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The second film in the
Harry Potter franchise once again does a decent job of adapting
the novel, although as with most conversions, many pieces just don’t
receive proper attention and result in additional contrivances that
are difficult to justify. The adoption of the series’ own
Jar Jar Binks character isn’t the keenest of choices, more
Quidditch just to be consistent, and a terribly annoying screeching
ghost make this the “Temple of Doom” chapter in the
saga – it’s still fun, but noticeably less involving
and less intelligent.
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) itches to be reunited with his
friends at the Hogwarts school for wizardry, but wonders why he
hasn’t received any letters from Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint)
or Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) during the break after his freshman
year. The answer comes in the form of Dobby, a lowly, abused house
elf slave who rants in third person. In short order, Harry returns
to his classmates and teachers, including Professor Dumbledore,
Severus Snape, good friend Hagrid, and a new dark arts defense
instructor Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh). It’s immediately
apparent, and not only from Dobby’s warnings, that something
or someone doesn’t want Potter to return to the school –
but Hogwarts is his real home now, and the young wizard won’t
let bad omens stop him from newfound adventures. |
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One of the original
school founders, Salazar Slytherin, wished to be more selective
with prospective students, but failed to convince the other leaders,
including Dumbledore. When Slytherin departed from the school for
such differences in practices, he built a secret chamber somewhere
in Hogwarts, waiting to be discovered by his heir; its opening would
disastrously purge the impure, half-blooded wizard occupants of
the great castle. With Hermione and Ron in tow (or sometimes in
the lead), the trio set about uncovering history repeating itself,
the mysteries of an old diary, and the terrors of the hidden lair.
Most of the actors appear to have grown up a little too much in the interim, but it serves Radcliffe well, especially when his character has evolved to be more courageous, confident, and outspoken. Rival wizard trainee Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) has become even more of a ruffian, and this time his insensitive father (Jason Isaacs) makes an appearance. Many more characters also debut in this second chapter, fattening up the number of family members, acquaintances, side characters and Harry Potter lore in general. Like many sequels, however, it remains essential to have seen the first film to appreciate the continuing storylines and further development of the leads. With angry Womping Willow trees, pixies, monstrous talking spiders, better magic potions, screeching mandrake roots, and a mighty basilisk, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets continues to borrow from Greek mythology, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and more. It’s a unique combination that mixes in a little of everything; unfortunately as Harry faces more formidable foes he receives more overly manipulated weapons of defense. This time around the humor and family-friendly fun can’t overcome the annoying supporting characters and repetition from the first film. One can’t help but feel this is partly due to Rowling’s second novel embracing slightly sillier ideas. - Mike Massie
Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
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