Rating: 
Summary: Overall a better film than the first
Review: This second Harry Potter outing is an overall better film than the first. After some initial time spent with his adoptive Muggle parents, Harry escapes to his friend Ron's house, then makes his way to Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for year two of his training. But not all is well at the school - students are turning up petrified and the teachers are not able to stop it. Therefore, it's up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione to save the day yet again!The film is better for a number of reasons, not least of which being better source material. Rowling's 2nd book is smoother and more cohesive, and this comes through in Kloves's screenplay. Secondly, the children actors are more comfortable in their roles (and the actors playing the adults maintain their high quality). Unfortunately, Harry himself, Daniel Radcliffe, still seems too standoffish and arrogant relative to his portrayal in the book. I'm not sure if the blame for this lies with the actor or the director. Thirdly, Director Columbus spends less time admiring the scenery and more time developing the story/characters. That is not to say that the film is any less dense, but the camera doesn't linger too long, improving the pacing and interest in the story. Finally, the new characters, including a scenery-chewing turn by Kenneth Branagh as a new prof, and the parents of Ron and Malfoy, are welcome additions to the Potter cast. This DVD edition is likewise far superior to the first film. Gone are the annoying little games you had to play to access the special features (the annoying games are still there, but they aren't requirements for accessing the goodies). There are many (19, but mostly short) alternate/cut versions of scenes, an interview with Rowling herself on adapting her books to the screen, and other such extras. Columbus does not grace us with a director's commentary this time, but I suspect it's unecessary because he covered much territory in the Philosopher's Stone commentary.
Rating:
Summary: True to the Book
Review: I think the best thing about the Harry Potter movies is that they stay true to the book. Upon watching both films in the theater, I noticed a bunch of young viewers reciting the lines along with the characters. This was on opening day, so it's not like they'd already seen the movie. The quiddich scenes are even better this time out. I am a big fan of the novels and the movies. Can't wait for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Harry potter, 4 stars
Review: Harry Potter is a great Movie. I really like it. I can not wait untill more movies (In the harry potter series) come out. I like them so much because...
I think it has a wonderful plot and setting. Hogwarts is such a beautiful place. For me the setting is really important in a movie. Harry potter has an outstanding setting. The plot in Harry potter is very exiting, and it keeps me interested.
I think they are such wonderful books, and even better movies.
Rating:
Summary: Great Adaption
Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets exceeded my expectations for a book-to-film as well as a sequel in a very hyped up franchise. The movie was relatively well-directed, and the young actors are certainly growing in to their characters. John Williams's score was once again enchanting and mood-setting. The set design was superb, the environment really draws you in. Compared to the theatrical release, the DVD version does justice, with stunning visual crispness and incredible sound. The DVD extras are mainly for kids, though. We all hope that the next film will cater to the aging Harry Potter crowd, which now includes teenagers as a primary demographic - those children who are about Harry's age. Chamber of Secrets was a step up from its predecessor in terms of maturity required to watch the film, though, as it deals with darker themes and edge-of-seat action sequences. This is definitely a movie for which you will benefit from your expensive surround-sound system, progressive scan DVD player, and HDTV. While the movie is acceptable for those who have never read the book - in fact, they will garner more excitement from the plot than those of us who have parts of the script memorized - it will likely be a waste of 2.5 hours for the worst muggles who are vehement non-fans of the series. The movies, after all, are fairly true to the books in story and style. As usual, I recommend reading before viewing. The DVD falls short of the 5-star rating because of its over-juvenilization and occassional poor direction. I expect the future sequels to only improve, if only marginally, and make Harry Potter the greatest fantasy film series for all ages to date, save perhaps Lord of the Rings.
Rating: 
Summary: Chamber of enjoyment--betters the first movie
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Horrible
Review: Why would you even bother watching this movie? First off, the plot is horrible. Everything is the same as the first just about. I don't even know why you would waste hours of your time. The acting is unbearable, and the director is horrid. The special effects (Especially the wanna-be elf) are *so* corny it isn't even funny. All in all, one of the worst movies of the year. Although, what could you expect being adapted from a script written by one of the worst authors out there, where the book has no point, or plot?
Rating:
Summary: Excellent film
Review: Highly recommended - no time wasted on setting up the plot and characters, as in the first movie. Special effects are used appropriately. Good movie.
Rating:
Summary: Chris Columbus Hits a Home Run!
Review: This movie is a great combination of thriller, fantasy, and british comedy! It includes the most important aspects of the book and director Chris Columbus brings his charming style to an already incredible fantasy world! I loved it!
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing!
Review: I throughly enjoyed watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It was reliving the book, just without as many details. Even though I prefer the book over the dvd, I would like to say the characters and settings were brought to life quite flawlessly.
Rating:
Summary: THIS WAS ONE *GREAT* MOVIE!
Review: It was a Friday night, and there didn't seem to be any good movies out. So I went to see "Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets" and just expected to think it was silly and immature. I was completely blown away! I never knew anything about Harry Potter before I saw this movie, and I was hooked by the end. Now I'm a huge HP fan. And now, after watching the first movie as well, this one was even more incredible than the wonderful first one, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I have to say, wow, did those kids grow! David Radcliffe, Tom Felton, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are big kids now! Well at least...bigger than before. And my, has their acting improved. I have never seen young kids perform so good in my life. They truly made the "Chamber of Secrets" a real gem. What I loved about the movie is how they stuck true to the novel. Yes, some things were changed and moved around a bit, but I think they did a much better job than with the first one. The acting was great. I mentioned the kids already (man, they were good!), but I can't forget the superior acting talents of the adults in the movie. Maggie Smith, Richard Harris (rest in peace), Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Kenneth Branagh, and all of the other fabulous actors suited their role perfectly. The special effects were great (as you would expect). The quidditch scene was one of my favorites...as far as FX go, they seemed utterly flawless. It was darker than the first (once again, following the novel. Can't imagine how dark the fourth one will be...), bolder, and better in every way. One of the best movies I've seen in a long, long time. You don't have to be 12 to love Potter! I give it to 2 thumbs up and definitely recommend adding it to your collection.
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