Rating: Summary: Looking forward to a new director Review: All due respect to Chris Columbus, but I'm definitely anticipating seeing how these stories will transfer to film in the hands of Alfonso Cuaron with the next movie installment. The pacing and editing of this movie is dreadful, very similar to the first movie. The music is completely rehashed from the first movie, and frankly, I don't think it was that great to begin with. Certainly not John Williams' best effort. In fact, it sounds remarkably similar to his "Home Alone" score. The film works reasonably well because of the quality of the story itself, but there are many changes that would have improved the overall film, in my opinion. Jason Isaacs and Alan Rickman are flawless in their roles as Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape. After seeing Rickman in the first movie, I was sure no one could possibly upstage his sinister, evil persona -- boy was I wrong. Isaacs just OOZES malevolence in every word he speaks. Regrettably, we don't get to see much of Rickman's Professor Snape on-screen this time. The child actors have come along nicely and the casting was, once again, spot on. Maggie Smith gives another wonderful turn as Professor McGonagall, and Julie Walters is fantastic as Molly Weasley. I also thought Christian Coulson was well-cast for the role of 16-year-old Tom Riddle. I thought the Whomping Willow was a little ridiculous-looking, but apart from that, the special effects were spectacular. Even though the movie drifted away from some fairly important parts of the book, I did like how the movie mirrored the darker tone of the book. This is particularly evident at the film's climax, and it will be interesting to see how this continues with "Prisoner of Azkaban," which I think is even darker still. For me, the absolute worst part of the movie was the very, very end -- the abominable "There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid" scene. Just awful. Pure Chris Columbus cheese and it drags on interminably waiting for the music to reach its final crescendo. It's a horrid and completely ungratifying sequence. It would have been much better had they just stuck to the book on this one -- the huge feast and pajama party in the Great Hall with Gryffindor winning the house cup. As far as the DVD, the video transfer quality is good, 5.1 digital is very nice, and thank GOD Warner Bros. listened to the outcries following the release of the ghastly "Sorcerer's Stone" DVD and made the special features less game-y and frustrating to viewers over the age of eight. It's still not a top-drawer DVD as far as extras go, but it's loads better than the first one. If only they'd take a cue from New Line Cinema and release an extended version DVD... *sigh*
Rating: Summary: Best DVD of 2003! Review: I am a Harry Potter fan so I would of course like this movie and give it a good review. The DVD picture is crystal clear and the sound is great! The second disc, packed with features, includes 19 new and extended scenes. Most of them are extended and a few are new and there is also 2 alternates. Most of the extended secens are short, sweet, and to the point. And I mean to the point! One is were Harry is trying to shake off the bludgeer and flys straight through the Slytherine Bleachers and all of them scream and move to the side. That scene running about 30 seconds, should have been in the movie. Well that is my review! Hope you enjoy the movie!
Rating: Summary: BETTER THEN THE FIRST Review: First, you should know that I never read the books. Had absolutely no interest. My oldest daughter (now 18) really enjoyed then but my two other kids did not. So, I am not a purist. I know many of you who loved the books didn't like the movie. But I had no such distraction. So, on to the review. This is a very clever story that continues on with the same characters from the first (although a tad older now...with voices changing noticably). First rate acting. first rate production values AND a real surprise....6.1 dolby digital. If you were ever looking for a reason to upgrade to 6.1, this might be the movie to convince you. This is a fun movie with lots of surprises and real dastardly people. The spider scenes (and the snake scenes)might be a bit too much for the very young but everyone else should love this. Have fun!
Rating: Summary: Very Good Watch! Review: I really enjoyed The Chambers of Secrets. The script was mostly good, but the actors and actresses were great! They really bring the books to life! I do have a couple of complaints however. One is about the scene in Knockturn Alley. The whole point of the scene in the book was Harry witnessing the Malfoys selling some of their illegal magical items, but since the Malfoys didn't appear in this scene, it didn't really make a lot of sense. My other complaint was I was really looking forward to the scene where Harry, Ron, Fred and George were degnoming the Weasley garden, but unfortunately that scene wasn't filmed. Other than these, I really enjoyed Chamber of Secrets, especially the scene where Ron attempts to curse Malfoy after he insults Hermoine, and because of his broken wand, his spell backfires!
Rating: Summary: Mystery, Magical & Magnificent...... Review: Harry Potter, the legendary teenage wizard has returned home to Hogwarts. In this, the second instalment in the wonderful series, we see Harry return to Hogwarts after getting rescued from his "prison" by Ron and his brothers. He is first warned to stay away by Dobby, the house elf, but doesn't listen. Once the school year does start, so does the trouble. Seems that the Chamber of Secrets, which was thought to be a farce, has been opened. Who did it? Why was it done? While trying to figure out the mystery with the help of Hermione & Ron, Harry encounters the typical school events. He is introduced to new teachers, has trouble with Malfoy again, learns more about himself and faces rejection, along-side other things. Do the trio prevail in solving the mystery? You'll have to watch to find out. Harry's second year at Hogwarts is full of adventure, action, triumph, mystery, and happiness. This is an excellent movie and I highly recommend it. I should note that the film is a bit darker than the first, and some scenes might frighten younger movie fans. It is overall an excellent movie and is sure to entertain fans of all ages. Relating to the DVD, that's where this movie shines. The two disc set has a great deal to offer and has many gems contained within. Disc 1 contains the film itself, and features the film trailer, cast & crew info and a short look at the first film or "Year One at Hogwarts." Disc 2 has many features to behold. The additional scenes are a real treat to have available and are great to view. You can select them one at at time or view them in a continuous stream. You are also able to view different scenes from the Harry Potter video game. This is a nice treat, and quite interesting to see. In the "Spellcaster Knowledge," one is able to test their memory skills and see how well they know the magic spells from the movie. Depending on how well you do, you'll be graded. "Gilderoy Lockhart's Classroom" is a nice little area where you can learn a lot more about the new teacher at Hogwarts. You can view photos, certificates and learn a lot more about his book releases. In "Behind Hogwarts," a wonderful & insightful interview is available with the author of Harry Potter and Steve Kloves ("Conversation with J.K. Rowling..."). "Interviews With The Students, Professors and More" is a nice little feature where we get insight from some of actors involved. The production sketches are a sight to behold and even been able to choose between buidling a scene or taking a tour of Dumbledore's Office are both great features that are fun to work with. Lastly there are "The Activities," and these can provide much enjoyment. "Collin's Darkroom" is a nice feature where you can make up a slide-show of pictures from ones that Collin has taken. "Tour Diagon Alley" let's you explore the area further and view shops of all sorts. "The Forbidden Forest Challenge" is a nice little game that sees you trying to escape from the forest itself. Lastly, there is "The Chamber Challenge." This a fun & great game that has you answer trivia questions that relate to the movie to see you progress through the Chamber to the end and defeat the Basilisk. Overall, I think this collection is superb. The movie itself is excellent and highly enjoyable, and the bonus features that go along with it are amazing and are sure to keep you occupied for hours. I recommend that this disk be picked up as it is sure to not disappoint. Who knows, maybe after a couple of watchings you might even be tempted to mix up a batch of Polyjuice Potion?
Rating: Summary: Harry Potter & the DVD of EXtras Review: When i saw this movie in the theaters i was shocked on how good it was. i thought it would be boring being 140 minutes long. but, his movie just keeps getting better and better.it all starts when a mysterious house elf named Doby warns Harry not to return to Hogwarts School For Witchcraft and Wizardry. But, Harry deosn't listen to the elf and returns to Hogwarts, in a FLYING CAR! With a few encounters with an attacking tree and almost getting run over by a train Harry and his friend Ron return to the school. When in their stay a mysterious message is written on a wall stating that "The Chamber of Secrets Has Been Opened!". With teachers running around panicking and students curious of what the chamber is, who is the most curious, none other then Mr. Potter. This movie is filled with more magic then the first and with Giant Spiders, a mysterious diary, and the secrets of the chamber, this movie will easily amuse you! The movie is enchanting and so are the special features on the 2 disc set. The special features include: Cast and J.K. Rowling Interviews, 19 Additional Scenes, Tons of Activities, Touring Places Of Hogwarts and more, the special features will also grab your attention. I can't wait for the Prisnor Of Azkaban to come out in 2004! But, don't worry Harry Potter & The COS will keep you amused for now and check out the 5th Harry Potter Book titled Harry Potter and the Order Of Phoneix!
Rating: Summary: Harry Potter & The Sophmore Slump Review: I know that most critics have touted this Harry Potter film as being in every way better than the first, but I have to disagree. For me, "Chamber of Secrets" is severely lacking in the magic and wonderment of the first film. In "Sorcerer's Stone" half the fun was in finally seeing come to life what we fans had up until then only imagined. The casting, the art direction, the music and writing...it all added up to a delightful film, one that -- if somewhat pedantically directed -- was a loving, faithful, fanciful adaptation. Much of the bloom is now decidedly off the rose. Whatever light touch director Chris Columbus gave to the first film has vanished. We are not so much presented with the plot points and set pieces as assaulted by them. And as we are already familiar with the cast and locales, it was imperative that Columbus do something new with them. The beauty of the books is author J.K. Rowling's ability to take what is already familiar to us (the characters, the passing of a school year), and reinvent them with each new story. Columbus simply lacks the ability to do this in cinematic terms. Dobby the house-elf is new, but his masochism wears thin very quickly, and it's painfully obvious that the kids, who were at least charming before, can't really act. Ron and Hermione wear the same expressions throughout the film, Ron's being one of distress and fright, Hermione's being one of concern and worry. When she's petrified half-way through the film, it's not as if her performance changes by much. I'm a huge fan of the Potter books, and would love to say that "The Chamber of Secrets" is a smashing success. Alas, it is not. I can only hope that Alfonso Cuaron, who is presently shooting the 3rd installment, can breathe some life into the series. But isn't a little too early for it to need some new life?
Rating: Summary: Excellent but still not Perfect Review: Don't take my title or rating the wrong way. My experience with the first 2 Harry Potter Movies have been excellent, but in the 2nd movie, the Chamber of Secrets, A lot of parts were taken out. In the movie theather, only a few ,dont need to know,details were taken out from the book. In the movie when it was released, had deleted most of the scenes. My sis ter was watching it yesterday and kept asking me questions because she didnt understand. She never read the book. I reccomend you read the book and watch and/or read the Sorceror's Stone, before you watch this movie. I hope next time they put out a better movie with less scenes that are taken out. I loved the movie though. I could watch it hundreds of times and be filled with laughs and some tears. I also liked the loads of extra features in it. There were many small games, like one, you had to drive the flying car out of the forbidden forest, away from aragog. I highly reccomend this movie.
Rating: Summary: Just Great! Review: The acting VASTLY improved in this second of the series. The special effects were astounding, again. Dobby was fantastic! Can't wait for Book 5 and Movie 3!
Rating: Summary: Greatest Movie Ever!... Review: Me and my buddie Micheal Jackson cauhght this flick in the cinemas and thought "WOW this is the greatest action flick ever!" Daniel Radcliffe brings a macho smoldering [handsomeness] to his portrail of Harry Potter the simple minded satanist with his bad bee-yatch sidekick Hermione and gangstar peeps like Ron and Hagrid. Watch him battle evil and score more chicks than Dolemite and Shaft put together! Dis movie is DA BOM!
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