By Mindi Funderburg
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The theater was packed with people, mostly children, who had been anxiously awaiting the second installment of the Harry Potter series. From the first notes of the familiar opening music, the audience was glued to the screen.

photos courtesy of Warner Bros.
graphic by Amanda Todd


Expectations were high for this film and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" did not disappoint.

We find young Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry has been prewarned by Dobby, a house elf, that danger awaits him at Hogwarts. Eager to get back to school and excited to see his friends after the summer break, Harry pays no attention to the warning and leaves for school with his loyal friend Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint.

Harry quickly realizes that he should have listened to Dobby. He and Ron miss the train to Hogwarts, arrive late and are given detention. This is only the beginning.

Shortly after reuniting with classmate and fellow Gryffindor housemate Hermione Granger, played by Emma Watson, a mysterious illness inflicts the Hogwarts students. Harry and his friends discover that someone has opened the legendary Chamber of Secrets and has released a ferocious beast that is harming the students.

Hagrid, the giant and beloved gamekeeper, played by Robbie Coltrane, is wrongfully accused of opening the chamber and is sent to prison. After Hermione falls victim to the mysterious illness and Ron's sister, Ginny, is held captive, Harry and Ron set out to find the forbidden chamber and discover its secrets.

Of course, ultimately the bravery and goodness of Harry Potter prevails over the evil of the chamber and safety is restored to everyone at Hogwarts, including Hermione and Ginny. Even Hagrid is released and returns triumphantly to Hogwarts, much to the delight of the students.

Most of the original cast returns for the second installment, including the late Richard Harris who reprised his role as Albus Dumbledore, the respected headmaster of Hogwarts. Maggie Smith returns as Professor McGonagall, deputy headmistress, and Alan Rickman, again, plays Professor Snape, the conniving potions master.

There are also some wonderful new characters like Gilderoy Lockhart, the charming, but useless teacher of defense against the dark arts, played by Kenneth Branaugh, and Moaning Myrtle, a ghost who lives in the girls' restroom at Hogwarts, played by Shirley Henderson.

This film has a little bit of everything-comedy, usually courtesy of Ron; suspense; action and even another exciting game of Quidditch.

The audience was so delighted by "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," they laughed, gasped and even broke out into spontaneous applause. I highly recommend this movie for both children and parents.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is rated PG for scary moments, some creature violence and mild language. The running time is 168 minutes.

Top of Page | Front Page