loose on the class that ends up with students attacked and property destroyed. Harry must deal with the unwanted crush of Ron's little sister, Ginny. Harry has to deal with Colin Creevey, a boy who likes to take Harry's photo. There is Moaning Myrtle, a depressed ghost who haunts a toilet. Harry's best friends Ron and Hermione also have troubles. Ron has an attack of burping slugs. Hermione has a feline problem after taking a dangerous potion. Though this all seems miniscule when the real trouble begins. Hogwarts students are turning up frozen, and stone-like, all over the school. A message reads that the evil Heir of Slytherin has returned and is doing the evil deed. Is it tied to a mysterious diary from the 50's? Is Hagrid, the lovable game keeper, involved because his mysterious past is finally revealed. Could it be tied to Draco Malfoy, a rascist enemy of Harry's who is in Slytherin house? All of the clues come together and lead up to a terrifying final battle in the chamber, itself!

I am terribly excited for this film. The original is my favorite movie of all time and the sequel looks even better. I have read the novel and it is exciting, scary, and funny. The effects in this movie look wonderful and very real. The movie is much more violent than the original and features many scares and jumps. I will see this film nine times opening weekend and plan to enjoy it every time. I think it will end up being my favorite film of all-time and I cannot wait to see what treasures the crew and cast have in store for us!

[The Other]

I am very excited about seeing this as well. I loved the first film and I've read books 1-3 (haven't read the fourth yet), this is likely to be better than the first which I rated about a 9/10, maybe even a 10/10. I can't wait (it's my most anticipated film of the year).

[Horror whore]

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/images/2002/10/Quidditch2.jpg

I can't wait! This is my most anticipated movie of the year (probably the most I've ever anticipated a movie). I CAN'T WAIT! November 15th won't come quick enough! I plan on skipping school and going to the first showing of the day and probably go again that night... Only 12 more days!

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/images/2002/10/slugs2.jpg

[B-ball Dude]

Sniff Sniff.... I smell an early post thats going to be closed soon.

[Horror whore]

Originally posted by B-ball Dude
Sniff Sniff.... I smell an early post thats going to be closed soon.

Theres only 12 days left and since it will most definitley be the biggest movie of November why not let it stay open since the thread was only opened 2 days early...

[dh1989]

Originally posted by B-ball Dude
Sniff Sniff.... I smell an early post thats going to be closed soon.

I have sent a PM to idealdiscountdude and I lost his PM, but I had already written down that 12 days or less is the right time to post one of these. There is enough interest in CoS for this to sustain that short time, Home Alone 4 I am not so sure about.

P.S. Do you need a tissue?

[idealdiscountdude]

I'm friggin' ecstatic that Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets opens in a mere 12 days!!!!

Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone was my favorite film of last year, and all 4 of the novels are some of the most engaging and fun pieces of literature I have ever read.

I can only hope that CoS is as great as Philosophers Stone.

Im seeing it opening day (Nov 15th @ 12 Noon - first showing)

On a side note, like Spiderman, and the upcoming LOTR installment, the hype on this film is huge. And like dh1989 said, this thread has enough stamina to sustain the next 12 days before it opens.

However, I strongly encourage that everybody should still post in and check out the Harry Potter Forum in the Upcoming Movie Talk Forum.

Link to the Harry Potter Forum in the Upcoming Movie Talk Forum: http://www.joblo.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=43

[dh1989]

Originally posted by idealdiscountdude

I can only hope that CoS is as great as Philosophers Stone.




Early word says it is even better. I do not how that can be possible! The original was simply amazing. :)

[dh1989]

Originally posted by idealdiscountdude

However, I strongly encourage that everybody should still post in and check out the Harry Potter Forum in the Upcoming Movie Talk Forum.

Link to the Harry Potter Forum in the Upcoming Movie Talk Forum: http://www.joblo.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=43

Thanks for the nod ideal! You should come over. It is run by one cool dude who is really popular and everyone loves him. His username is......dh1989. Okay I had to say that! I may have a bigger ego than Lockhart. :)

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by dh1989
Thanks for the nod ideal! You should come over. It is run by one cool dude who is really popular and everyone loves him. His username is......dh1989. Okay I had to say that! I may have a bigger ego than Lockhart. :)

Haha.

I have checke dit out a few times, but haven't really had the time to post.

However, as you notice tonight I have been going "post" crazy, so I'll be over dude! ;)

(Im procrastinating from studying for my LAW Exam.....ughhhh)

[dh1989]

http://www.latinoreview.com/moviereviews/2002/hp2cos/images/hp21.jpg

Is anyone going to an early screening? I am aware that there are many in like ten cities around America. You have to win passes, I was wondering if we have any lucky schmoes.

http://www.latinoreview.com/moviereviews/2002/hp2cos/images/hp29.jpg

[dh1989]

http://www.mantissa.org/~lcauldron/images/2002/10/Herbology22.jpg

Now it is only eleven days away. That sounds so unreal. 11/15 is so close! WOO-HOO! :)

http://www.mantissa.org/~lcauldron/images/2002/10/HagridKnockturn2.jpg

[Strider]

I'm also looking very much forward to seeing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. So far, it's my fav book in the series. Anyway, the movie should be a lot of fun... I'll be there on opening weekend!

Strider

[idealdiscountdude]

Moderator Bump!

[dh1989]

This film just had its world premeire. All the actors and crew were there and it was very cool. At the end they dedicated it to the late Richard Harris, the legendary thespian who has one of his last roles as Albus Dumbledore,the kind and wise headmaster of Hogwarts, in this film(I believe his last role is a small British film this December). Clips should go up tommorow on the official Potter site.

[Nate6]

Cool! It was wonderful of them to dedicate it to Richard Harris, a terrific actor who will be greatly missed. Can't wait for 11/15!

[EDsoulsurvive*]

i think that this is going to be a terrific movie, and i hope it can live up to it's predecessor. i definitely would have the feeling that it is better (from ads and commercials) but this book was my least fav. out of the series. w/e im stillin hopin for a kickass time next weekend!!

[Mike]

I didn't want to see HARRY POTTER, I'm really not into the fantasy genre and I find things going in one ear and out the other with them. So I was shocked as hell at how much I got into the first one. I was really entertained and it was like I was a kid again. It was such a magical movie. I really want to see the next one and I would love to see it in theaters but I have to find someone to see it with first. I'm not sure if I want to go opening weekend though or not because there's going to be LONG lines and HUGE sellouts, but I might just end up going and waiting in one of those lines ;)...

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
I didn't want to see HARRY POTTER, I'm really not into the fantasy genre and I find things going in one ear and out the other with them. So I was shocked as hell at how much I got into the first one. I was really entertained and it was like I was a kid again. It was such a magical movie. I really want to see the next one and I would love to see it in theaters but I have to find someone to see it with first. I'm not sure if I want to go opening weekend though or not because there's going to be LONG lines and HUGE sellouts, but I might just end up going and waiting in one of those lines ;)...

Mike used the perfect line to describe the first film in my opinion.

Quote: "It was such a magical movie."

Passed the great performances, effects, storyline, etc. I just loved the magical atmosphere. Things like moving paintings, The Forbidden Forest, Quidditch, Owl Post, etc. And the magical characters like Argus Filch, Dumbledore, Snape, Nearly Headless Nick, etc. It all came together and made a move filled with magical sparks.

I really love the big lines. It is great with all the people dressed up as wizards and saying "Wingardium Leviosa". I really get into the spirit of things and makes the movies even cooler.

http://www.mantissa.org/~lcauldron/images/2002/10/BabyFawkes2.jpg

http://www.mantissa.org/~lcauldron/images/2002/10/HarryRonSnape2.jpg

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[Mike]

I agree! Behind all of the special effects and costumes the movie just had this magical spirit that made it really enjoyable, it was like being carried away into another world --- now that is what a fantasy movie should be...

[dh1989]

What scene is everyone looking forward to?

After careful consideration, I can safely say I really want to see The Rogue Bludger. The Quidditch scenes look more real and more violent. I think that scene is going to be a bloody brilliant action sequence. I also want to see The Whomping Willow and Dobby visiting Harry in the Hospital Wing. And of course, the Chamber itself!

[Jedi]

I am very excited about this one. The first was amazing because of the brilliant story mostly. And this one's story is even better.
I wonder how it will make on opening weekend. I hope it beats the first movie. I'm hoping it could beat Spider-Man too.

[Jedi]

Originally posted by dh1989
What scene is everyone looking forward to?

After careful consideration, I can safely say I really want to see The Rogue Bludger. The Quidditch scenes look more real and more violent. I think that scene is going to be a bloody brilliant action sequence. I also want to see The Whomping Willow and Dobby visiting Harry in the Hospital Wing. And of course, the Chamber itself!

The whole lot of the movie :) but I am mainly excited to see Harry and Ron flying the Ford Anglia (and the Whomping Willow). The polyjuice potion. And certainly the chamber of secrets.

[dh1989]

ONLY TEN DAYS LEFT!!!!!! :)

[silentasylum]

i read the first book and when i saw the movie it seemed like i was watching it for the second time, i have read the chamber of secrets and thought it was pretty cool,too
theres definetly more happening in the second book.more escapes, more characters.

dont worry i wont ruin the ending.

[Congerking]

you better not, cause if you do, im going to trace your IP and hunt you down and cut your head off. LOL, j/k.

[dh1989]

Yeah CoS has a really great ending! What happens is.....do you really think I'd spoil it?

[Horror whore]

The earliest I can see CoS is Sunday the 17th! I'm going to die waiting! Oh well, I might have to go by myself the first time I see it...

Anyways, my most anticipated scene is definitley Quidditch. With improved effects and more action I'm sure Quidditch from the second film will blow the scene from the first out of the water... That or the entire chamber of secrets scene... Won't say anymore so I don't spoil anything...

[Strider]

Originally posted by dh1989
What scene is everyone looking forward to?

Hmm... I'm gonna with the Chamber of Secrets itself, that's gonna kick some ass!

Strider

[sleekproductions]

The board should know by now that I love HP, so it is obvious I am counting the seconds until the relase of this film. That's pretty much all I can see...


10 days!

[dh1989]

In case you guys and girls do not visit the T.V. watch in the Harry Potter upcoming forum, HBO will be airing a first look of Chamber of Secrets tonight at 10:15 PM Eastern Time and will air again several times. Visit HBO.com for more times. It looks very good!

[blankpage]

Originally posted by dh1989
What scene is everyone looking forward to?



Every scene!!

Yo I am so there opening day.Like last year,I am going to get my tickets in adavnce and skip school,and go with a buddy.I am a HUGE Potter fan,and The Chamber of Secrets is my fav of the series. It will be great to see Richard Harris(RIP) in his final film.Which should be a memorable one.I am sooo looking forward to this film.

I might even take me blue flying car...I mean(damn they know!)

[dh1989]

Only 9 days left chaps!

[the movie guy]

I'm a sucker for seeing in the theatre any movie that's this big, but I don't really care about the Harry Potter franchise. I'll see it opening weekend, but I ain't going the first day.

Sorcerer's Stone = B (first viewing) C+ (second)

[dh1989]

This is an interview with Tom Felton, who plays Malfoy in CoS......

Nickelodeon Magazine: How did you get in the mood to play such a nasty guy?

Tom Felton: I thought about all kinds of stuff my brothers used to do. Usual brotherly stuff. It makes you get angry and a bit nastier.

What was the mood like on the set, compared to the first Harry Potter movie?

It was a lot more friendly, because half the cast was in the first one. And there's a new story line, so it was something a bit different.

What was it like to see the first movie for the first time?

It was mad [wild]. You've got all these pictures inside your head of what it's going to be like, and then you see it and they've made it two hundred times better. It makes all the early mornings worthwhile.

Did you work with any animals for the movie?

Yes. In one scene I had a gecko. It was fine for the first five takes. I was happy holding it. The person sitting next to me, who plays Goyle, had a foot-long centipede crawling near him. He was absolutely terrified of it and kept poking it with his wand. I kept laughing. And then, after the sixth take, the gecko bit me. I thought it didn't have teeth, but it does have something. I thought, well, I'm not touching that again!

[blankpage]

I just want to make sure I am not the only one who sleeps with a Harry Potter pilow case,blanket,and bed sheet.

....folks.....

[dh1989]

Only 7 days left!

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/28937/1011/2571834_main.jpg

[dh1989]

Only six days left! This weekend across the UK there are going to be screenings of CoS open to the public, so we should be getting some Schmoe reviews very soon.

[Jedi]

Originally posted by dh1989
Only six days left! This weekend across the UK there are going to be screenings of CoS open to the public, so we should be getting some Schmoe reviews very soon.

Early word-of-mouth makes me wait for some really excellent reviews. This one could be even better than the first film. I'm hoping for more Oscar nods in the major firelds.
Though I know it's a very far possibility.. :)

[dh1989]

I am hoping for some BIG nominations like for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Richard Harris or Kenneth Branagh.

[Horror whore]

Originally posted by dh1989
I am hoping for some BIG nominations like for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Richard Harris or Kenneth Branagh.

I HIGHLY DOUBT it will be nominated for Best Picture. A Best Supporting Actor nomination isn't out of the question for Richard Harris though....

[dh1989]

I can hope.........:(

[dh1989]

Only four days left! Did any UK'ers catch the special screenings this weekend.

[ANTBond007]

There's a screening here Tuesday, which shouldn't be too much trouble for me to get into. I'll post my review either that night or Wednesday.

And dh, there's no bloody way Chamber of Secrets will get nominations like that - not with the competition this year. Though Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite actors.

[dh1989]

They could give a nomination out of respect for the late Richard Harris and I am sure his performance will be top-notch.

[ANTBond007]

Harris' performance in Sorcerer's Stone was rather ho-hum, and I'm not expecting much more in Chamber of Secrets.

[The Other]

Here's part of a review I read over at Lee's Movie Info (www.leesmovieinfo.com). It's quite interesting:

"While I plan to refrain from giving away much in my review, I will say that the first hour of the film is mainly setup and that the last 90+ minutes of the film delivers. The cast is solid and the additions of Kenneth Branagh and Jason Isaacs round out an ensemble cast made even better by the grace and charm of the late Richard Harris, and the humor and charm of Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid.

I do want to stress that this new Potter adventure is much darker and scarier than the previous installment. Parents may want to think twice about taking younger children to see this film, as more than one child had to be taken from the screening as they were not prepared for a darker and scarier Harry Potter film. That being said, if you loved the first film, then The Chamber of Secrets will have you swept away in its magic as it weaves a spell of mystery, suspense, humor, action, and effects and conjures up a true classic for all ages."

:D

[Senefra]

Well from what I've been hearing in early reviews, this is one I am hoping to see opening day!

If any of you remember seeing "Young Sherlock Homes"(coincidently, written by Chris Columbus, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Barry Levinson), you can see influences from this film on the current Potter films, especially the look and feel of the series. Filmed in Oxford, England and Oxford University, it was also the first feature film to have a completely CGI character (the knight coming out of the stained glass window).

http://www.gocollect.com/images/MoviePosters/200/mp03700.jpg

http://www.mindspring.com/~lychelle/movies/images/young1.gif

Based on the classic characters from the mystery series written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "Young Sherlock Holmes" tells how Sherlock Holmes and the soon to be Dr. John Watson meet as boys in an English Boarding school. Holmes is known for his deductive ability even as a youth, amazing his classmates and instructors with his abilities. When they discover a plot to murder a series of British business men by an Egyptian cult, they move to stop it. Be sure to look out for other characters from the series including Lestrade and Moriarty, initially introduced under a different character but later revealed in the final credits as Holmes soon to be lifelong arch nemesis.

In essence, I'm sure there will be parrallels between scenes from "Chamber of Secrets" and that film, and I for one cannot wait to find out what they are... ;)

[malcolm1980]

I saw it. (See my brief review in the Upcoming Movies Harry Potter Section). It opened two days earlier than the US and UK release over here in Manila. Go figure.

Anyway, I think it's BETTER than the first. Kenneth Branagh was good but not quite good enough for a Supporting Actor Oscar.

The Oscar nominations this film may get are: Cinematography (Roger Pratt's cinematography is notable), Sound, Sound Editing, Visual Effects and Art Direction.

[Congerking]

"someone" i know downloaded it yesterday. "he" watched it and enjoyed it a lot. it was much better than the first one. there was no setting up the storyline which is associated with the first of all trilogies. it much more gets to the point of the movie without having to explain who everyone is. anyway, I think that this movie will be bigger and better than the first.

[sleekproductions]

TOMMOROWTOMMOROWTOMMOROWTOMMOROWTOMMOROW

I'm a bit excited, can't you see! Just There ^

[blankpage]

All gone...... ;)

[Jason]

Originally posted by blankpage
On November 15th 2002, 3 35 pm I will step out of childhood. And I will be a man! :cool:

Wow, big achievment. I'm stil waiting. :D

[The Other]

I'm seeing it at the first showing tomorrow!

The earliest showing is at 12 noon when kids are at school and I'm gonna see it at that time because I don't have any classes on Fridays and it won't be too crowded because kids will be at school (yes i know Im repeating that but it's true and I won't have to deal with them and it's pretty much the only reason why I'd see it then because I won't have to deal with kids ;) ).

I'm shocked because my local theater NEVER shows movies before 3 p.m. on school days!

YES! :D

[darkface]

JoBlo gave it a 6/10 but i still wanna see it! It looks really cool. Hopefully it brings the child in me like the first one did.

[charliebobo]

Apparently Ebert loved it. Here's his review (his last comment is very promising):

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS / **** (PG)

The first movie was the setup, and this one is the payoff. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" leaves all of the explanations of wizardry behind and plunges quickly into an adventure that's darker and scarier than anything in the first Harry Potter movie. It's also richer: The second in a planned series of seven Potter films is brimming with invention and new ideas, and its Hogwarts School seems to expand and deepen before our very eyes into a world large enough to conceal unguessable secrets.

What's developing here, it's clear, is one of the most important franchises in movie history, a series of films that consolidate all of the advances in computer-aided animation, linked to the extraordinary creative work of J.K. Rowling, who has created a mythological world as grand as "Star Wars," but filled with more wit and humanity. Although the young wizard Harry Potter is nominally the hero, the film remembers the golden age of moviemaking, when vivid supporting characters crowded the canvas. The story is about personalities, personal histories and eccentricity, not about a superstar superman crushing the narrative with his egotistical weight.

In the new movie, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, a little taller and deeper-voiced) returns with his friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson, in the early stages of babehood). They sometimes seem to stand alone amid the alarming mysteries of Hogwarts, where even the teachers, even the august headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), even the learned professors Snape (Alan Rickman) and McGonagall (Maggie Smith), even the stalwart Hagrid the Giant (Robbie Coltrane) seem mystified and a little frightened by the school's dread secrets.

Is there indeed a Chamber of Secrets hidden somewhere in the vast pile of Hogwarts? Can it only be opened by a descendent of Salazar Slytherin, the more sinister of the school's co-founders? Does it contain a monster? Has the monster already escaped, and is it responsible for paralyzing some of the students, whose petrified bodies are found in the corridors, and whose bodies are carried to the infirmary still frozen in a moment of time? Do the answers to these questions originate in events many years ago, when even the ancient Dumbledore was (marginally) younger? And does a diary by a former student named Tom Marvolo Riddle--a book with nothing written in it, but whose pages answer questions in a ghostly handwriting--provide the clues that Harry and his friends need? (Answer to all of the above: Probably.)

This puzzle could be solved in a drab and routine movie with characters wandering down old stone corridors, but one of the pleasures of Chris Columbus' direction of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is how visually alive it is. This is a movie that answers any objection to computer animation with glorious or creepy sights that blend convincingly with the action. Hogwarts itself seems to have grown since the first movie, from a largish sort of country house into a thing of spires and turrets, vast rooms and endlessly convoluted passageways, lecture halls and science labs, with as much hidden below the ground as visible above it. Even the Quiddich game is held in a larger stadium (maybe rich alumni were generous?). There are times, indeed, when the scope of Hogwarts seems to approach that of Gormenghast, the limitless edifice in the trilogy by Mervyn Peake that was perhaps one of Rowling's inspirations.

The production designer is Stuart Craig, returning from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." He has created (there is no other way to put it) a world here, a fully realized world with all the details crowded in, so that even the corners of the screen are intriguing. This is one of the rare recent movies you could happily watch with the sound turned off, just for the joy of his sets, the costumes by Judianna Makovsky and Lindy Hemming, and the visual effects (the Quiddich match seems even more three-dimensional, the characters swooping across the vast field, as Harry finds himself seriously threatened by the odorous Malfoy).

There are three new characters this time, one delightful, one conceited, one malevolent. Professor Sprout (Miriam Margolyes) is on the biology faculty, and teaches a class on the peculiar properties of the mandrake plant, made all the most amusing by students of John Donne who are familiar with the additional symbolism of the mandrake only hinted at in class. The more you know about mandrakes, the funnier Sprout's class is.

She is the delightful addition. The conceited new faculty member, deliciously cast, is Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh), author of the autobiography Magical Me, who thinks of himself as a consummate magician but whose spell to heal Harry's broken arm has unfortunate results. And then there is Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), father of the supercilious Draco, who skulks about as if he should be hated just on general principles.

These characters and plot elements draw together in late action sequences of genuine power, which may be too intense for younger viewers. There is a most alarming confrontation with spiders and a scary late duel with a dragon, and these are handled not as jolly family movie episodes, but with the excitement of a mainstream thriller. While I am usually in despair when a movie abandons its plot for a third act given over entirely to action, I have no problem with the way "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" ends, because it has been pointing toward this ending, hinting about it, preparing us for it, all the way through. What a glorious movie.

[The Other]

Forget it, I'm not seeing it today.

We got there at 11:30 and apparently kids (even little kids) are cutting school today to see it. It's EXTREMELY packed!

One woman got to the ticket counter and said "I've got a busload of 50 kids coming." I was like what the fuck?! And sure enough 5 seconds later a bus pulled up. Apparently no one goes to school anymore.

Damnit! I wanted to see it today, but I won't see it if it's going to be crowded like that. Fuck no! I wanna enjoy the movie not worry about kids kicking the back of my chair and shit.

So I'm going to go on Tuesday.

[idealdiscountdude]

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD





WOW!!

As you all probably know, Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone was my favorite movie of last year (A).

Traditionally with "Sequels", they never live up to the original, however Chris Columbus does not disappoint with Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.

CoS is even better than the first in the series.

Director Chris Columbus has captured the magic of the second novel to a tee and has brought to life this wonderful story.

CoS is a dark, magical, and funny masterpiece of a fantasy film. The entire look and feel to the film is pure utter magic.

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron), and Emma Watson (Hermione) are even better than before. The three give pitch perfect performances in my eyes.

I absolutely loved the planting of the Mandrakes scene with the frumpy and fun Professor Sprout. The scene was filmed magnificently and the Mandrakes were so visually interesting.

The attack of the spiders scene in the Dark Forest was brilliant and The Quidditch scene was even more visually stimulating than in the first film.

I loved every single second of CoS. The film went by so very quickly and I was engaged from the opening scene.

I must say that it is difficult to review this film as I found it to be a masterpiece with hardly any flaws at all. (Technically, my "review" isn't really a review, just a rant on how much I loved the flick)

Harry Potter fans will not be disappointed. CoS is superb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A BIG FAT A!!!!!

My favorite film of 2002 (thus far!)

[dh1989]

Rating: 10/10


A wonderful film. That simply describes what I saw. No film can come close to this one. It is a great experience. First, the film moves wicked fast. I mean the mystery and action is unstoppable, it just keeps on rolling until the extremely insane, final action sequence. The film is a marvel to look at and sit through. The mystery is engaging. Quidditch is faster, darker, and more exciting. The villians are more evil. The spiders are exciting and scary, but that final Chamber of Secrets.....Wow! I am going to stop here, because I cannot write a good review of this film. Just know that I love it. It is my favorite film of all-time. I am going to go see it again, again, and again, for sure.

[dh1989]

SPOILERS BELOW.....

Was anyone else shocked when Ron hit Lockhart over the head with a stone? I was laughing my ass off. Funniest scene in the entire film.

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by dh1989
SPOILERS BELOW.....

Was anyone else shocked when Ron hit Lockhart over the head with a stone? I was laughing my ass off. Funniest scene in the entire film.

Your damn right dh!! I laughed quite loudly! :)

!!!!Potential Spoilers!!!!!!!!!



The other scene that had me in stitches was when Harry was going down into the Chamber of Secrets and Moaning Myrtle states that if he doesn't return, he can share her toilet with her...it was suggestive and very funny and really came out of nowhere IMO. I cant remember it being said in the novel.

[the movie guy]

I watched this extremely slow and annoying film last night, at the 12:03am showing. I got home at 4:20am. (The Pre-Show Countdown and trailers literally lasted about 25 minutes, and the projectionist was 30 minutes late starting them.)

I'll VAGUELY list the parts I liked about the movie (to avoid spoilers)...

1(st and foremost): Kenneth Brannagh
2: Big snake sequence
3: Big spiders sequence
4: The Malfoy family
5: Hermione (who's in it half as much though)
6: Alan Rickman
7: Screaming plant things
8: Maggie Smith
9: Dinner with the Weaslie's
10: Moaning Molly (she was annoying, but creepy too)

That's about it. All the stuff mentioned above means I enjoyed about an hour of the film. The rest of the movie sucked, and dragged on, and on... aaannnndddd on.

C

("Sorcerer's Stone" = C+ )

[I really don't know how ANYONE could say that they thought "LOTR: TFOTR" was boring and a horrible movie, and then jump all over this piece of disappointing shit and say it's "magical" and "fast-paced" and "pure enjoyment". This movie has HALF the action, TWICE the redundancy, TWICE the slowness, and TEN TIMES the annoyingness that "TFOTR" had. How is it a better film?]

(BTW. That little rant was towards Richard Roeper; and Roger Ebert slightly too.) :mad:

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by the movie guy
I watched this extremely slow and annoying film last night, at the 12:03am showing. I got home at 4:20am. (The Pre-Show Countdown and trailers literally lasted about 25 minutes, and the projectionist was 30 minutes late starting them.)

I'll VAGUELY list the parts I liked about the movie (to avoid spoilers)...

1(st and foremost): Kenneth Brannagh
2: Big snake sequence
3: Big spiders sequence
4: The Malfoy family
5: Hermione (who's in it half as much though)
6: Alan Rickman
7: Screaming plant things
8: Maggie Smith
9: Dinner with the Weaslie's
10: Moaning Molly (she was annoying, but creepy too)

That's about it. All the stuff mentioned above means I enjoyed about an hour of the film. The rest of the movie sucked, and dragged on, and on... aaannnndddd on.

C

("Sorcerer's Stone" = C+ )

[I really don't know how ANYONE could say that they thought "LOTR: TFOTR" was boring and a horrible movie, and then jump all over this piece of disappointing shit and say it's "magical" and "fast-paced" and "pure enjoyment". This movie has HALF the action, TWICE the redundancy, TWICE the slowness, and TEN TIMES the annoyingness that "TFOTR" had. How is it a better film?]

(BTW. That little rant was towards Richard Roeper; and Roger Ebert slightly too.) :mad:

Wow!

I thought that CoS moved extremely quickly.....I didnt look at my watch once and I couldn't believe it when the film ended.....what was a near 3 hour film seemed only 90 minutes at most!

Also...

I loved LOTR...almost as much as Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone. I gave both flicks A's last year, and they were my numbers 1 (Harry) and 2 (LOTR) flicks of last year!

[cutman]

I love the Harry Potter books, I liked the first movie, and I sort of liked the Chamber of Secrets.

The characters in CoS were all perfectly cast...everyone of them. However, Ron really bothered me this time around. He was such a whining wuss! Seriously, I wanted Harry to hit him in the back of the head with a rock to shut him up. I've read each book numerous times and I've even listened to them as "Books on Tape," and I NEVER pictured Ron to be that much of a little bitch. Was there any point in the movie when he wasn't acting scared and whiny with that "I'm a complete sissy" look on his face?

I think that Rupert Grint could play a perfect Ron, but I don't like how his character is directed and the lines they give him. After the CoS, I really dislike Ron.

The special effects were much better this time around. I can't once remember thinking "Wow, that is some bad CGI." Good job, and nice improvement on the Quiddich.

Like the first movie, the pace of CoS was way too SLLLLLOOOOOOWWWWW! I fell asleep for a few minutes at one point, and I saw it in the middle of the day. I think Dumbledore delivered his lines way too slow, and every scene he was in really dragged on. I'm extrememly saddened that Richard Harris died, but I'm glad there will be a new Dumbledore. I'm not sure who is in charge of the pacing, but I'm pretty sure that it was the director. So like Dumbledore, I'm glad there will be a new director for PoA.

Finally, there is no need for these movies to be close to three hours! Get someone who can actually adapt the book into a script and get it down to 2:15 or so. Every single kid in the theater got restless and one point.

In conclusion, I really like this franchise and ALL actors involved, but there are definitely problems with it in my opinion. Fix them, and the next movies will be classics. I'm actually sort of glad that they are working out the problems (special effects/acting) in these first two movies since Books 3 and 4 are my favorite.

cutman

P.S. Hermione Granger is even more of a cutey this time around. Please, Please, Please make sure that the three kid actors are in all seven movies....don't change a good thing!

[dh1989]

Originally posted by cutman
Every single kid in the theater got restless and one point.



I did not get that at all. In my theatre(I saw it 3 times in theatres and it was sold out everytime) and everyone seemed really into it. They jumped at the jumped scenes. Laughed madly at the jokes and a ton of kids started clapping at the end with the kids in the film. It was really sweet.

[blankpage]

During the previews something kinda funny happened. Ok, well there was a preview for The Wild Thornberries and the preview ran backwards and upside down. It was extremeley funny, and by the end the whole theater was clapping and yelling out cat calls. Some funny stuff....

Ok to the review....

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0295297/3731.jpg

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Starring- Daniel Radcilffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson,Sir Richard Harris, Alan Rickman

Directed by- Christopher Columbus

PG(frightening moments)

Story: In Harry's Second year of Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardy he finds out that the dreadful Chamber of Secrets has been opened.

Well, it's been a year after the mega successful Philosophers Stone we are welcomed back with the second installment in the Harry Potter legacy. I love the original Potter film, and thought it brought special magic that couldn't be touched. It was one of my fav's of 2001. I have been a big fan of the books, and this one has been my favourite(along with the Goblet of Fire). So of course I was physced to see it. The problem with this film is that looses that special magic while going to a darker side. And for me that was a wonderful thing. But it still didn't work for me. The film developes very fast in my opinion. Every scene seemed to be coppy and didn't flow like the other film. It seemed like the total oppisite of the wonderful original.

The acting wasn't very superior. For Richard Harris'(RIP) last film he seemed to not have the same Dumbledore touch as in the first Potter film. Some other characters show up and are expected to be known from the bat. But the makers of the film figured that most everyone has read the book, or seen the last movie.(Not my mom). But the new charatcers are the one's that needed the help.Although I knew who they all were, I found for someone else who wasn't familiar with the other Potter books or movie it would be un fair. But yet again Rupert Grint achieves and steals the whole movie with his loveable Ron. Be brings him back un toched and maybe even better. Radcliffe as Potter was pretty darn good too. He is well as maturing into a more darker Potter and has I think found his character very well.

I found the whole film was TOO focused onto The Chamber of Secrets. It didn't really let us be with the characters and classes like the other film.It seemed to stay in one spot. And if it did go off into other stuff, it wouldn't be for very long. I just found it didn't flow like the book, and it seemed focused on one not to many things. Take the Quddicth match for example. I was dissapointed how the introduced it. Just kinda begins in the middle of the game and it isn't as well produced and brought out as well as the other film.

Though I didn't find the film to go by slow. Even though it didn't flow as well as it could have. It seemed short, but maybe it's becuase I know the book. And I have got to say Hermoine is such a friggin cutie in this film. In the last flick I found her to be full of herslef, and had to loosen up. And here she does. The CGI wasn't all that bad, although they were really easy to spot.

Well a HUGE fucking dissapointment in my part.Everything seemed like the oppisite as to the other one, and in my books leaves a little bit of a dent.

5/10

PS-I'm still a HUGE and I reapet HUGE Potter fan.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by blankpage
Take the Quddicth match for example. I was dissapointed how the introduced it. Just kinda begins in the middle of the game


While I really loved the film, that did bug me. I was looking forward to Malfoy give Harry evil stares and the tense moments before the Quaffle goes up, which Columbus and team pulled of masterfully in The Sorcerer's Stone. It felt weird to just go into the middle of the game, but I guess I can understand why they did it. The main point of CoS' Quidditch match is the Rogue Bludger and not really how well Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Fred and George Weasley, and Oliver Wood playing. It does not really matter in CoS whether Gryffindor or Slytherin are in the lead, though the 60 point difference was really sad....

[Dumb-Fokker-**]

...I think I need to see this one again. I won't say much about it now, but i'll suffice it to say, that I did not enjoy it as much as the first film. Not nearly as much. It didn't have the same magical feel, and without that, I think the film really suffered. Maybe I just saw it too early in the day. Well, whatever it was, I still have to see it again. I'm usually not the score-giving type, but, if I were, this would probably be a 6/10. Some excellent acting, some sub-par acting, as well. Very exciting sequences, and very boring ones, as well. It really is a mixed bag. And I REALLY didn't like how Hagrid was handled in this film. ...oh well,... I'll have to give this one another run-through.

[the movie guy]

Naw, DumbFokker, your rating is still too high. How about a 4/10 for ya? Yeah, that sounds about right. ;) :p :D

[Maximus721]

If I had to use one word to describe this film it would be "redundant". Overall, it's not a bad movie, but I thought the first was better. Most of my problems with the film lie in the middle 1/3. Basically the story goes nowhere and we are treated to a reoccurence of scenes. Harry walks through the hallways hearing voices, Harry finds petrified person/animal, Harry is blamed, Harry and friends talk in bathroom, Harry and friends research, Harry in Hallways hearing voices again, Harry finds petrified person, Harry blamed....etc. The ending was also horrible and dragged on and on. As for the positives, I thought the special FX were great and the acting was good(I especially liked kenneth Branagh). 6/10 from me.

[the movie guy]

Originally posted by dh1989
While I really loved the film, that did bug me. I was looking forward to Malfoy give Harry evil stares and the tense moments before the Quaffle goes up, which Columbus and team pulled of masterfully in The Sorcerer's Stone. It felt weird to just go into the middle of the game, but I guess I can understand why they did it. The main point of CoS' Quidditch match is the Rogue Bludger and not really how well Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Fred and George Weasley, and Oliver Wood playing. It does not really matter in CoS whether Gryffindor or Slytherin are in the lead, though the 60 point difference was really sad....

You say in here, "but I guess I can understand why they (went right into the match abruptly)". I'm curious... What's understandable about it?

I felt that the Quiddich match started so abruptly and randomly that I wasn't able to enjoy the scene barely at all. In that case, I felt that setting up the game was EXTREMELY important, and I don't feel it's a forgiveable/forgettable omission at all.

I do understand you have a certain possibly obsessed love for all things Harry Potter (I hope that wasn't out of line to say, but it does seem true), and are probably biased in your opinion of this film, seeing as you've been talking about it for (as far as I have noticed) many months, but why brush off problems in the movie's story as if they don't matter, when they are clearly there and SHOULD matter?

(If you'd like to read about what other problems I thought the film had to understand more of where I'm coming from with this reply, check out my review of "Chamber of Secrets" here...
http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39316
... Maybe you can even answer some of the questions I ask there as well.)

[the movie guy]

Originally posted by Maximus721
If I had to use one word to describe this film it would be "redundant". Overall, it's not a bad movie, but I thought the first was better. Most of my problems with the film lie in the middle 1/3. Basically the story goes nowhere and we are treated to a reoccurence of scenes. Harry walks through the hallways hearing voices, Harry finds petrified person/animal, Harry is blamed, Harry and friends talk in bathroom, Harry and friends research, Harry in Hallways hearing voices again, Harry finds petrified person, Harry blamed....etc. The ending was also horrible and dragged on and on. As for the positives, I thought the special FX were great and the acting was good(I especially liked kenneth Branagh). 6/10 from me.

WOW! You said it! Exactly how I felt. Though your rating's still too high. 4/10 seems about right. ;) :p :D

[Horror whore]

Just got back....WOW. What an excellent film. I loved almost every second of this movie. Chris Columbus basically improved every fault with the first movie and fixed it for the sequel. I loved almost every aspect of the movie. My major problem (along with any other people) was the way they introduced the Quidditch scene. What the fuck was that about? Just show some clouds and then cut right to the middle of the Quidditch game?! I didn't mind the very ending after the climax like some reviewers did, I thought it was the perfect conclusion. I also loved it when the camera zoomed around the Hogwarts grounds, it shows Chris Columbus actually is becoming a more stylish director. SPOILERS CoS was pretty damn violent for a PG movie also! It seems that shoving a sword through a snakes mouth would get a PG-13....And I loved the blood gushing out of the diary when Harry stabbed it.... END SPOILERS So far, CoS is my favorite movie of 2002. WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT 'TIL 2004 FOR POA?!


(P.S.- I really think CoS will doextremely well this weekend at the box office. It was showing on six(!) screens out of 18 and every single showing was sold out today! Even the midnight one! If it's running time were shorter I'd say it'd have a chance at beating Spider-Man's record...)

[bskutle]

"Potter" aces his latest cinematic test, showing once again how to make epic entertainment the whole family can enjoy. "Secrets" gets an A.

Snooch to the Nooch!

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Wow. I'm loving going into these movies- based on J.K. Rowling's smash series of novels- fresh, with as little knowledge of story as possible. (Though with "The Matrix Revolutions" delaying the next chapter, "Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban" 'til 2004, I might want to make an exception.) It's a credit to Rowling and the filmmaker's bringing her books to life that they've sucked me into the world as much as they have. Last year's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" broke box-office records (eventually claimed by "Spider-Man"), was the year's top draw in theatres (eventually edging out "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" with over $300 million), broke home video records (eventually claimed by "LOTR," "Monsters Inc.," and "Spider-Man" in succession), and won over many people- myself included- whom had avoided the books ("Sorcerer's Stone"- now couple w/ "Chamber of Secrets"- is making an assult on my all-time Favorite 100). Now the fans and non-fans have been divided, and it's time for year 2 in Rowling's projected 7-year series of the adventures of young wizards Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, making Jake Lloyd's performance in "Ep. I" that much weaker the second time around), Ron (Rupert Grint, just as endearingly high-spirited as ever), and Hermione (Emma Watson, a home run in the role who steals all her scenes).

So what about "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?" Well, it's darker, faster (no exposition to weigh down the 2 hour, 40 minute running-time this time), funnier, and just as smart and moving as "Sorcerer's Stone" was. Believe the hype, dear reader- it's better that film one. This time, the intrepid trio of wizards in training at Hogwarts are drawn into a mystery surrounding- no surprises here- the Chamber of Secrets, the on-campus home of a force that is prone to petrifying- or worse, killing- the students of everyone's favorite school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was first unleashed 50 years ago; now it's back. Favorite characters from year 1 are back- Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith, irreplaceable in her warmth), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman, as devilishly sly as ever), giant groundskeeper Hagrid (Robbie Coletrane, underused but more than welcome), Headmaster Dumbledore (the late Richard Harris, further exemplifying a cherished nobility and heart that transcends any special effect), even if none are onscreen for very long. Of course, Potter nemesis Drako Malfoy (Tom Felton) is back as well, and looking to prove himself a worthy adversary to Harry in the Quidditch arena (like all the effects work in "Secrets," the look and feel of the Quidditch match is slicker and scarier), but let's move to the newcomers to the "Potter" world. Kenneth Branagh makes amends for his God-awful turn in Woody Allen's "Celebrity"- and almost makes me forget "Wild Wild West" (gee mom, thanks for reminding me), with a delightfully hammy performance as self-serving ego-trip Gilderoy Lockhart- new to the Hogwarts staff- that- if there were justice- should be considered Oscar bait; Jason Issacs ("The Patriot's" malevolent officer) is wicked glee personified as Draco's father Lucious; Christian Coulson is a chilling and haunting presence as Tom Riddle, a former student whose diary holds clues that help Harry in his quest to unravel the mystery. And then there's House Elf Dobby, "Secrets" own answer to Jar Jar Binks. How you felt about the maligned Jar Jar will likely determine your verdict on the CG Dobby, here to warn Harry to stay away from Hogwarts and beat himself up about it- literally- when he makes a mistake. I have a high tolerance of Mr. Binks, and I dug Dobby's mischevous appeal.

I could go over more- the flying car, the Whomping Willow, the Dark Forest, the spiders- but why ruin the surprises in store? I will say, Chris Columbus hits a new peak in maturity with this- his final "Potter" film (he's deferring directing duties of "Prisoner of Azkaban" to "Y Tu Mama Tambien's" Alfonso Cuaron, also responsible for the critically-acclaimed fantasy "A Little Princess" from years back)- as he seems to absorb the dark spirit of Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" films (minus the outrageous gore) and spirited adventure of the "Indiana Jones" films to create one for the ages, and one of the rare sequels to surpass it's predecessors. If I had one complaint, it's that John Williams' music- as adapted and conducted by William Ross- is a crushing disappointment to surpass the eventual soundtrack of "Episode II." There's little- if anything- that's original to "Chamber of Secrets," it's just all taken and re-arranged from "Sorcerer's Stone." But this is only a criticism you'll hear from Williams' fans.

Otherwise, though, "Chamber of Secrets" is a knockout entertainment to watch again and again in theatres, and then many more times on DVD. Now as long as they make the DVD more "film buff" friendly than "Sorcerer's Stone" was.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002)- A
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001)- A
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" DVD- A for the movie; D+ for the extras

Viva La Resistance!

Brian Skutle

[blankpage]

Originally posted by dh1989
While I really loved the film, that did bug me. I was looking forward to Malfoy give Harry evil stares and the tense moments before the Quaffle goes up, which Columbus and team pulled of masterfully in The Sorcerer's Stone. It felt weird to just go into the middle of the game, but I guess I can understand why they did it. The main point of CoS' Quidditch match is the Rogue Bludger and not really how well Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Fred and George Weasley, and Oliver Wood playing. It does not really matter in CoS whether Gryffindor or Slytherin are in the lead, though the 60 point difference was really sad....

That is true. But I would have liked to hear some witty remarkes from Fred and George before the game. I didn't mind that they didn't show Wood during the game since, we got to see him in other parts of the movie.

Plus it seemed very sloppy going into the middle of the game. I they started at the beginning of the game, it would most likely be more suspensful and exciting. Brinning us in the middle of the game when it's 90-30 score. It would have been better to see some of those 9 goals scored. Well they did show one of them.

[B-ball Dude]

This is my favourite movie of all time. It was scary, funny and very intense. I thought Dobby was cool (Did you know when they shot the film he was a basketball on a stick?) The Rouge Bludger was one of my favourite parts. The spiders were freaky and the snake was awesome. 10/10

[dh1989]

Originally posted by blankpage
I would have liked to hear some witty remarkes from Fred and George before the game.

SPOILERS AHEAD..........


They got to do their witty pre-match remarks later in the film. When the Quidditch team goes out to face Hufflepuff(before we learn the match was canceled) George or Fred(Who knows which one :)) says "Plus they won't fly anywhere near Harry. They think he'll petrify theM" or something like that. Very funny...:)

[dh1989]

Originally posted by the movie guy
What's understandable about it?



I do understand you have a certain possibly obsessed love for all things Harry Potter (I hope that wasn't out of line to say, but it does seem true), and are probably biased in your opinion of this film, seeing as you've been talking about it for (as far as I have noticed) many months, but why brush off problems in the movie's story as if they don't matter, when they are clearly there and SHOULD matter?


SPOILERS AHEAD!
Its understandable because the point of CoS' Quidditch match is to show another attempt by Dobby to get Harry Potter to leave Hogwarts before the dark deeds begin. The film pulled this off masterfully. The rest of the Quidditch match has nothing to do with the main plot, but the Bludger does. That is my reasoning.

And my love for Harry Potter does not make me bias, in my opinion, but a harsher critic. I'd be pissed if Columbus screwed it up. but he did not and that made me extremely happy. i stand by what I said, CoS is the best film ever produced.

[sleekproductions]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0295297/8659.jpg

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone was an introduction to Harry's world. The viewer learned about everything involved with J.K. Rowling's amazing, magical world. It was a setup for what was to come, but it was also a magical mystery film that is absolutley incredible.

Now, with Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets, we are transported back into Harry's world, but this time no introcution is needed. The film jumps right into the action/magic/mystery. And just like its predecessor it is a truly wonderful film. (Actually, quite honestly, chamber blows the first one right out of the water. Funny though, because up until this point Stone was my favorite movie of all time.)

The acting in this movie is superb. The three main kids (Daniel, Rupert, and Emma - major cutie, btw!) also seem to have discovered their roles perfectly here, and play their characters without a flaw. They are simply wonderful. Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, is much meaner here, though in this film we discover why. Tom's performance is also very, very good. He plays Draco to a T. He is evil, and his grins and sneers are perfect. He is especially good in the dueling club scene, and the scene in the common room with Crabbe and Goyle. The rest of the students are also very good, with Fred and George back to their original antics, Oliver Wodd as the team captain, and the other members of Harry's classes, etc.

The returning adults are all also excellent, with Rickman, Harris, Coltrane And Smith being the best. Harris plays dumbledore perfectly, and he will be missed greatly. Rickman plays professor Snape perfectly again. Maggie Smith is also great as Minerva, and her scene in which she tells the story of the Chamber is perfect. Coltrane is back again, and plays Hagrid perfectly. He is so damn loveable.

The new additions to the cast are also very good. Kenneth Branagh is absolutely hilarious and plays Lockhart perfectly. Christian Coulson is perfectly chilling as Tom Riddle, and the other new teacher additions are nice. Jason Issacs as Lucius Malfoy is simply brilliant, and bonnie wright is quite good as Ginny Weasley.

Chris Columbus seems to have a bit better of a feel for the characters here and his direction reflects that. He does an amazing job here. He proves that Sorcerer's stone was not a fluke. He creates the world again, but fine tunes it. His decisions in regards the whole film as simply perfect. This is easily one of the best directing jobs I have ever seen from anybdoy.

Roger Pratt's cinematography is amazing here and I loved how he basically let the camera "be free" as opposed to just staying in one place. The score by John Williams is also great(his thems from the first one are very good, and his new songs are also great. Gilderoy Lockhart's theme is awesomek as is the Dueling club song. The songs fawkes the phoenix and fakwes is reborn are amazingly beatuiful songs and are very reminiscient of attack of the clone's love theme), and the art direction, costumes, makeup, and special effects are all also very good.

The scene in which Harry enters Dumbledore's office and it seems as if the Phoenix statue's wing is reavealing the door is perfect, and so are the rest of the sets. The chamber is amazing, and hogwarts school is also great (just like the first one!).

The scenes in this movie that stood out most to me were the flying car scene (brilliant), the quidditch match (better than the first movie's match), the dueling club scene, the spider chase scene (amazing) and the finale in the chamber (awesome action sequence.) The last twenty minutes of the film is also great. The emotion is so true and great.

Dobby the house elf , Fawkes the phoenix, the Basilisk, and whomping williow are all terrific. The CGI was very well done for all of these things Other things in the movie that I wanted to mention are the sly way Harry rubs Hermione's hand when she's petrified (all I can say is... wow), the end "hug" sequence, and parseltounge (very creepy.)

I have so much more I could say about this film, (SO MUCH MORE! - I COULD TALK FOR HOURS UPON HOURS!) but I know hardly anyone is going to read a review this long, let alone longer, but simply put this is now my new favorite movie. (W/ sorcerer's stone coming in second.) Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets is a true work of Genius.

10/10 (A+)

[cutman]

I don't want to come across as mean, because that's not my intention, but I have a hard time respecting people who after one day of seeing this movie say that it is "The best movie every produced." Give me a break...there are so many problems with this movie that I wouldn't even put it in the top 25 movies all time.

Last year at this time the die hard, refuse to say anything bad about Harry Potter fans were saying that Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher's Stone depending on where you live) was the best movie made. Now as soon as this one is released, we get to hear the exact same thing. Honestly, after each seven movies are released are we going to have to hear about how they are all the best movies ever made?

It was pretty obvious last year at the Academy Awards when Harry Potter didn't win anything (was it even nominated?) that it isn't even close to one of the best movies ever made. But that didn't stop the die hard fans from raving about it.

It gets old because its obvious that the people who feel that it is the best movie ever made are way to biased. For example, dh1988 said that she (or he...) watches the Sorcerer's Stone DVD every day. Anyone who does that is obviously in love with the Harry Potter franchise and is incapable of giving an objective review. This doesn't just go for HP fans, it also pertains to LotR, Star Wars, Matrix, etc.

Again, this isn't a personal attack because I respect everyone here, but it seems that some people lower their expectations for a movie because they are blindly in love with it. And I'm not singling out dh1988...I generally agree with her (or him...are you a boy/man or girl/woman?) and I do LOVE the HP books. But everyone please stop posting emotion filled reviews about how there is nothing wrong with CoS and it is the best movie ever made. Give it some time, and if you can come up logical reasons for why it is so good, please post them...I'm all ears.

cutman

[dh1989]

Okay, I am a Harry Potter fan(a big one). I do watch the original films tons of times and I love everything Potter. I guess this means we can't take anyone seriously. Maybe I should say "Oh they love LOTR, I will totally ignore their review of CoS. They'll hate it". The same could go for SW and Matrix fans. What is wrong with being enthusiastic? Maybe people who hype a film should not write reviews. For example, Dumb Fokker, I look forward to his review of The Two Towers. Why, because he is an LOTR fan and it is obvious. His review will be great because he brings a wonderful knowledge and excitment to the film and that'll just make it better. BTW, cutman I am a guy. Thanks.


P.S. Here is my true review for Chamber of Secrets.....

Rating: 10/10

I saw this three times today and I can safely say it is my favorite film of all-time. Before the review begins, I'd like you to know I am a huge Potter fan. I watch the first film almost everyday on DVD and I have read the books countless times. I know practically every little Potter detail and I love all the characters. In other words, I was really enthused about seeing this(I don't remember anticipating anything ever before) and I could not stop smiling. It blew me away. I was dying with excitment as the trailers and endless commericials rolled on and on, until I heard it. John William's beautiful theme song! And then I saw it, the grand WB logo as it unfolded in the clouds above London and the experience began. This film is spectacular and I guess the first thing to go over is...the actors. Daniel Radcliffe was pretty good in the original, but he seemed slightly uncomfortable in front of the cameras. He was good, but here he is better. He delivers his lines with more confidence and is action scenes were better. He really got to show off how good he is as BRAVE Harry and SOFT Harry. Radcliffe was the best choice and I still flinch when I think of Speilberg's casting idea: Haley Joel Osment. Rupert Grint was hilarious. This was a perfect snap-shot of Ron Weasley. He is usually scared as hell, but he still goes on the adventure. That is Ron, a brave coward and Grint steals the show. Hilarious work. Now as for Emma Watson, she is still going strong. She just is Hermione. Nerdy, brave, smart, and cute. I especially loved her as she protects her Muggle heritage, she plays Hermione as a strong woman and that is cool. Tom Felton is so much better as Draco here than in the first. There he just seemed to be an asshole, but here we really get to know how deep his hatred and sliminess goes and we also learn about his abusive relationship with his dad, Lucius(wonderfully played by Jason Isaacs). Kenneth Branagh is perfect. Vain, pompous, funny, and sometimes mean. The guy is Lockhart, no question. Wonderful job. These are the highlights, but remember all the other great characters(Snape, Myrtle, Colin, Ginny, Tom Riddle, Prof. Sprout, and much more). And as to Richard Harris. The man who was extremely ill during this shoot delivered a strong performance and it is surely Oscar worthy. The effects are great. I never said "Oh! Cool CGI!". These effects were realistic and that made it fun. Favorites included the exploding Bludger, Dobby, Mandrakes, Howler, and of course, the final creature(AMAZING WORK!). This film has a lightning fast pace and you will never squirm or say "I am bored". This movie does not slow up and that makes it great. Overall, this movie is a great mystery/action film and it will leave you clapping.

And I stand up for my comment! Chamber of Secrets is the best film ever made and no one can sway my opinion. Final.

[sleekproductions]

To cutman and those who think like him:

I will admit it, I am a gigantic HP fanatic. But it is my favorite movie because it is the film that has given me the best overall experience. Sure I love HP, but that's not the only reason I love the movie. Sure it's HP, which is a HUGE plus, but it is HP done well.

End of story...

for me anyways...

[dh1989]

Originally posted by cutman


It was pretty obvious last year at the Academy Awards when Harry Potter didn't win anything (was it even nominated?) that it isn't even close to one of the best movies ever made. But that didn't stop the die hard fans from raving about it.



And I really do not care what those losers like. They think thy are so special. Gosford Park = Best Pic Nominee. They must be crazy. I am glad Potter did not get tons of Noms, don't want it to have to deal with the Academy. I hate them.

[cutman]

Originally posted by dh1989
And I really do not care what those losers like. They think thy are so special. Gosford Park = Best Pic Nominee. They must be crazy. I am glad Potter did not get tons of Noms, don't want it to have to deal with the Academy. I hate them.


Fair enough, but most movie fans, regardless of whether they like/agree with Academy members, will admit that the Academy plays a very large and important role in the movie industry. The fact that Harry Potter received no nominations (besides music...I think John Williams got a nomination for his score) shows how the industry (and experts) received it. Sure, it made a ton of money because lots of people love the books and it was a fun movie, but IT WASN'T EVEN ONE OF THE TOP FIVE MOVIES OF THE YEAR, let alone EVER.

Again, I'm glad that you die hards loved the movie, but none of you can really explain why it is one of the best movies EVER. dh1989, your review deals mostly with the casting, and like I said in my reviews for the movie, I thought the casting was PERFECT. But the direction, pacing, special effects (they were very good, but there have been better) were a let down.

So like I said earlier, unless you can explain why the movie is the best ever (besides a short review talking about how much you love HP, Ron, and Hermione) please don't make such exagerrated claims. Give the movie some more time and thought, get off your emotional high (many people were obviously dieing to see the movie), and tell me why you think there was NOT ONE THING WRONG WITH THE MOVIE.

Thanks.

cutman

[dh1989]

Honestly, I really don't feel the need to justify my comments to you. The pacing is great, the acting is great, the music is great, the action is great. Period. See Ya!

[dh1989]

Originally posted by cutman
IT WASN'T EVEN ONE OF THE TOP FIVE MOVIES OF THE YEAR, let alone EVER.



In your opinion! Just because you think something does not make it fact! Your posts are dealing in opinion, as are mine.

[Jess]

Read this (http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/319/metro/Minister_sees_devil_in_Harry_Potter_+.shtml). It's funny in a very sad way.

By the by, I'm going to see it tomorrow! Can't wait!

[BarkingSparrow]

7.5 / 10

Overall: I enjoyed it, but the movie lacks that immersion quality that keeps me engrossed and wanting for more. I have no desire to go back to the theater and see it again, definitely will wait for the DVD.

Pros: Better special effects, more humor, Kennth Branagh as Lockhart was truly fun to watch.

Cons: same issues as the first film, merely adequate direction, a lack of continuity, I feel like I'm plodding thru a series of scenes, then suddenly we rush into the climax, which was somewhat contrived and weak. Radcliffe, although he truly looks the part of Harry Potter, is painful to watch, he simply cannot act. His expressions look forced and scripted, not natural at all.

I'm glad Chris Columbus is out of there. He's just too "Hollywood" and conventional; not really up to the source material.

[blankpage]

Originally posted by dh1989
SPOILERS AHEAD..........


They got to do their witty pre-match remarks later in the film. When the Quidditch team goes out to face Hufflepuff(before we learn the match was canceled) George or Fred(Who knows which one :)) says "Plus they won't fly anywhere near Harry. They think he'll petrify theM" or something like that. Very funny...:)

Yeah that was really funny. I was laughing my ass off after that line. I can't wait until The Goblet of Fire when they have all of those prank stuff to sell. Plus we get to see more of The Weasley House. But enough of the upcoming.

I'm glad you liked it Dh. I am maybe one of the biggest Potter fans around, well if not a huge one. Even though I didn't like the film a whole lot, it doesn't really get me down.

[Kucha]

I can't wait until The Goblet of Fire when they have all of those prank stuff to sell. Plus we get to see more of The Weasley House.

Is their going to be a 4th one i didnt hear, i hope so, that book is awesome! and my friend can be fleur! lol

[criddic2]

Just saw Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, sequel to the Oscar nominated hit*! It is as magical and enjoyable as the first installment. Perhaps even more fluid at the story level. There's no need to introduce the whole gang and so the action is experienced from the very beginning. Sure to be on my top ten list.

* Best Original Score, Art Direction, Costume Design. It lost all three.

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by cutman
Fair enough, but most movie fans, regardless of whether they like/agree with Academy members, will admit that the Academy plays a very large and important role in the movie industry. The fact that Harry Potter received no nominations (besides music...I think John Williams got a nomination for his score) shows how the industry (and experts) received it. Sure, it made a ton of money because lots of people love the books and it was a fun movie, but IT WASN'T EVEN ONE OF THE TOP FIVE MOVIES OF THE YEAR, let alone EVER.

That's quite a bold statement! What some people think is trash, others find as treasure.......honestly though, who cares if Harry Potter wasn't nominated for countless Academy Awards......Mullholland Drive which was praised by many a critic as one of the years best films only snagged one nomination last year......The Academy are a bunch of old farts who are known for not embracing comedies or fantasy films....Harry Potter receiving hardly any nominations came as no surprise to anybody!

Us schmoes who praise the film are just stating our opinions........just like you are....

Again, I'm glad that you die hards loved the movie, but none of you can really explain why it is one of the best movies EVER. dh1989, your review deals mostly with the casting, and like I said in my reviews for the movie, I thought the casting was PERFECT. But the direction, pacing, special effects (they were very good, but there have been better) were a let down.

Yes I agree, dh1989, Horror Whore, sleek, myself, and a bunch of others here are die hard Harry Potter fans.

Personally, i never said that it was one of the Best Films ever...I said it was one of my FAVORITE films ever, and the best film of 2002 thus far.

The reasons why I think Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is excellent are simple.

1.The film captures the essence of the novel to a tee.
2.I was completely enthralled while watching the magic unfold on the big screen before my eyes.
3.The direction is superb as well as the casting
4.The CGI is phenomena! I was extremely impressed!
5. Once the film started, it never seemed to stop...it was one great scene after another, what was nearly 3 hours seemed like only 90 minutes
6.Once the final credits rolled I wanted to stand up and cheer

I also loved this one better than Philosphers Stone.




So like I said earlier, unless you can explain why the movie is the best ever (besides a short review talking about how much you love HP, Ron, and Hermione) please don't make such exagerrated claims. Give the movie some more time and thought, get off your emotional high (many people were obviously dieing to see the movie), and tell me why you think there was NOT ONE THING WRONG WITH THE MOVIE.

Thanks.

cutman

Why cant we make these claims? We dont live in a society where freedom of speech is banned. We all have the right to our own opinions. We loved the movie....so be it....you didnt like it as much...so be it.

This has been said time and time before...."Opinions are like assholes......everybody has one!"

I

[sleekproductions]

It seems that Harry Potter Made 87 million dollars this weekend. That is excelent numbers, and only a few million less than the first one. And with the good word of mouth it should easily go beyond 300 million.

[cutman]

idealdiscountdude,

I agree with you that you are stating your opinion and I'm stating mine, and we both definitely have the right to do so. My only problem was that certain people seem to just say "I love Harry Potter. It is the best movie ever produced," but they couldn't explain why they thought that.

Your reasons for saying it is the best ever are definitely valid, and I respect them. Just like you can justify your claims of its greatness, I can justify my opinion that the film was a disappointment (which I've done in my reviews).

If you can explain why the film is so great, then good for you, I'll listen. But to come in here and just proclaim that that HPatCos is the best movie ever produced is ridiculous in my opinion.

cutman

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by cutman


If you can explain why the film is so great, then good for you, I'll listen. But to come in here and just proclaim that that HPatCos is the best movie ever produced is ridiculous in my opinion.

cutman

I agree 110% with what you are saying here.......I too prefer explanations rather than just a decree.

[dh1989]

1. The acting is wonderful. Everybody perfectly captures their characters and do their part, whether it be jokester or villian, perfectly.

2. It is not boring. The film moves lightning fast. There are no moments of boredom. I was completely enthralled in the screen happenings.

3. Wonderful action. All of the action scenes were exciting, violent, and extremely satisfying.

4. Wonderful sets. The film's set alone are worth the price of admission. So much detail and so much beauty.

5. Great music. I am a big John Williams fan and his music was great. Really sweet and scary tunes throughout the film.

6. Hilarious. Althrough the film are great gags and I was laughing a lot.

7. Great Special Effects. All of the special effects looked real and added wonderfully to the experience.

8. The mystery was interesting and intriuging. The film kept you interested unlike some scenes in the first LOTR.

9. Staying true to the source. This film follows the book to a T and that makes it magical. It is so great to see all these talented people work to bring Rowling's book to screen masterfully.

10/10 Best film of all-time(of the MANY I've seen).

[Dumb-Fokker-**]

...I went and saw the film again, this time, with my girlfriend, and my little brother, (figured I would see how a kid would react to the film) and I can honestly say that I liked the film better - but I disliked the ending of the film even more. Namely, after Harry leaves the Chamber. The extra 20 minutes or so, just seemed like a little too much, and sadly, I didn't enjoy this part of the film at all. Well, maybe 'at all' is a little harsh, but I didn't enjoy it very much. Also, I had a few minor problems with the acting this time around. First off, Radcliffe seemed to be trying a little too hard in some scenes. He was rather self-concious, it seems, and that showed. And Rupert Grint - he is great in the role of Ron, but is he really there only to be frightened, or scared? I do find Hermoine (Grint) to be an excellent little actress, however. Overall, although I liked the film better this time, the ending is what keeps it where I had it previously. If the mood strikes me, and there is nothing else to see, maybe I will check this out once again - third time is the charm. Oh, and for the record, I am a HUGE HP fan. I have read all four of the novels, at least, three times, and loved every second of the books. Sadly, the movies arent doing much for me. Hopefully, with a new director, the series will feel more 'magical' (which, really, it doesnt for me). Oh well,....

[BarkingSparrow]

Originally posted by dh1989
1. The acting is wonderful. Everybody perfectly captures their characters and do their part, whether it be jokester or villian, perfectly.

2. It is not boring. The film moves lightning fast. There are no moments of boredom. I was completely enthralled in the screen happenings.

3. Wonderful action. All of the action scenes were exciting, violent, and extremely satisfying.

4. Wonderful sets. The film's set alone are worth the price of admission. So much detail and so much beauty.

5. Great music. I am a big John Williams fan and his music was great. Really sweet and scary tunes throughout the film.

6. Hilarious. Althrough the film are great gags and I was laughing a lot.

7. Great Special Effects. All of the special effects looked real and added wonderfully to the experience.

8. The mystery was interesting and intriuging. The film kept you interested unlike some scenes in the first LOTR.

9. Staying true to the source. This film follows the book to a T and that makes it magical. It is so great to see all these talented people work to bring Rowling's book to screen masterfully.

10/10 Best film of all-time.

DH: The HP films are your favorites, all the more power to you, but trying to claim that they are the best, or among the best of all time is just plain ludicrous. Your shill apologism will not convince anyone, and only serves to make you look like a brain-washed fanboy.

Relax, chill out, go watch the the movie 100 more times, and enjoy. Trying to swarm a thread with repetitive fanboy posts in an effort to drown out negative reviews or opinions just antagonizes other and will gain you no converts.

[sleekproductions]

I have only said that this is my favorite movie. It is obviously not the BEST movie ever made, because in my opinion, no movie CAN be the best movie ever made. End of story... And more Power to me...>!

[thompsoncory]

I saw Harry's latest movie last night and loved it. It was better than the first one on any scale at all. The special effects and story were much better, and it was much scarier and darker, which in my opinion made it more entertaining. One of the movies on my top ten list.

10/10

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by BarkingSparrow
DH: The HP films are your favorites, all the more power to you, but trying to claim that they are the best, or among the best of all time is just plain ludicrous. Your shill apologism will not convince anyone, and only serves to make you look like a brain-washed fanboy.

Relax, chill out, go watch the the movie 100 more times, and enjoy. Trying to swarm a thread with repetitive fanboy posts in an effort to drown out negative reviews or opinions just antagonizes other and will gain you no converts.


Whoa Nelly!..............

First off I would like to point out that everybody has their own opinion, and dh1989 thinks that the Harry Potter flicks are the best films of all time which is his/her OWN opinion.

Furthermore, I STRONGLY advise you to read the Rules and Guidelines that pertain to the message boards. We do not tolerate snide comments made toward fellow schmoes and we also do not tolerate disrespect.

[Horror whore]

Did anyone notice when Lucius raised his wand about to curse Harry he said "Avada..." and then Dobby blasted him back. I found it interesting the Lucius Malfoy was going to murder Harry Potter in broad daylight right under Albus Dumbledore's nose! And just for loosing him his house elf!

[cutman]

******Spoilers*******


Horror Whore,

I also noticed Lucious Malfoy muttering the "Avada..." curse in an effort to kill Harry. It was actually one of my favorite parts...it gave us a glimpse of the Goblit of Fire, which is my favorite HP book. It was sort of scary hearing the "Avada" curse...poor Cedric Diggory.

*******End Spoilers********



Back to what I was saying ealier, saying a film is your favorite film ever is different than saying that it is the best film ever produced. Favorite implies a personal opinion, whereas "Best Ever" implies that you have seen every film ever made and that you are prepared to back up your statement. I'd be willing to bet that no one here has seen ever movie ever made, so we probably shouldn't be having people say that one film is the best ever.

I honestly only think that the only people with the credentials to deem a movie "Best Ever" are committees of experts.

cutman

[Eleanor Rigby]

harry potter and the chamber of secrets is a well brought out film. i liked the length of the movie and was quite pleased with the costume designs. But one thing i noticed on this movie then the last one was that harry and ron i'm not quite suer by who they were played by are not the greatest actors and was displeased by there cornyness. thats all i have to say.

[sleekproductions]

if one wishes to deem a movie the best ever, all they must say is that it is the best movie they have ever seen....



SPOILERS
the avada part was very cool...

[dh1989]

Originally posted by BarkingSparrow
only serves to make you look like a brain-washed fanboy.



Wow! :) You are just so funny! A brain-washed fanboy? Funniest thing I heard all day. You should look into stand-up comedy......

[malcolm1980]

Harry Potter actually received THREE nominations last year: Best Original Score, Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction.

This year, I predict it will receive Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction (again).

[dh1989]

SPOILERS BELOW!

I was wondering if anyone else noticed this. When Tom Riddle first appears in the Chamber of Secrets, he makes no noise as he walks across the water. I think it is very cool how much attention Columbus and team give to detail.

END OF SPOILERS!

[Mikey2Dope]

Originally posted by B-ball Dude
I thought Dobby was cool

I thought Dobby was TERRIBLE. Did he HAVE to sound like Jar Jar Binks in every scene he was in? Easily the most annoying movie character in the last year(second to Jar Jar of course).

Besides that complaint Harry Potter 2 was an excellent movie but still did have some flaws. On the plus side the acting was great. Everybody played their characters perfectly. I truly liked Kenneth Branagh's character the most and thought he was a blast to watch. Tom Felton and Jason Issacs also played their roles of Draco and Lucius Malfoy perfectly. Draco easily has to be one of my most hated movie characters ever. Every scene he was in I wanted someone to clock his smug face and that shows me a great villain. The special effects(especially the spiders and snake) were just amazing and the scenery was beautifal.

On the minus side, I HATED the side characters. Dobby and Myrtle just annoyed me to no ends and it really killed me to have to sit through their torturous scenes but luckily those scenes were pretty few and far between. The only other thing that bothered me was the end. It went way too long at the end and could have been shaved by 10 or 15 mins.

But those complaints are pretty minimal and the good easily outweighs the bad. Overall a great time at the theatre and one of the better movies of the year. (8/10)

[Tuukka]

HP2 will come to Finland next friday and I'm going to see it. The first film was 6/10 to me and this feels like 7/10 so far... Unfortunately many people seem to dislike the final 20 minutes or so... A good ending is very important for me.

Anyway, I think it's pretty pointless to argue that someone "can't" say that HP2 is the best movie ever. "Best" is a purely subjective opinion and it has more to do with emotional impact than artistical quality. I think it's more valid for someone to say that HP2 is the best movie ever because he LIKES it so much, than to say that Citizen Kane is the best movie ever because of it's influence on film language... Statements like that always make me think that did that person even LIKE Citizen Kane or does he just admire it?

There are many films that are artistically just about perfect if I look at them in the most analytical and objective manner as possible. But I don't *like* all of those films. Some of them leave me cold and bored. And then I go to watch Charlie's Angels which I like very much for all it's goofy, silly fun. Quite obviously it is a very flawed film in many ways, but I don't care.

But as a general rule of thumb it's always much more important to like a film than to admire it. If those two things can go hand in hand, then all the better.

[Legolas]

Well I saw the film at a preview screening the sunday before last and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a big Potter fan and liked the first film a lot - though it did have some problems, partly the fact that because it introduced all the characters so the plot element wasn't very complex.

Luckily this film fixes nearly all of the problems of the original and has become one of my favorite films of all time. The plot is a lotmore prominent and the sense of dread and evil lurks in all corners of Hogwarts. The special effects are a lot better and Dobby is one of the most realistic creatures I have ever seen in a film and though I thought he looked odd at first he really is the character from the books.

Naturally everything is spot on from the sets to the costumes and dialogue and you get much more involved in Harrys world than in the previous film - I can't wait to see what happens with the next book as they get better as they go in IMO.

The action sequences were very well handled and I loved the sweeping camera shots that Chris Columbus used for showing the castle - very cool!

Apart from a few niggles - Harry and Ron thinking they were in trouble in Dumbledoors office at the end (They saved the school!!) and the ending (why was Hagrid such a hero??) It was about as good an adaptation of the book as I could have hoped for.

9/10

[BarkingSparrow]

Originally posted by dh1989
Wow! :) You are just so funny! A brain-washed fanboy? Funniest thing I heard all day. You should look into stand-up comedy......

My apologies, DH, I was out of line.

[Greville]

Hey Legolas,
although HP CoS was a good film it was no way one of the best i have ever seen, the acting was okay but no way as near as good as it should have been for such a high caliber film. Also being based upon a book it has to to abide by the plot in which the book foolows and so includes scenes which are inappropriate and meaningless for example The hagrid hero scene, what was that all about!!!!!! anyway it was a good film but no way near as good a grade as you gave it, remember you are afan of harry potter and so it would appear to be better becuase of your expectations as people always enjoy something they already like. If you push past your liking of the books and just look at it as a film made for entertainment, i feel that the film will appear wiorse than u had first stated. And before u slag off my statement i am also a fan of the harry potter books and i am entitled to my opinions!

[Draccoca]

I wasn't a fan of Harry Potter, never saw the first movie or read any of the books or anything. Now I feel that I'm a hypocrit, In one of my rants a while ago I was bitch about big buget films but i must say that i loved harry potter 2, (i was forced to watch) the only thing i hated was that my ass fell asleep.

great story line, great acting, directing everything was great. now today i'm going to dl the first harry potter movie as well as buy the books

[Col.Sanders]

:) I thought that Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was definately the better of the two films. I can't wait for the Prisoner of Azkaban

[Greville]

CoS was definitely the better of the 2 films but they still are not the best films i have seen.

[Legolas]

Greville I think you do have a point, people who are fans of the books and love the series are going to get more from the film than others. For some (EG Joblo) this is just another film whereas for others it is a big event and a chance to see these things you've read about up on screen as you have imagined them. Therefore with such a knowledge of the series and a love for the books and with such a good adaptation of that on screen it is hard not to love the film IMO.

Yes, as someone said before you are likely to be critical of how the film stands up against the books (like the ending) but you are also going to enjoy the faithful bits even more. Take the first film for example - when you first saw Diagon Ally, or the Hogwarts castle it is something special for fans, others may just say 'oh, that's quite cool' but not get the same out of it.

The same goes for fans of LOTR who, no doubt, will get more from seeing their favorite books up on screen than people with no prior knowledge to the series. One thing that CoS seems to be doing is impressing people who aren't fans and getting them interested. It's fine for a film to please those who have read the books, but it also needs to appeal to thjose with no previous knowledge of Harry Potter and come across as a great film in it's own rights - which I think it does.

One thing that I didn't mention in my review above is the brilliant score by John Williams which, to me, really makes the film stand out and the Harry Potter theme should become just as iconic as that of other films such as Star Wars - it just fits so well and adds as lot to the experience for me.

[The Other]

I should be seeing HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS today at 3, but if it's really crowded when I get there then I'm going to skip it again. But I should be able to see it this time.

[The Other]

Okay, I saw it and it wasn't bad (meaning it wasn't crowded at all).

As for the movie, I loved it. It's better than the first film. It's more mature than the first film and also it seems more realistic, can't explain that, but it did. The visual effects were even better the first as well. Dobby seemed real, Quidditch was even better, etc. Speaking of Quidditch, I didn't have a problem with the Quidditch match starting right in the middle of the game, either. It worked fine for me.

The film didn't seem long at all either. The time just flew by. I like that the film is long because it's supposed to be a year in the life of Harry Potter at school. So the film being long makes it seem like a year...in a good way, of course, not feeling like a year because it was boring or anything.

I thought the acting was better than the first. Daniel Radcliffe seems to be coming into his own as Potter and his acting has gotten better. As did everyone else's as well. Columbus' directing has gotten better as well.

The Chamber of Secrets gets a 10/10.

Yea, yea, yea, I think it's "10" material. But no, I'm not a fanboy, per se. Yes, I've read the novels but I don't obsess over them or anything.

[Puck Bond]

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an enjoyable mystery adventure film that kids will find delightful and adults can enjoy too. The 2nd installment of the Harry Potter films based on the hugely popular books which I have never read. Daniel Radcliffe is better this time around as the young, special wizard attending his 2nd year at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This time around he recieves fair warning from a strange little elf called Dobby not to go back to school. Rescued by his fearful buddy Ron Weasly in a nice scene involving a flying car. At school strange things start happening as something is attacking various people leaving them frigid and motionless or "petrified". The Chamber of Secrets has been opened where a strange monster has been awoken by its master. Mystery, fun and adventure ensue as Harry, Ron and Hermione the wonderful Emma Watson try to solve the mystery of the strange occurences, to avoid having the school closed. I did enjoy the first film to some extent, though I thought it took too long to get going and the story lacked focus and relevance...but this film plays better the running time of 2:40mins seems to fly by and this film doesn't spend so much time introducing its characters. Also the acting by the kids is much better this time around. The look of Hogwarts is great with its beautiful elaborate hallways and dark passages and so on. The overall special effects were a lot better this time too, more seemless and more convincing. The crushing tree, quidditch scene, spiders, moaning Myrtle and the final monster were all very good. The veteran cast of Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith and Jason Isaacs with the addition of Kenneth Branagh who was a nice addition really give the film a sense of authority and is nicely grounded by them. The young actors do carry the show but its comforting, knowing they have solid veteran support. Overall Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a fun, exciting and highly enjoyable mystery adventure film for all ages.

[JoBlo]

test

[Lazy Boy]

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

A much more relaxed version than its predecessor (** out of ****), the film still has a labored pace at moments, and feels more episodic than flowing smoothly, but it's an entertaining two and half hours nonetheless.

Now that the exposition has been explained, the film is less rigid and free to invite the viewer into its spooky (too spooky for wee ones) tale.Unfortunately, what still remains stiff and wooden is Daniel Radcliffe, as Harry. He's just not the boy wonder I imagined from the wonderful series. He's clearly upstaged by the other actors (especially the wonderfully smarmy Kenneth Branagh) as well as his two (not so) pint sized co-stars, Rupert Grint and the insufferably adorable Emma Watson.

The visuals are much better in this installment (no goofy looking cave troll this time) and the setting is gorgeous. While probably not a film I'll see again in theaters, Harry Potter is well-worth a matinee, at the very least.

Grade: *** out of **** stars

[TheMovieMinor]

I didnt see this movie, and plan not too, but at least I took some part in it, and won at LeesMovieInfo.
I am usually at number 86 or so on those things, Im suprised I won. So that pretty much goes for me seeing it. So pretend I saw it.

[rgse]

Hermione is HOT!!!

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by rgse
Hermione is HOT!!!

I pray that you are a 12 year old boy....please for the love of god!

[darkface]

Originally posted by idealdiscountdude
I pray that you are a 12 year old boy....please for the love of god!

...or girl. It is the 21 century you know! but yes i pray you're 12 also.

I haven't seen this one yet. I'm waiting till i get paid... then i need some free time. I might go see Die Another day first this weekend though.

[Lazy Boy]

Originally posted by rgse
Hermione is HOT!!!

Hey, I think Emma Watson is tremendously cute and all, but let's hope you're not in Roger Ebert territory here... ;)

[7 Zark 7]

Ooh man! What a terrible movie. I went to see this because there was nothing else at the theatre that looked as if it could entertain me. I thought this movie could have had a chance, but just liuke the first one, it was wooden, charmless, and BORING!!!! It may be aimed at kids, but then I am entertained by Rankin Bass, old Disney movies, the Muppet Show, Star Wars, etc. This series is far, far overrated. I can hear the kids' uproar now..."Hawwy Pottah! Hawwy Pottah!! It was de best movee I hawv evuh seen!! The sad fact is, there was not an original idea or much talent to give this kind of movie the steam it needs to be magical or enchanting...OR ENTERTAINING!!!! Like someone mentioned earlier, it just seems like a bunch of scenes placed together in a movie format. It doesn't flow well at all. There is also FAR too much mugging for the camera. It's a huge crutch for this movie. Im just sick of this stuff, it's all over the place. Why can't it be UNIQUE for a change!!?? Ahh well, garbage in, garbage out! It's just the same boring, well marketed crap that allows entertainment executives to buy new cars and more cocaine. I guess im just too sophisticated and can see through the BS veil. Now, back to your lives...

[Horror whore]

Originally posted by 7 Zark 7
Ooh man! What a terrible movie. I went to see this because there was nothing else at the theatre that looked as if it could entertain me. I thought this movie could have had a chance, but just liuke the first one, it was wooden, charmless, and BORING!!!! It may be aimed at kids, but then I am entertained by Rankin Bass, old Disney movies, the Muppet Show, Star Wars, etc. This series is far, far overrated. I can hear the kids' uproar now..."Hawwy Pottah! Hawwy Pottah!! It was de best movee I hawv evuh seen!! The sad fact is, there was not an original idea or much talent to give this kind of movie the steam it needs to be magical or enchanting...OR ENTERTAINING!!!! Like someone mentioned earlier, it just seems like a bunch of scenes placed together in a movie format. It doesn't flow well at all. There is also FAR too much mugging for the camera. It's a huge crutch for this movie. Im just sick of this stuff, it's all over the place. Why can't it be UNIQUE for a change!!?? Ahh well, garbage in, garbage out! It's just the same boring, well marketed crap that allows entertainment executives to buy new cars and more cocaine. I guess im just too sophisticated and can see through the BS veil. Now, back to your lives...


Thank you for a genuine laugh. I honestly don't even think you saw the movie and are just dissing it for your own personal pleasure. You're review didn't even mention one thing from the movie (except that it feels like a bunch of scenes tacked together, which someone already said)!_

[Greville]

Originally posted by 7 Zark 7
Ooh man! What a terrible movie. I went to see this because there was nothing else at the theatre that looked as if it could entertain me. I thought this movie could have had a chance, but just liuke the first one, it was wooden, charmless, and BORING!!!! It may be aimed at kids, but then I am entertained by Rankin Bass, old Disney movies, the Muppet Show, Star Wars, etc. This series is far, far overrated. I can hear the kids' uproar now..."Hawwy Pottah! Hawwy Pottah!! It was de best movee I hawv evuh seen!! The sad fact is, there was not an original idea or much talent to give this kind of movie the steam it needs to be magical or enchanting...OR ENTERTAINING!!!! Like someone mentioned earlier, it just seems like a bunch of scenes placed together in a movie format. It doesn't flow well at all. There is also FAR too much mugging for the camera. It's a huge crutch for this movie. Im just sick of this stuff, it's all over the place. Why can't it be UNIQUE for a change!!?? Ahh well, garbage in, garbage out! It's just the same boring, well marketed crap that allows entertainment executives to buy new cars and more cocaine. I guess im just too sophisticated and can see through the BS veil. Now, back to your lives...

No surprise u didn't enjot thsi film your favourite film is 'The Fearless Vampire Killers'

[7 Zark 7]

Originally posted by Horror whore
Thank you for a genuine laugh. I honestly don't even think you saw the movie and are just dissing it for your own personal pleasure. You're review didn't even mention one thing from the movie (except that it feels like a bunch of scenes tacked together, which someone already said)!_

It wasn't really a review, I don't think a film of this caliber really warrants getting in depth with, at least for me anyhow. Hmm..what's there to say about it? Just see for yourself! Compare the movie to something that is enchanting, expressive, unique, well written, has good timing, nice pace, delivery (i.e. The Empire Strikes Back, Legend) and is something that kids can enjoy. I did like Rupert and the little girl, they are pretty good actors. Alan Rickman is great and slimy, it's just that the elements were there, but lacked the cohesion to form a good film. The movie's formula for success is a little tired. A movie dealing with this subject matter should be a little more quirky (like Legend). HPATCOS didn't possess anything special.

[The Prowler]

Well I heard a lot of great things about this sequel that it is superior and that the length of the film is not an issue. Well this movie seemed five hours to me. I just saw this movie last night and I can't even remember what all happened. I just think there was too much crammed into this movie. I do admit there were some cool special effects but the pacing seemed a little lacking to me. I thought some of the dialogue bordered on corny and some of the characters were annoying like the ghost of the girl in the bathroom. Some of the scenes ecpecially the spider invasion in the cave were cool. I agree that the movie was better than the first but that isn't saying much to me since i dozed off in both movies

Chamber of Secrets 5/10

[sleekproductions]

I saw it for a third time, and it's just as good as the first! Still a glorious 10/10!

[Strider]

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Rated PG for Scary Moments, Creature Violence, and Some Mild Language

Director: Chris Columbus

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, with Kenneth Branagh, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Jason Issacs, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith.

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0295297/HP2-FILM-006.jpg

"Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) ignores warnings not to return to Hogwarts, only to find the school plagued by a series of mysterious attacks and a strange voice haunting him."

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is the much anticipated sequel to last year's highest grossing film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". So how does this sequel hold up? Well, all I can say, just like the book, the film is much better than it's predecessor. And yes, I have read the Harry Potter books. Still, don't get me confused with one of those hardcore fans that knows every single detail of the world of Harry Potter.

In this sequel, the same cast and crew is back onboard. However, there are a few new faces, which include accomplished actor/director Kenneth Branagh, who plays Gilderoy Lockhart, the new teacher at the wizard school known as Hogwarts. Another new face would be Jason Issacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy, the father of Harry Potter's nemesis, Draco Malfoy. Both actors are good in their roles, but I favored Issacs the most, he was wonderfully wicked.

The rest of the performances in the film are solid, however, I couldn't help not noticing how much the three leads have changed, and they would be the now teenage actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. They all look and sound differently, I guess puberty is hitting them hard already. I wonder, they're all growing up so fast, and that leads me to question how this very profitable franchise is going to continue. There are still two more books to transform into films, and plus, there are three more on the way from the author, J.K. Rowling. It will be interesting to see how everything works out.

This sequel is not quite perfect though, it suffers from one big flaw that is the fault of the director, Chris Columbus, and the screenwriter, Steven Kloves. They're just too scared of what the fans are going to think of their film adaptation, and this is something they really needed to shake off before they started on this sequel. I also believe they felt that it was necessary to cram every word of the book into the film... but it wasn't.

There are many small things in this film that are unnecessary, and needed to be left on the cutting room, and saved for the deleted scenes feature on the DVD. Besides, what's the point of including all these small details, when only a minute or less are spendt on them in the first place? The film's predecessor falls victim to the same problem as well, but in the sequel, it's much more obvious and noticable. Don't get me wrong, this has absolutely nothing to do with the film's running length, all I'm doing is critizing the work of Columbus and Kloves.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" was not the classic or masterpiece most critics have been making it out to be, but it is a throughly enjoyable and entertaining sequel that just happens to be darker, edgier, and funnier than it's predecessor.

Hopefully, when Alfonso Cuarcon of "A Little Princess" and "Y Tu Mama Tambien" gets into the director's chair of the third installment of the Harry Potter franchise, maybe he'll deliver a real classic for the ages. Until then, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" will do just fine.

Running Time: 2 hours 41 minutes

Grade: 8/10 or **** out of ***** stars

Strider

[Wrath]

As a grinch when it comes to movies like these, I wasn't looking foward to the sequel. Boy oh boy, this movie had me HOOKED from the opening scene, to the very end! There wasn't a dull point in the movie at all for me, it was very enchanting, and a great movie for everyone of all ages to experience.

[BadCoverVersion]

Okay...Bejezus...Easy now tigers!!! It's all getting a wee bit heated in this here forum!

On to the grading...

I adored the bugger...harmless entertainment..mindless thrills, abso-bloody-lutely marvellous! I personally thought the casting was SPOT-ON, "Grint", "Watson" and "Radcliffe" were utterly convincing in their charming roles (granted we're not talking "Haley Joel Osment" man-child stylee acting here)...I mean, come on...What's all the mumblin' and grumblin' in aid of? "Brannagh" was a revelation, "Rickman" was fiendishly great, "Isaacs" was FECKING marvellous....and they even threw in a bit of totty for the laydeez in the form of young "Christian Coulson" and "Sean Biggerstaff". "Shirley Henderson" ALSO...My Gawd, a top-notch cast and no mistake!!!

There were chills, thrills and plenty of chuckles to boot. The effects were superb and the enchanting score was the icing on the cake. Me and my boyf were surrounded by young kiddies "oooing" and "aahing" with every single plot development...the atmosphere was just MAGICAL. This is a KIDDIES movie FIRST and FOREMOST....but Christ almighty, the amount of GROWN MEN giggling their knickers off every time bloody "Gilderoy Lockheart" entered the scenario...I was stunned!!! The Movie wasn't overly long and although it was certainly darker that HPATPS it wasn't TOO frightening for the younger children in the audience...the element of suspense and the inclusion of "creepy crawlies" and other loathsome creatures was just right! I enjoyed every minute of the experience.

SPOILER
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I've got to admit...my favourite part had to be when ALL the children embraced "Hagrid" just before the closing credits...the HUGE round of applause within the Cinema just made me grin like an idiot!
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SPOILER

Ooooooh I bloody loved it...I walked through Hampstead smiling like a bloody simpleton...armed with my complimentary HARRY POTTER STICKERS and SOUR POP. I've got to be generous with this baby...I can't say I've smiled THAT wide in a long long time!:D

10/10

[The Other]

I hate to be perverted here, but look at how the three of them are growing up! Emma Watson, for one, will be hot when she grows up.

This was at a London Press Conference on 10/25/02:

http://www.danielradclifferocks.com/LPC9.jpg

[Common Sense Man]

Okay granted I am not or will ever be a Pothead but I went to the movie with an open mind just like when I went to the first one.

SPOILERS
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I have never read the books so I can thankfully avoid all the talk about how it did not translate or what they skipped.

But what I can say is that they need to find an editor! Boys learn how to edit and pick up the pace!

After reading a bunch of reviews about how fast the movie flew by I was expecting an action fest but it was just your average action movie.

Granted I was not bored out of my skull as I was during some of the parts in EPII but man less idle chit-chat and more story.

And the fact that this movie is aimed mainly at young kids makes it even harder to believe that they released a cut that was sooooo long.

There where constantly kids running up and down the aisles of the theater between the action scenes because they could not take the slow parts.

I do think it was better than the first one especially in the effects department. No more Gumby quiddach players, or however you spell that.

I must admit I had some flashbacks of Star Wars during the game when Harry and Spike... ah I mean Malfoy where flying thru the scaffolding, thought it was Luke in the Death Star trench for a sec.

But again Ron and the Chicky Baby steal the show from Harry and his wooden acting.

I did miss not seeing more of Prof. Hairy-Dude as he and Prof Snape seem to be the only characters with a little personality.

But my main Potter Peeve is still in place. For a school of Wizardry and Witchcraft they sure don't know how to teach!

Example.

Okay lets have a duel, now get up here and fight.

But we are not going to teach you anything before you get up here, now have fun!

Is there anyone out there that would not mind a scene or two about actually teaching them something!

I was glad that the evil forest finally had something evil in it!

But I must say I was sorely disappointed as I was with the first one with the climax.

I waited so long for the final battle then Potter doesn't do much of anything really. He is bailed out yet agian by others.

I thought that Rowling had a nice bit of plot twisting when the Phoenix brought in the Hat.

I was thinking nice move, Harry can wear the Hat pull it down over his eyes and the Hat can tell him where the Basilisk is and he won't be petrified or killed.

But nope, the stupid bird has to blind the damn Basilisk so we get no payoff and don't even get to see anyone petrified, lame!

And don't get me started about the K-mart He-Man Masters of the Universe reject sword that Harry uses, that looked terrible.

It was like part of some 5 year olds Halloween costume.

Again that drove home for me that this movie is for the kiddies, but come on get a good prop designer in there will ya!

So the whole battle was a bit of a let down once the Basilisk was blind I knew that it was going to suck, and it did.

Then all we had to do was sit thru 20 more minutes of Harry back slapping, man cut it down to only one congrats scene please, Harry is going to get a complex!

Now this was not a crap-burger in any sense and up against EPII it holds it's own.

But I just watched FOTR SE and it cannot even come close.

Some have asked it HP or LOTR will be the new Star Wars of our age. I doubt either will, but HP has no chance.

It is a pop culture phenom with the kids, and it will make many stinking rich but I do not think it will have the staying power that LOTR's will have.

I give it a 6/10 for not beeing too boring, improved effects, a nice little CGI Elf to kick around and a slightly improved story over HP.

A nice kids movie.

And I am sure you can expect some Oscar Nominations but I do not forsee how any actor could get an Oscar for those oh so standard performances.

Out............................................... ...............

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Common Sense Man
Prof. Hairy-Dude

Do you mean Hagrid, the gameskeeper, by any chance?

[Common Sense Man]

Hagrid yes that is it.

Played by the brilliant Robby Coaltrane I believe, however you spell it.

He was a jem in the first one with his "Oh I should not have said thats" I missed him in the second one.

I watch him in the series Cracker on BBC America a very different character but very good, check it out.

Out...............................

[The Other]

*sigh*

Yet more comparing of HARRY POTTER and LORD OF THE RINGS. I like them both a lot, HP more than LOTR, but I NEVER compare the two. I wish people would give it a rest. Can't they just both coexist peacefully?

*sigh*

[Horror whore]

Originally posted by The Other
Can't they just both coexist peacefully?


The answer to that is a strong NO. Just one person has to come in here and make dumb comparisons to spoil it all.

[dh1989]

I disagree with the whole Potter Vs. LOTR thing. They are so very different. Its a joke to compare them.....

[dh1989]

BTW, I saw this film for the eighth time today, and its still wonderful. 10/10....Best film of all-time......

[Nilla]

I Loved COS..

The only faults I could find was how some really great actors were reduced to bit parts.. Rickman/Smith could have gotten a lil more screen time - I wouldn't have minded seein' a bit more of Hagrid either - (I agree whole-heartedly with Common Sense Man about his "I should not have said thats" from film one)
Oh.. Sean Biggerstaff/"Oliver Wood" would have done well with a bigger part -- but for entirely different reasons.. Lovee the accent..

One part of the first movie I enjoyed so much was the interaction between Harry and his potion's master.. but I guess it was felt that this time 'round that action was the order of the day.. and thus, sacrificing a lot of character developement and relationships..

And maybe it was only me, but it seemed as if good ol' Mr. Potter himself had been bitten by the "pressure" bug, and gave the impression he was well aware of how those wide-eyed expressions of wonder from film one wouldn't cut it in this second installment and thus, over-acted for a good part of the movie - although he more or less nailed those final scenes..

I've pretty much rambled enough I guess, but I will say I loved Dobby. And ironing hands? Priceless - Bad Dobby!

Actually - since I've blabbed this much I might as well add my two cents on something else - The whole "LOTR vs. HP" mini protest that seems to be happenin'.

Call me crazy (most people do) but I think it is to be expected that LOTR and HP be compared.
The people whining about it - I just don't see the point.

One may snicker at HP being contrasted to LOTR - "A children's story being weighed against one of the greatest tales ever penned.."
But when you get down to it, the reasons the two are being put side by side is because they are very much alike.. Both are magical, truly amazing sagas that draw you into the rich tapestry of their respective worlds and who's characters get tangled up in your imagination and often, your heart.. I also think few would disagree that the imaginations of the authors and the detail woven into their offerings, are anything less than purely awe-inspiring..

So all that being said, I honestly don't think it does either film harm in anyway to be pulled up alongside the other for comparison.

Is it really a case of having to choose which is "better" than the other? I never really thought of it as a "LOTR vs. HP" -- more of hmm.. comparing chocolate and ice-cream - don't fight about it - why even choose? They compliment each other quite nicely.

-(edited 'coz I'm a moron and coulda-woulda-shoulda did that neat preview post thingie but didn't )

[DaveyJoeG]

Well I saw Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets on the first day it came out, not because I'm a huge fan of the series, I enjoyed the first one when I rented it, and probably would've waitied to rent the second movie too. However, COS was scheduled to come out on my birthday, and since about all of my friends were going to see it, I figured I'd join themn, I think escaping in a movie for two and a half hours is a nice little birthday treat.

***WARNING***SPOILERS SPRINKLED THROUGHOUT***

Anyway, I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed it. But first let's get through the bad. I haven't read the books and one of my problems with the first movie was that there were a lot of vague references to things a non-reader would be confused by. Chamber of Secrets had its fair share of moments like that, that Walloping Tree seemed rather random to me, but they didn't bother me as much as they did in the first movie.

Another thing that bothers me, in both movies is the Deus Ex Machina-style endings. In the first movie Harry just touches the guy's face and he melts, as a non-reader I felt cheated by that, maybe someday I'll get someone who's read the books to fill me in. Chamber of Secrets also had this problem, the flying car saved their asses too many times and that really bothered me. The minute I heard the pheonix and saw it swooping in and I knew I was in store for another cheap ending. Where did the sword from the hat come from? Maybe I missed a reference to it, but I'd like to have seen them put one in before it all happened! Luckily the climax with the Basilisk was exciting enough that I didn't mind too much.

That about covers my major problems with the film, the rest was all good. I, like just about everyone, loved every second with Kenneth Brannaugh as Gilderoy Lockheart. He pracitically stole the show. I felt the exact opposite with Jason Issacs as Lucious Malfoy, but only because his performance was so good that I hated him more with every line spoken.

Daniel's performance was ok, nothing spectacular but not bad and certainly better than the first one. Rupert as Ron was funny, some were annoyed by his whining and snivelling, but I was laughing through most of it. Emma as Hermione was just as adorable as she wa sin the last movie, unfortunately she didn't have enough screen time in this one. Actually many of the characters begged for more screen time. Hagrid and Snape being the biggest offenders, I was disappointed that we didn't see more of them.

I was impressed by the CG work on Dobby, but that didn't stop me from wanting to smack him every time he got Harry into trouble. I found Moaning Myrtle appropriately irritating. Was the Basilisk CG? Because that looked damn real. I also liked the scene with the Cornish(?) Pixies. The giant spiders were good, but then came that damn flying car to ruin the moment.

The humor in the movie was spot on, Ron's Owl being a highlight, also every scene with Lockheart, and I particularly enjoyed Dobby beating himself. The darker tone of the movie was well set also. Some moments made me jump and the Basilisk pretty much scared the crap outta me.

While some people hated the very end scene I loved it. When all the kids cheered for Hagrid, I thought it was a great ending to a damn good film. Most of the kids in the theater clapped right along with them and when that happened I just felt all fuzzy inside.

So nitpicks aside, I can't deny that this was one entertaining movie. I was sucked right in from beginning to end. And going from what I remember and how I initially felt I give it a 9/10.

[Mike]

Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)

What a big disappointment this movie was. I was surprised when I loved the first one so much, I definitely didn't expect to since I'm not a fan of the fantasy genre. I was really looking forward to this one and after seeing it tonight I must say it definitely did not live up to the original. I saw it with two friends who also loved the original and we were all bored out of our minds. I don't see how anyone could sit through this movie more than once, once was hard enough.

After the highly engrossing "Sorcerer's Stone," "Chamber Of Secrets" comes as a major letdown. Too much talk and not enough action. After this one I think I'll just see the third part on DVD because I don't want to sit for almost three hours in a theater bored out of my mind again if it can be avoided. I wish we would have seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" instead.

Grade: 5/10 (C-)

[Movie Hunter]

I dont think that HP should be compared to LOTR , Becoz its not even worthy enough to grade it .. id prefer this dog/kids movies that comes on movie channel to HP anytime .. in the other hand LOTR is a master piece FOTR (10/10) was one of the best fantasy movies i have ever seen .. waiting for TTT which will also kick COS ass like FOTR did to HP:TPS :)

[Mike]

I don't have a problem comparing Harry Potter and LOTR because they are both fantasy movies, Harry Potter (the first one) was just MUCH better. I was at least able to get engrossed in Harry Potter, but I just couldn't really get into LOTR.

[dh1989]

Eek, I am sorry you did not enjoy this film Mike.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
Eek, I am sorry you did not enjoy this film Mike.

I'm sorry I didn't too, I was expecting so much more from it and it just didn't have the magic and excitement of the first one.

[The Other]

That's sad, I thought THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS was much better than the first in almost all aspects...acting, visual effects, directing, etc.

I think you not liking it might have to do with you seeing it in theaters, I think you should give it another go on video...if you want.

[Mike]

Originally posted by The Other
I think you not liking it might have to do with you seeing it in theaters, I think you should give it another go on video...if you want.

I think my not liking it might have had something to do with me seeing it in theaters too. I probably would have liked it more if I would have seen it on video. But the only thing is that now that I've already seen it in theaters and was bored I won't be very anxious to see it again. I might give it another shot on video as long as I get to see it for free. If someone borrows it to me then I'll probably watch it again.

[dh1989]

Mike, did you at least enjoy some of the scenes like the Mandrakes, Howler, Spiders, The Basilisk, etc?

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
Mike, did you at least enjoy some of the scenes like the Mandrakes, Howler, Spiders, The Basilisk, etc?

Yes, I did enjoy some scenes, that's why I still gave it a 5/10. I really wanted to enjoy this one more but I just didn't. Everyone was saying that this one was much darker and it definitely was, maybe that was part of the problem. Plus, in this one Ron got on my nerves a few times and made me roll my eyes, he always acted like such a baby and in many of those scenes the actor playing him was doing major overacting. I didn't mind him in the first one though. I think they need to expand on his character a bit more, show that there's more to him.

[Asokan]

The sequel has some of the same problems of the original:
overacting (Hermione) or simply bad (Ron) child actors
too many underdeveloped characters running around
a quite complex mystery plot which is all over the place
a plodding and tiring narrative full of "event sequences"

better this time:
vastly improved visual effects
some genuinely scary and rousing sequences
less clunky exposition
some new faces adding flavor (Malfoy Senior especially)

worse this time:
no emotional interest in the flat characters
Richard Harris is for the most part sidelined
the ending is just awfully sentimental
stupid dialogue to reintroduce known characters: "Oh, look there! It's Professor Dumbledore!"

All in all quite better and daring than the first one, but still played too safe and harmless. I hope Alfonso Cuaron will turn the next one into a real delight.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Asokan
stupid dialogue to reintroduce known characters: "Oh, look there! It's Professor Dumbledore!"


They never say that in the film.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
They never say that in the film.

I think he was just exaggerating a little bit but I do remember them saying something like it in the movie.

[dh1989]

I see. Yes, I remember. In the scene after the Whomping Willow in Snape's office, Dumbledore and McGonagall walk in the door when Snape is talking about expulsion. Daniel Radcliffe(Harry Potter) says "Professor Dumbledore.... Professor McGonagall". I thought it was simple way of respectfully greeting them. Would people rather have "Hey Professor Dudes"? And it was a nice way to introduce they are professors for folks who did not see the first film.

[Asokan]

Yeah, thanks Mike!

I can't remember the EXACT lines, but I often stopped and wondered why every character's name had to spoken aloud in order to (re)introduce them. But what's even worse: the most crucial plot revelations had to be repeated every time by our protagonist Harry Potter? Why? Because kids wouldn't get it otherwise? Are they really that stupid.

Give them a break, Hollywood!

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Asokan
Because kids wouldn't get it otherwise? Are they really that stupid.



Most likely. In fact, Hollywood must cater to the morons these days. You can notice slight things in some films. In Resident Evil, they read out all the information in the opening sequence about Umbrella Corp. The same with Equilibrium. Everything is narrated because it is not so rare these days to find a grown man who cannot read. It is sad. :(

[sleekproductions]

I saw this movie today, for my fourth time, and I just thought it let everybody know that it is as good as the first time around. I personally think this is the best criticism a film can get.

Still a glorious 10/10, and currently in a HUGE battle for best film of the year. (With GONY, and TTT)

[dh1989]

Me also. I saw this for the tenth time today, and it is the last time I'll see it before DVD. It left my theatre for Catch Me If You Can. It was already sharing a screen with The Hot Chick, and was screening at 1:40 PM only. :( It is still holding up. Best film of the year followed by TTT, then GONY.

[superdave]

I liked this Harry Potter more than the first....I'm very excited about Alfonso Cuaron's third installment.

[blankpage]

Well, HP is still doing pretty good here. I will be seeing it again. Although, as many of you know I was dissapointed by the film. When it comes to the cheap theater, I am going to give it another shot.

So, you never know.But for now I stand my opinion.

Remember, I am still a HUGE Potter fan.

[profound]

My Harry Potter experience....

Saw the first movie over a year ago and found it a bit lacking but still fun (6.5-7 out of 10). Didn't instill any desire in me to read the books.

Saw the second movie about a month ago and enjoyed it quite a bit more this time (8 out of 10). Still didn't have any desire to read the books.

However one of my workmates who is a a fellow fantasy fan had been pestering me to read the books. I finally ran out of books to read and decided to borrow the books from her.
I found the first two books mediocre, enoyed the third one and loved the fourth. I've gone the through the third and fourth books a couple of times now (having bought my own copies).

I decided to watch the movies again and found that my enjoyment increased, now that I couldnow fill in a lot of the blanks that the movie creates.

Conclusion - On thier own the movies are decent, but as a complement to the book they are excellent.

[Jedi]

I FINALLY saw it 10 days ago! and man oh man!! was it a great movie? you bet! I rarely give a movie a 10/10 grade, among the 600 movie I've seen in the last two years I gave it to 20. Chamber of Secrets is the 21st!

Simply amazing. Based on an excellent book this film has got all the best people to make it real. Great performances (Kenneth Branagh is hilarious). Great special effects (Dobby- the willow- the snake- the spiders... everything!)- Great production design. Everything is done perfectly and well-crafted. I can't think of a better fantasy-family movie than this one.

10/10

[dh1989]

I am glad you liked it, Jedi! :)