Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets

What's the Plot?

The summer holidays are nearly over and Harry Potter ( Daniel Radcliffe ) is looking forward to returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and leaving behind his " muggle " relatives - the mean Dursley family. However, Harry has not received any letters from his friends - Ron Weasley ( Rupert Grint ) and Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson) - but he soon finds out that the reason for this is Dobby, a house-elf, who fears for Harry's life. Dobby believes that if Harry returns to Hogwarts he will be killed. Despite Dobby's interference, Harry makes it to Hogwarts where he,Ron and Hermoine find that their new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher is no other than Professor Lockhart ( Kenneth Brannagh ) - a self-loving wizard who various books constantly make the best sellers list. It's when the hallways become unsafe for student and teacher alike that Harry and his friends resolve to solve the mystery of what is " petryfing " it's victims and what, and where exactly is the Chamber Of Secrets? If they can't catch the " monster " then Professor Dumbledore ( Richard Harris ) will have no choice but to close Hogwarts...forever

Ron (Rupert Grint) and Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) take to the air

The Review

Well, the franchise is well and truly on its way with the second visit to Hogwarts school of witchcarft and wizardy. ...Chamber Of Secrets finds itself in the same beneficial position as Star Wars Episode II did, where pace and action are greatly improved since the lengthy introductions and scene-setting has already been done.

Professor Lockart (Kenneth Branagh)

Most of the world know Harry, Ron and Hermione so the limelight is redirected to the wizardy world's additions . Kenneth Branagh literally steals the show as the conceited Professor Lockhart who is the school's new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Simply superb, Branagh's performance as the vain man is enhanced by the photographs of him and books about him, that surround him! The other crowd pleaser, for the younger audience at least, is the computer-generated house-elf, Dobby. This strange creature who warns Harry of grave danger provides the "banging into and hitting objects" type humour but Dobby doesn't have all the laughs. Yet again, Ron, played by Rupert Grint, outshines Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Emma Watson (Hermione) with some stand-out moments: puking up slugs, his "can we panic now?" line and his tired, old battered owl is funny too.

Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) and Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) prepare to duel

Characterisation is still not high on the priority list with the likes of Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane and Richard Harris being lost in the sheer speed of the movie which is a shame since they could all bring some welcome weight to the proceedings. However, the effects have been addressed since the first film and although not stunning, ...Chamber Of Secrets still has some breath-taking scenes which sit nicely with the film's overall darker and funnier tone.

Director Chris Columbus, who will not direct the third Harry Potter adventure has seemed to have found his footing and delights in the hurried pace of the storyline. The Quidditch match which was built up for the first film arrives here on the screen without any fanfare and is probably all the more impressive for it. Reminiscent of the Star Wars Death Star trench battle, Harry and his nemesis, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), fight it out amongst the structure of the stadium whilst chasing the golden snitch.

Mature fans of the book mat feel that a lot has been glossed over - the Muggle world is disposed of in under 15 minutes of the film starting but ...Chamber Of Secrets provides a damn good time for all! Coming in at two hours and 40 minutes, it may be a test for smaller children but everyone should enjoy this treat. By the way, don't leave until the very end of the closing credits - it will be worth your while to wait