Customer Reviews

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Widescreen)

5 star:		(216)
4 star:		(92)
3 star:		(50)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(27)

 

 

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" pulls off something that only "The Empire Strikes Back" has done. It's better than the first film! Not only is the story more interesting(though the first was tops as well), it's packed with even more wonder and imagination than the first as well. The castmembers of the first flick return, as well as Kenneth Branagh in a superb performance as Lockhart, the bumbling, vain writer of "Magical Me."

I'm sure the naysayers had a wonderful time bashing this sequel for its evil undertones. Students get "petrified" and the basilisk takes shots at Harry, but all in all, Harry prevails. He makes the right choices, does the good deeds and fights a good fight. How dare he promote such horrible values!

Please folks, I used up a lot of space harping on how kids need to have fun in my review of the first film. The same applies to this movie as well. Don't worry about your kid becoming a warlock or praying to Satan, just let them have a little fun. If you raise them right, you won't have to worry about any of that anyway.

The "Potter" books encourage kids to read and use their imagination. That's a good thing in my book. The movies encourage kids to use their imaginations as well.

You've just got to love something that promotes so many good things. We need more heroes like Harry. He's a good character to let your kids read about and watch on the big screen. He's caring to others, takes his studies reasonably serious(you might want to promote Hermione's study habits to your kids, though) and he always tries to do the right thing.

Overall this movie is fun and enjoyable for the whole family. Some of the scenes might scare the little ones, but this movie is worth explaining those scenes in order to get the message across.

Watch this one and have a ton of fun. It's great for everybody. Highly recommended.

While there were many things that were missing from this movie that were included in the book, you will not notice their lack. As far as following the main storyline of the novel and the dialogue, it is an excellent carry over.

If you enjoyed the novels or the first film, then this is a must see.

Swish and flick--reviewus commencius! OK, so I've done the theatrical release review a day after its debut. What's the point of doing the video version, apart from the fact it popped up in my Amazon recommendations? Maybe it's the fact that I've seen this so many times after it came out on video.

Those who have read the book already know the plot of the movie, but for those who haven't, here goes. In his second year at Hogwarts, Harry hears an ominous voice speaking of blood and killing only audible to him. Ms. Norris, caretaker Argus Filch's cat, is found petrified. Colin Greevey, a first-year student and a bug-eyed admirer of Harry, suffers the same fate, as do others. A blood-scrawled message reads: "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir beware."

There's also a new teacher of Dark Arts, Gilderoy Lockhart, a handsome but vain self-promoter whose books are required textbooks for his class. And as for his classroom competence--don't ask!

The continuing antagonism between Harry and his nemesis Draco Malfoy is ratcheted up a notch, as Malfoy becomes Slytherin's Quidditch Seeker. However, pal Ron Weasley's unassertive personality basically has him as a follower of Harry and Hermione. And Hermione more than ever proves to be a valuable linchpin of support via magical knowhow. The friendship between the three become tighter, as does their rapport with Rubeus Hagrid, the giant gamekeeper, especially when Draco hurts Hermione's feelings by calling her a derogatory word.

The four main young actors, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Tom Felton (Draco) all show signs of that critical transition of adolescence, that dynamic increase in height and deepening of voices (for the males anyway). All though have made the characters their own without altering Rowling's book. Radcliffe in particular is more confident than ever without losing that enthusiastic smile. Emma Watson once again takes top honours as Hermione, prettier and more self-assured than ever. Tip to Warner Bros: treat her like royalty and pay her whatever she wants--she's invaluable.

Themes in this movie (and the book) include some Nazi overtones of pure-blooded wizards being superior than Muggle-born (those born of non-magical families). And the Minister of Magic's reactions against pro-pure blood wizard Lucius Malfoy's machinations is reminiscent of Neville Chamberlain appeasing Hitler at Munich.

Of the adult actors, Richard Harris-(R.I.P.) (Dumbledore) and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) still shine as the supportive providers, but Jason Isaacs steals the show, portraying Lucius Malfoy as a menacing force to be reckoned with, complete in flowing blonde hair, black robes and snakehead cane. Kenneth Branagh (Lockhart) isn't bad. Shirley Henderson gets kudos as the snivelling ghost Moaning Myrtle, who gets a laugh once in the movie.

CGI effects make filming of the Harry Potter movies good timing, and the fast-paced Quidditch match isn't the same numbing blur of movement that plagues today's action movies. Face it, had the movie been filmed two decades earlier, the realization of Hogwarts, the Quidditch match, and certain monsters would've looked pathetic using Ray Harryhausen special effects.

The Chamber of Secrets tops the original in character development, story, and competent performances. In terms of content and scenery, the film is slightly darker than the first, but the overly sentimental finale makes up for those moments. My recommendation is read the books first, then watch the movies. Both are enjoyable, but read the book and play it out as if you were watching the movie. It's great that way.

Oh yes. Darker will definitely apply to the third film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, which I will definitely go see on opening day next year. What about you? Swish and flick--finite reviewus!

The Movie: A vastly brilliant sequel that just might have revaled it's original in everyway just like most sequels have for example such as " Terminator 2", " Aliens", " Empire Strikes Back", " Godfather II", " Toy Story 2", " Evil Dead 2", and " Dawn of the Dead". Harry Potter ( Daniel Redcliff) is back to the real world for the summer with the awful dursley's, now he escapes back to Hogwarts only to find out that some of the students are mysteriously dying due to something terrible and now he must find the hidden Chamber of Secrets. Entertaining and magical sequel all the way that offers great performances including Richard Harris's last performance ( r.i.p. Richard) and action galore.

The DVD: Perfection! Most excellent sound and picture quality with enough Extras to keep fans of the books and adults alike entertained, this time you won't have to solve a silly riddle to get to the deleted scenes, they are just ready for the DVD owner to see. All in all, it's a must see sequel and a must see DVD.

Also Recommended: Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Princess Bride, The Wizard of Oz, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Legend, Return to Oz, Star Wars, Spider-Man, X-Men, Attack of the Clones, Eight Legged Freaks, Big Trouble in Little China, Matrix.

This second installment in the Harry Potter franchise follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they enter their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dark forces are at work as the mysterious Chamber of Secrets is opened, releasing something that threatens the schoolï¿s students. Harry, despite being a suspect, investigates the dangerous happenings along with the help of his friends, giant spiders, a house elf named Dobby and a magical diary.
The Chamber of Secrets is more sinister than the first film, targeted towards older children and adults. The length of the movie, clocking in at a total of 161 minutes, might be another deterrent for younger viewers. However, the magic of flying cars and wizard duels and another amazing Quidditch match may help to make a great deal of that time vanish. New cast members such as the vain Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) and menacing Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) only serve to underscore the incredible casting of this loyal adaptation.
Sadly, this second Harry Potter film was the last appearance of Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. Harris passed away due to Hogkinï¿s Disease on October 25, 2002, less than three weeks before the filmï¿s theatrical release.
The DVD of this release will contain a number of bonuses aimed at providing more Hogwarts information and entertainment to older children. Beyond the now familiar deleted scenes and interviews we expect on all DVD releases, this disc also provides some fascinating features on the DVD-ROM. The most exciting is the fact that the various components of the DVD-ROM may be activated and controlled using voice-only commands.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets provides enough mystery, adventure and wonder to make any movie viewer believe in magic.

When the dvd of this movie ended, I looked over at my house guests and we all made the same gesture. You know, where you hold your hand out and kind of move it like a teeter-totter. In other words, "so-so".

So where did it go wrong? Well, I never was blown away by the book series. It's dang good, don't get me wrong. I have nothing but high respect for my fellow woman's libber, J.K. Rowling. She is one of my heroes, even if she is a single mother. But I know I'll never be as rich as her, no matter how many fantastic books I've written. And those who know me, know I'm responsible for quite a few.

The kids in this movie do a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. But they're all too old for the parts, which is not their fault, rather the fault of some bonehead Hollyweird producer. The special effects are first rate, too, and a feast for the eyes. But I guess there just seems to be too much polish on this, whereas something like The Dark Crystal or Neverending Story Trilogy has a bit of you-know-what (HINT: it's yellow!) and vinegar.

But hey, it's entertainment! But I think they should stop the series, it's getting old.

I've never read any of the books but I thought the first movie was better. This dragged on a little at parts but was still fun. One thing I didnt understand was how did all the Weasleys and Harry and all the luggage fit into their little car. Looking forward to the other movies.

This DVD gives you a great movie, lots of special features, and great commentary from the stars and people behind the scenes. Just as good a movie as the first Harry Potter installment, this is definitely a great addition to anyone's DVD collection!

chamber of secrets is still a great fantasy movie but it shares to much in common with the first and marks my first worries about the series. Its only the second movie and it already seems as though there is a formula to these films. Basically there is some sort of mystery at hogwarts, harry investigates, solves, and triumphs. There are a few new characters and the director/writer plays a few tricks on the viewers and trys to make you think its someone else but its everyone knows the villian wont be the obvious characters and that the viewer shouldnt really try and guess because you know its going to be some random curveball, but thats ok because we watch these movies for the fantasy characters and elements and harry potter definatly serves up plenty.

This movie was definately a great work of theatre and art alike. The entire movie was captivating, and while the director, Christopher Columbus, could of done better on some parts, this movie does what most do not, and it stayed true to the book. I loved this, and I watched it about 3 times before I was satisfied with it! Go get the movie and see it, and you'll see what I mean!!! The scenes with the Chammber of Secrets were beautifully detailed, giving you a clearer picture than even the book did! So buy this, sit back and be amazed by the production of Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts school of Withcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy!