Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Movie Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

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Written by: J.K. Rowling (novel), Steve Kloves (screenplay)
Directed by: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Harris, Jason Isaacs, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith
Rated: PG
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Plot
An ancient prophecy seems to be coming true when a mysterious presence begins stalking the corridors of a school of magic and leaving its victims paralyzed.

Verdict
This follows in the same vein as the first one, providing a fun adventure that's wish fulfillment for children. It's a solid sequel, almost as good as the first, surpassed by the third and fourth movies. It's part mystery, part adventure where a powerful child triumphs over evil. It's a standard plot, but the world building sets it apart.
It depends.

Review
There are a lot of Harry Potter movies and this one serves as the bridge from the buoyant wish fulfillment of the first one to the darker tones in later movies. The story is well crafted with all of the plot elements having a reason to be included. The flying car makes a few appearances, the water on the floors has importance, as well as Harry's ability to speak parsel tongue.

It's easy for this one to get lost as it isn't as good as the third or fourth and doesn't set the stage like the first one.

There's still a lot of world building as we and Harry are being introduced to just how big the wizarding world is. These seeds are all but abandoned in the later movies. This also isn't about a reluctant hero. It's right place right time because the wizarding world revolves around Harry.

Hogwarts is beset by mysterious attacks where victims are petrified. Of course Harry, Ron, and Hermione feel the need to figure it out. All the clues to resolve the mystery are presented early on and I appreciate that about the story. Harry always seems to be near the attacks which bring some suspicion. That's something he better get used to!

The main plot is a pretty standard mystery, but the layer of magic makes this a lot of fun. It easy to pick apart the magical elements because the world isn't well reasoned. Magic is included for fun.

Voldemort makes an appearance though his form is more of a memory. The significance of this is explained later on. Voldemort endeavored to become invincible, and this is part of that spell. Voldemort preserved part of his soul in a diary.

Of course Harry wins, though I wondered why he didn't attempt any magic. It's a fantastic adventure as Harry and friends do what adults couldn't.