The differences between this Potter movie and the others are endless, both large and small. One thing that really stands out about this movie is the full use of special effects to dramatize the experience of flight. Rather than an up-close and personal shot that is clearly the result of a green screen the director draws the viewer in with a wide view of Harry and his friends flying throughout the course of this movie.
The flight scenes aren’t the only things that have changed, Hogwart’s has developed into the school it was meant to be when Rowling developed the idea in her mind. No longer does this school feel like a summer camp, the use of realistic everyday encounters between students and their familiarity with their campus make it clear that they live in this school not just attend it. This level of reality adds a completely new element to an already amazing film.
Harry Potter (Danielle Radcliffe) is placed in increasingly difficult situations where he must decide whether or not to hold true to his principles or to stand idly by as what he considers atrocities occur in front of his eyes. True to his role as the hero of these films Harry leads his friends Hermoine, and Ron, into danger again and again only to emerge stronger than when they originally started.
In the previous movies, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the supporting cast has been somewhat lacking in terms of substance and character. In this movie they begin to develop more in depth roles within the plot of the movie. Most notable among these supporting characters is Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). In this movie his love for animals and support of Harry and his friends plays an integral role in the development of the plot.
Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) makes the greatest impression, in different ways. When he speaks, he is unrecognizable. Because Sirius is Harry’s last surviving family member and yet hunted by the respectable wizarding community an element of bittersweet reconnection is introduced. Harry discovers he has family surviving, but he cannot openly engage in a relationship with him because of the current social and political situation.
The story of the film is basic though never boring. I realize that there are some slower parts in the middle. But there were so many small exciting elements hidden in plain sight by the director that the film never feels as if it is dragging on. Every time you think that you are about to get something mundane a new element is introduced, such as the werewolf’s benevolence or Harry acting more like a spoiled teen than expected.
December 13th, 2007
This is the second movie in the Harry Potter series following Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In this movie the darker themes found in the series begin to rise to the surface. A monstrous creature is stalking the halls of Hogwart’s and a mysterious voice in Harry’s head seems to hold the only clue to unraveling this mystery.
As with all of the Harry Potter movies The Chamber of Secrets is filled with adventure, magic, and mystical creatures. Harry and his friends find themselves in one challenging situation after another as they try to save Hogwart’s from this latest assault by the Dark Lord Voldemort.As with all the Harry Potter series the viewer can’t help but relate with the characters in this movie. Harry represents the strength within us all, but in this movie he finds a darkness in himself that terrifies him. This darkness threatens to consume him and every viewer can relate to this internal struggle with discovering newfound power. As always he accompanied by his two friends, Hermione and Ron, and is assisted by the loveable giant Hagrid and Headmaster Dumbeldore. One of the most impressive traits about this series is the ability for the viewer to “watch” the characters grow and mature. The viewer feels as if they are getting to know each character more intimately with each movie.
This movie introduces another of Harry’s most endearing traits, his humility, and it does so by holding him in comparison to the largest celebrity in the magical community Gilderoy Lockheart, who has just been appointed as Hogwart’s defense against the dark arts instructor. Gilderoy Lockheart is the typical braggart, so full of pride and vanity it is clear to the viewer that he is not the kind of person who commands respect.
Rowling successfully exhibits Harry’s humility when Harry Potter constantly triumphs against overwhelming odds and remains a level headed, respectful young man, with none of the bravado exhibited by Lockheart. This humility endears him to the viewers and adds a new level of depth to a character who has already won the hearts of millions around the world.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an amazing addition to a truly phenomenal series. With each new movie the characters develop and mature from children filled with potential (and a good deal of mischief) into talented young men and women worthy of the highest respect. These characters are constantly placed in situations that seem unmanageable, but they consistently come together to win through against all odds. This spirit of shared responsibility and dedication to each other only continues to deepen with each movie. This movie is a must watch for all Harry Potter fans.
November 27th, 2007