Movie Review                                                                                                                               

28 Dec 2002

THEATRICAL RELEASE
Nov 15, 2002 (Wide)

NUMBERS
Box Office: $228,821,682

MPAA RATING
PG, for scary moments, some creature violence and mild language

RUNTIME
2 hours, 41 minutes

RELEASE COMPANY
Warner Bros.

Starring:

Daniel Radcliffe Emma Watson   Rupert Grint       Tom Felton      Bonnie Wright    Richard Harris  Robbie Coltrane  Jason Isaacs    Kenneth Branagh

Harry Potter    Hermione Granger  Ron Weasley   Draco Malfoy   Ginny Weasley  Albus Dumbledore

Directed by Chris Columbus
 

Movie Review                                                                                                                               

No matter how stupid a Harry Porter film maybe, there is just this unique epic sense just like the James Bond's franchise, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Although stupid is not a word to describe the new Harry Porter film - The Chamber of Secrets, but still it just doesn't seem right. Despite the film has shown immense improvement comparing to the first film, but Chambers is still too predictable and childish in tense moments. However, the effects alone is a treat for even non-Harry Porter fans.

One thing that's good about line by line adaptation of books into film, is the story. The story in the Chamber of Secrets is definitely no brain surgeon, but despite an easy going plot, Director Chris Columbus made it seems complex and in turn creating a strong sense of tension and suspense at times. The film starts of with Harry Porter (Daniel Radcliffe) like in the first film struck with his auntie and uncle, then his best friend Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) helps him escape, which begins the visually stunning effects by the flying car. As soon as Porter and friends were back to school is where it gets exciting and when Porter discovers that the Chamber of Secrets is opened - one by one his school mates were horrified and eventually his best friend Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) also suffers. Then you have the usual enemies of Porter played by the evil but well acted as Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) and his father played by Jason Isaacs who both put on a great performance. Not to spoilt the ending, but I must say it was very childish to satisfy the rating of PG, and you know Porter saves the day anyway.

The casting of Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Porter although good, but somehow his acting seems very stiff and unnatural especially when paired with his friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). Rupert Grint is definitely a good actor and he has all the potential to be the next Tim Allen. But surprisingly despite not having a presence as  Draco Malfoy, lead villain in the first Harry Porter film, Tom Felton along with his father (in the movie) played by Jason Issacs became virtually scene stealer, even when Porter is there. Once again the late Richard Harris symbolizes happiness and peace and manage to put on a charming and experience performance as Albus Dumbledore.    

The Chamber of Secrets has shown improvement over Sorcerer's Stone in nearly all aspects from length being 20 minutes longer, acting, visual effects, action and tension. Despite this improvement, The Chamber of Secrets is still far behind the epical sense of Lord of the Rings, but still Harry Porter has some stunning visual effects and suspense moments, which will keep kids to teenagers glued to the screen and adults questioning and wondering what is the Chamber of Secrets!

Ratings:

                               1/2                     7/10

By Andrew Chan (28 December 2002)