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March 3, 2009
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Should I see it?
Yes.


Short Review: I was expecting to wanting to see this renamed Harry Potter and the Chamber Pot of Secrets but it turned out to be a very good movie.


As the follow up to the wildly popular Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, this film advances the series with ease. In many cases, this film is superior to the first. The characterizations are fuller and the plot is far more verbose. This mostly is due to the fact that the first film did such a solid job of defining the basics of the world Harry Potter that this film doesn’t have to spend a bulk of time explaining itself. It has the freedom to move around. Once again the casting of the film combined with some of the best design work in recent memory (with the possible exception of Lord of The Rings,) makes this film a must see. Yes, the story is juvenile and the mystery at the heart of the plot isn’t compelling (although the “Parsel-tongue” gimmick is interesting.) This made for kids, what do you want? The quality of the production will made me want to forgive these mild weakness.

Daniel Radcliffe is out front once again playing Harry Potter. His geeky quality is still intact and he performs well both as the troubled kid under his evil uncle’s thumb and as the star of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft. Radcliffe and his companions Rupert Grint and Emma Watson all replicate the strong work they gave in Sorcerer’s Stone. As the script is able to express with more depth because this is a sequel, these young actors are more comfortable in their roles as well. The interactions between the actors are more casual than in the first film. Two of the best differences between this film and the first film is the introduction of Kenneth Brauguah and Jason Issacs into the series. Brauguah shines as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, the new teacher of Protection From The Black Arts. Brauguah makes hay out of this plumb role as he portrays a polished media creation of a man. Branaugh dives into the role with an obvious glee and delivers some of the film’s best moments. Equally impressive is Jason Issacs playing the seething Lucius Malfoy. Issacs is at his best when playing intelligent and sneering villains. This role is perfect for him.

Overall, this production is a worthy successor of the series and the billion-dollar empire it supports. While there are some issues regarding paganism and magic that may trouble many Christians, I found this film to be good fun and pushing solid morals. I tend to part with those Christians who scorn this series because of the magical elements. I don’t feel they are overwhelming and shouldn’t cause much concern. With Chamber of Secrets we have a well-built and sharp-minded film that entertains both young and old.


Related Reviews:
Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire (2005)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Chicago Tribune
Beyond Hollywood





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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 8:00 AM



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November 20, 2008
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
***Originally posted on March 3, 2006***

Should I see it?
Yes.


SHORT REVIEW: A film so good it makes me forget I wanted to loathe it.




This is a very sharp and fulfilling opening to what will most likely be the largest grossing film franchise of all time. Given the wild popularity of the book series by J.K. Rowling, this production had a great deal riding on its shoulders. Ask the writers and producers of the Left Behind films how important first impressions are in cinema. If this film had failed on any level the subsequent films would all be marred by the experience.

This isn’t my kind of movie. It’s very simple and, let’s face it, pretty dumb. The idea of a school of wizardry and whatnot is goofy, in my opinion. Given my disposition against this film, I am surprised to admit that I did enjoy it. This film is a perfect example in how the classic act structure and heroic character can make even the dumbest of ideas work. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ll simply point out that there is a set structure to storytelling that, when utilized, forces a cohesive narrative, which we humans inherently enjoy (see the image below for a hint of what I'm talking about.)


I found two things to be striking about this film. First, like The Lord of The Rings Trilogy, this film begins fully realized. Many of you are probably thinking “Well DUH! It’s based on a book!” Simply because a film is an adaptation doesn’t mean the production is going to work properly. The depth of detail and the level of consistency in the production is a marvel. This film has a singular look and feel that is uncommon to see. In many franchises the look and feel takes some time to take hold. Like Lord of The Rings, this production is unique to itself and offers a complete package.

The second striking part of this film is the acting. Daniel Radcliffe was apparently born to play the role of Harry Potter. His command of the screen and his talent is remarkable for a child. In addition, his supporting cast Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Tom Felton are equally as brilliant in their roles. As someone who normally would rather gargle Vaseline than watch child actors, I found the level of quality these kids attained remarkable.

This film may go down as the best establishing film since Star Wars, or at least Back to The Future. Once the audience makes it through the clunky opening scenes it is very hard to easily turn away from this production. I understand that many Christians and others who are hesitant or downright hostile towards this product because of the use of witchcraft. I say ease up on this series. I am a committed Christian and find the level of concern I have seen, misplaced. This film and story are innocuous and promote many Biblical ideals.

Overall, this is a quality production that is worthy of the hype and hysteria is has caused. All adaptations should dream of projecting this much strength from its root material.


Related Reviews:
Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire (2005)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Qwipster's Movie Reviews
DVD Verdict


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 8:00 AM



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