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Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets (Widescreen Edition)

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets (Widescreen Edition)

List Price: $19.98
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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Harry potter and the chamber of secrets
Review: I saw harry potter and the chamber of secrets 2 days ago. it was realy exiting. I especiley liked the part when a mandrace bit malfoy on the finger. it was better than the first one.
I reccomend no one under 7 should see it beacuase there are some scary parts in it. the pixes in defence agentst the dark arts were funny beacause they picked neville up by the ears and hung him from the ceiling. harry potter (danial radcliff) hermione granger (emma watson) and ron weasley (rupert grint) have lots of edventures and I hop to own them all on VHS and soundtrack.

Hope you enjoy the movie!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Chamber of Secrets
Review: How good is "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"? Better than the first movie. And better than the book on which it is based. Steven Kloves (screen writer) and Chris Columbus (director) have managed to tighten-up the story, and even though the film still clocks in at over 2 1/2 hours, you feel as thought it is always moving, always full of energy. There are moments of magic, humor, horror, and tenderness. All of this wraps together nicely into a good, solid, children's adventure film which kids of all ages (up to 100) can enjoy.

The second adaptation of author J.K. Rowling's magical adventures finds the boy wizard, Harry Potter, longing for the summer to end so that he can return to the wondrous Hogwart's School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, a castle-like place which we were introduced to in the previous installment. Getting back to Hogwart's won't be quite that easy for poor Harry, however, as he is subject to an ominous warning by a little elf named Dobby. Following that, he finds that the usual method of boarding the train which travels to Hogwart's will not work for him, so he and his best friend Ron Weasley have to find another, more drastic method of arriving at the school.

Once at Hogwart's, Harry finds that things are not going to be quite as idyllic as he'd hoped for. Terrible things start happening to people, and there is talk of a dreaded Chamber of Secrets, which is rumored to have recently been re-opened, unleashing the monster which lies within it. It is up to Harry to uncover who is behind the re-opening of the Chamber, before the entire school is closed for good.

The imagery in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is magnificient. From the flying car to the angry tree, from Dobby the elf to the evil spiders, the special effects are superb. Everything works perfectly to make this magical world come alive. It is a perfect example of how to blend live actors and settings with CGI creatures and props. It should be noted to parents that some parts of the film are a tad intense. Use your discretion as to if you think your children should view it. I'm 26 years old, and found myself jumping during a couple of parts.

The acting by all involved is exceptional, especially with Daniel Radcliffe (Potter) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). Radcliffe has obviously grown more secure with his abilities, and appears confident, with a quiet strength befitting the character. Grint is absolutely fabulous as Ron Weasley. He is Harry's best friend, and a character in his own right. I loved his facial expressions every time he was scared. Alan Rickman, as Professor Snape, is once again delightful in his own, underplayed way. Kenneth Branagh makes a welcome addition as Gilderoy Lockhart, a cocky, egotistical new wizard/professor. The prize for 'most sinister' has to go to Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy. When he delivers his lines at the shop in Diagon Alley, I was mesmerized by how the badness just oozed out of him. It is performances like these that help make the characters seem more real.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is a fine film. It is long, but trust me, the time passes quickly. Its only weakness is with the climax, but that is not its fault - it has to rely on a weak revelation supplied in the original book. There is an unscrambling of words and a somewhat preposterous explanation given which I found jarring in both the prose and the film. Oh well, a small quibble for an otherwise great movie. When fine acting, taut script-writing, good direction, and awesome special effects come together like this, it can only make for an immensely enjoyable viewing experience.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Magical Ride
Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a sequel that's actually superior to the original. It's a good adaption of the book although it leaves some stuff out and isn't as witty as it either. The film trys hard to have the dark humor of the book but on parts that are suppose to be funny I can't say I heard anybody laugh. Ron [vomiting] up slugs for instance could of been a lot funnier than it came off, it comes off too gross though and makes you wanna feel sick yourself. Colin who annoys Harry very much in the book by following him around taking pictures of him all the time could of been funny but the movie never gives Colin much to do. He only has 2 scenes where he's taking pics of Harry and doesn't even seem to bug Harry that much. John Cleese who was well casted as Nearly Headless Nick has as even less to do as he did in the first film. His Deathday party which was in the book could of been really funny but the movie ignores that totally.

Well how this a good adaption then ? Well because it gets everything else just right. The scene where Harry discovers he speaks a snake language will just send chills up your spine, it's simply great. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) improved a lot as an actor and it shows a lot in this film. It's a shame though that by the time the 4th movie is ready to be made he'll most likely have to be replaced as he looks too old to be 12 in this movie, he'd definetly look too old to be 14 in the 4th movie then. The other cast members a good as well. Alan Rickman isn't as bone chilling as he was as Snape in the first. Jason Issacs (The Patriot) who plays Mr. Malfroy is great fun although he seems to be playing the part as if he was actually the one playing Snape though. The late great Richard Harris pulls out a last fine performance as Dumbledore. Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings) is already being considered to replace Harris in the 3rd film. Lee is a good actor but think he'd be a bad a choice, he has to evil of a look to him. Think someone like Sam Neil, James Cromwell, Max Von Sydow or Anthony Hopkins would be a better choice. Well anyway Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a fun film, so fun you sit there for 2 1/2 hours without even realizing it was that long. It really is worth seeing, it packs so much in one movie. You got the exciting Quidetch match from the book, giant spiders, a magical Diary that writes back and other great imagitive things. So what are you waiting for......see this movie!!!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Triumph Sequel.
Review: This is a rare sequel and one of those sequels that prove not all sequels suck along with " Aliens", " Toy Story 2", "Empire Strikes Back", " Terminator 2", " Dawn of the Dead", "Evil Dead II", " Superman 2", and other sequels.

This continues the adventures of Harry Potter who is spending his summer at the awful Dursleys and escapes from that place to go back to Hogwarts School, now there are mysterious things happening in the second year of school such as Bloody markings on the wall saying something about " The Chamber of Secrets", Students dropping like flies and into Petrifeied people, and other odd things. Now Harry with Ron Weasley and Heriomine are determine to find a mysterious secret place hidden in the castle known as "The Chamber of Secrets", can they find the Chamber and cure all the students before they die or will the school become a grave yard?

A highly entertaining, long, and action-packed sequel with great acting, better storyline, cool creatures, magic tricks, monsters, chases, escapes, friendship and bravery plus it's also preety dark and mature than the first one and this film may be too intense for small children due to some blood and violent action including scares that makes this "PG" rated. Too bad Richard Harris died before he can see this film, he is a great actor and great Dumbledor, i recommend this movie to everyone cause this way better than the original.

Can't wait for " The Two Towers".

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A perfect chop job
Review: Before you get my header wrong. I truly enjoy Harry Potter and I just returned home from the cinema.

The movie is very good. You might wonder why I didn't give it a higher score, but I'll try to explain.

All of the actors did their job exceedingly well, the scenes were stunning ... so what is my quarrel with the theatrical release? - I read the book. Pure and simple. When I compare the book to the movie I find a too many discrepancies for me to simply ignore.

I will buy the DVD without regrets when it comes out and I will go to the next Harry Potter movie, but I now hold strong reservations against the films. It's sort of related to the content. I strongly feel that too much has been chopped out to fit the time frame of the movie. Okay the film runs a solid 150 minutes and that is a lot for a movie in today's cinema, but it makes me worry what will happen to book 4 when the film comes rolling around. They chopped some things out of book 1 and I still felt it was easily recognizable. Chamber of Secrets isn't in my opinion as easily recognizable as Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone.

I wish there were a special edition that ran at least a solid 30 minutes longer. It would certainly lend me a bit more faith when I think of the movies to come.

Is Harry Potter II: Chamber of Secrets a bad movie? - No way. The movie is certainly something, but I feel like they tampered a little too much with the storyboard and had too many things cut from it in order to fit it to the the big-screen.

Go see the movie and decide for yourself if my judgment is unfair. I don't think so.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The rumors WERE true...
Review: I saw the movie over the weekend for the first time....it IS scarier than the first. There is also a lot of humor, and excitement. You'll be laughing, crying, and also screaming. I wouldn't recommend this movie for little kids...they'll either scream or start to bawl their eyes out. I would also suggest to watch the movie first before you reread the book or read it for the first time. The movie left out a lot of details and semi-important parts that made the movie a little confusing.

The ending was very suspenseful. I was literally sitting on the end of my seat. The special effects rock and the actors are doing a great job. I've always wanted to learn how to do magic...even though it doesn't exist. I love magical stories, characters, and magic itself.

J. K. Rowling has done a great book...now it's time for YOU to see this great movie!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: For anyone of any age who wants an entertaining escape
Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets opened to near-record audiences, and deservedly so. Besides a perfect cast, this magical movie blends humor and scares in a wholesome package that all ages can love. Most "family" movies really only appeal to children. But here is one aimed at children that is just as exciting for anyone who loves escapist fare. As with the first movie, my favorite scenes are the scary ones in the forest.

I have to admit that I didn't like the first movie in the beginning. The Cinderella situation with Harry's relatives bored me with its familiarity, and director Chris Columbus dragged that part out. However, once Harry arrived at the train station, I fell in love with J. K. Rowling's fantasy world. In the second film, Columbus uses the family situation to re-introduce us to Harry and his background, but then quickly moves him into a series of amusing and sometimes dark adventures.

I still have too many other books to read to add the Potter books to my reading list, but I certainly look forward to the next movie, and suggest this movie for anyone of any age who wants an entertaining escape!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Harry Potter and the Temple of Doom
Review: In my opinion, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was a very slow, childish movie with some below average special effects. It had a great story but failed to deliver visual impact and convincing performances. That said I have to let you know, that most of the wrongs have been set right in this action-packed sequel. Harry Potters second year at Hogwarts is quite a similar story to the first one but unlike the first movie, it is told with the adequate momentum and thrilling, even scary imagery. Harry Potter has aged and has become a more accessable hero to anyone who is older than 6 too. His voice has dropped and he has much more heroic dialogue to make you feel that has become a genuine movie hero. From the opening shot of the Chamber of Secrets it becomes clear that this movie is a lot bigger than the original. THank god, they relied on ILM this time to really create some believable CG characters (Dobby has the most expressive of a CG character I've ever seen) and huge sweeping shots of Hogwarts and its surrounding landscape. Also the Quidditch this time is really fast as it should be and the bluescreen composition doesn't look as blurry as in the first part of the series. The overall direction and editing seems more mature and logical and the 156 minutes run by in a second. It is not surprising that I mention the actors after I wrote about the visuals because this film would work without class actors and still be impressing. But of course it helps to have talents like the late Richard Harris, Maggie Smith and the absolutely brilliant Kenneth Branagh. Unfortunately there are three absolute overacted performances which do not really hurt the film but annoy the viewer. Draco and Lucius Malfoy try so hard at being bad that they seem very ridicoulus and the worst casting decision has to be Moaning Myrtel. I mean, come on. A 36 year old actress squealing like a pig? Dhirley Henderson fitted in Bridget Jones's Diary but is totally unbearable in Harry Potter. All in all: With Harry Potter also Chris Columbus has grown up and has directed a darker and most importatly much better crafted film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Second-Years at Hogwarts
Review: This film is better than the first and that's a very good sign! Returning to Hogwarts after summer break, our second year students haved matured. If there ever was any doubt that Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint ARE Harry Potter and Ron Weasley this movie banishes that doubt forever! The performances are deft and detailed. Grint has such a natural comic gift and also handles several emotional scenes with skill. Radcliffe has truly grown into his role as Harry Potter and sensitively grasps every nuance of Rowling's character. His new found strength this year at Hogwarts fits seamlessly with his maturity in the real world, a fact that makes me optimistic for the future of subsequent films that will continue to be filmed as the child actors and characters age together. I had my reservations about how Dobby the House Elf would come off on the screen but it was excellent and fit the bill nicely. Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy was brilliant and dripped with snide, superior and prejudiced animosity. Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy has definitely grown into his part as well and was a perfect chip off the old block in this film. All the staff, including the late Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore, were excellent and also seemed to have deepened. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that I felt Shirley Henderson got Moaning Myrtle all wrong. It was as though the actress never read the book at all and had no grasp on her character. Moaning Myrtle came off as spoiled, silly, simpering, and ridiculous which the character is, to a degree, but this portrayal was so over the top and exaggerated that it sounded a very false note. The sets, the direction, the costumes and make-up, the gadgets and the special effects were better than ever, even awe-inspiring. The creatures were excellent and there is not a minute that the screen is not filled with wonder and enchantment. The theatre was filled with very young kids when I was there, as well as older kids, and some of the parents had to take their really little ones out because there are some very scary scenes in this one, moreso than in the first movie, but bear in mind, this was not written for the very young child and the book contains scary and exciting scenes, too. As in all Harry Potter stories there is a mystery to be solved loaded with pitfalls. There are also madcap adventures for the three friends, Hermione, Ron and Harry, as they learn what it's like to be Second Years at Hogwarts. Do not miss it!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Builds on the strengths of the first film
Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets builds on what the first film did right and improves some of what it did wrong, providing an overall enjoyable, magical film for all ages.

With the opportunity this time to launch right into the story without the set-up and endless character introductions of the first Potter film, the Chamber of Secrets is able to focus on plot and improving the pacing problems of the Sorcerer's Stone. This one still, unfortunately, crams too much material from the novel into the film, proving that the filmmakers don't so much want to adapt it as recreate it verbatim (things that work on the printed page don't always work on the big screen). But what is plugged in this film does build a better cohesiveness then the Sorcerer's Stone.

The Potter kids are beginning to fill into their shoes the second time around, coming off as more confident in their popular roles. With deeper voices and early signs of becoming full fledged teenagers, the trio is becoming a group of talented youth. It seems that great things will come from them in subsequent films. The rest of the cast doesn't have nearly as much to do, and some talent, such as John Cleese's ghost of Nearly Headless Nick and Professor McGonnagall (Maggie Smith), seem wasted in what amount to cameo roles. But newcomers Kenneth Branagh as the ego-filled Gilderoy Lockhart and Jason Issacs as the evil Lucious Malfoy both vividly recreate two of the novel's great secondary characters. The late Richard Harris is also great in his small but important and final role as headmaster.

This second story in the proposed seven-book Potter series is considered the weakest by most fans and critics, and much of the problems of the book are nearly unavoidable in the transfer to film. The similar plot from the first book and movie sticks out most prominently here. But with much of the pacing problems cleaned up this time around, the end result is a better film.

What I find most enjoyable in Chamber of Secrets is the darker tone of the story line. There are moments here that promise the series will become more disturbing in subsequent films, a process that will help the films avoid becoming stale retreads of each other.

For those that enjoyed the first Potter film, this one will more than live up to your expectations, providing another wonderful look into this magical world. Those who didn't care for the original adaptation probably won't like what this one has to offer, despite the slight improvements in story telling and pacing. But to not be able to enjoy these magical films at least on some level would be unfortunate, as it has the potential to bring out a youthful wonder and exuberance in even the most hardened adult.


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