Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Originally Written: November 2002
Wow. I’m loving going into these movies- based on J.K. Rowling’s smash series of novels- fresh, with as little knowledge of story as possible. (Though with “The Matrix Revolutions” delaying the next chapter, “Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban” ’til 2004, I might want to make an exception.) It’s a credit to Rowling and the filmmaker’s bringing her books to life that they’ve sucked me into the world as much as they have. Last year’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” broke box-office records (eventually claimed by “Spider-Man”), was the year’s top draw in theatres (eventually edging out “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” with over $300 million), broke home video records (eventually claimed by “LOTR,” “Monsters Inc.,” and “Spider-Man” in succession), and won over many people- myself included- whom had avoided the books (“Sorcerer’s Stone”- now couple w/ “Chamber of Secrets”- is making an assult on my all-time Favorite 100). Now the fans and non-fans have been divided, and it’s time for year 2 in Rowling’s projected 7-year series of the adventures of young wizards Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, making Jake Lloyd’s performance in “Ep. I” that much weaker the second time around), Ron (Rupert Grint, just as endearingly high-spirited as ever), and Hermione (Emma Watson, a home run in the role who steals all her scenes).
So what about “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?” Well, it’s darker, faster (no exposition to weigh down the 2 hour, 40 minute running-time this time), funnier, and just as smart and moving as “Sorcerer’s Stone” was. Believe the hype, dear reader- it’s better that film one. This time, the intrepid trio of wizards in training at Hogwarts are drawn into a mystery surrounding- no surprises here- the Chamber of Secrets, the on-campus home of a force that is prone to petrifying- or worse, killing- the students of everyone’s favorite school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was first unleashed 50 years ago; now it’s back. Favorite characters from year 1 are back- Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith, irreplaceable in her warmth), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman, as devilishly sly as ever), giant groundskeeper Hagrid (Robbie Coletrane, underused but more than welcome), Headmaster Dumbledore (the late Richard Harris, further exemplifying a cherished nobility and heart that transcends any special effect), even if none are onscreen for very long. Of course, Potter nemesis Drako Malfoy (Tom Felton) is back as well, and looking to prove himself a worthy adversary to Harry in the Quidditch arena (like all the effects work in “Secrets,” the look and feel of the Quidditch match is slicker and scarier), but let’s move to the newcomers to the “Potter” world. Kenneth Branagh makes amends for his God-awful turn in Woody Allen’s “Celebrity”- and almost makes me forget “Wild Wild West” (gee mom, thanks for reminding me), with a delightfully hammy performance as self-serving ego-trip Gilderoy Lockhart- new to the Hogwarts staff- that- if there were justice- should be considered Oscar bait; Jason Issacs (“The Patriot’s” malevolent officer) is wicked glee personified as Draco’s father Lucious; Christian Coulson is a chilling and haunting presence as Tom Riddle, a former student whose diary holds clues that help Harry in his quest to unravel the mystery. And then there’s House Elf Dobby, “Secrets” own answer to Jar Jar Binks. How you felt about the maligned Jar Jar will likely determine your verdict on the CG Dobby, here to warn Harry to stay away from Hogwarts and beat himself up about it- literally- when he makes a mistake. I have a high tolerance of Mr. Binks, and I dug Dobby’s mischevous appeal.
I could go over more- the flying car, the Whomping Willow, the Dark Forest, the spiders- but why ruin the surprises in store? I will say, Chris Columbus hits a new peak in maturity with this- his final “Potter” film (he’s deferring directing duties of “Prisoner of Azkaban” to “Y Tu Mama Tambien’s” Alfonso Cuaron, also responsible for the critically-acclaimed fantasy “A Little Princess” from years back)- as he seems to absorb the dark spirit of Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” films (minus the outrageous gore) and spirited adventure of the “Indiana Jones” films to create one for the ages, and one of the rare sequels to surpass it’s predecessors. If I had one complaint, it’s that John Williams’ music- as adapted and conducted by William Ross- is a crushing disappointment to surpass the eventual soundtrack of “Episode II.” There’s little- if anything- that’s original to “Chamber of Secrets,” it’s just all taken and re-arranged from “Sorcerer’s Stone.” But this is only a criticism you’ll hear from Williams’ fans.
Otherwise, though, “Chamber of Secrets” is a knockout entertainment to watch again and again in theatres, and then many more times on DVD. Now as long as they make the DVD more “film buff” friendly than “Sorcerer’s Stone” was.
