Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Rating: 5/5

A story that will forever transport me back to my childhood, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the wonderful second installment in the world created by J.K Rowling.

In the summer before his second year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is anxiously awaiting for fall to come so he can go back to the castle that he calls his home. When his Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths) has a very important guest coming to dinner, Harry is exiled to his room for the evening. Upon entering his bedroom, Harry discovers a house elf named Dobby waiting for him; begging him not to go back to Hogwarts.

Ignoring Dobby's warning, Harry purchases his supplies for school and gets ready for the new year. However, his excitement of returning to school soon fades. From not being able to enter Platform 9 3/4 and to being chased by a rogue bludger; Harry's year has an ominous start and appears to be plagued with misfortune. Quickly, Harry and his friends begin to realize something sinister is happening at Hogwarts and they aim to stop it.

With a new year at Hogwarts comes some new characters, most notably being the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart played by Kenneth Branagh. Lockhart's character is overwhelmingly conceited and arrogant, and Branagh plays the character to perfection. Not only is his portrayal of Lockhart incredibly accurate to its' written source material, but it adds a much needed burst of comedy to the film.

Composer, John Williams has written some of the most famous scores in film history, and his compositions for the Harry Potter franchise are definitely some of his most recognizable. When the Chamber of Secrets opens with that enchanting chime, you know that you are in for a film full of magic and adventure. I don't think I will ever be too old to have that familiar theme make my heart skip a beat and transport me back into the wizarding world that I have loved since I was little.

Given that this film was made in the early 2000s, the visual effects are quite impressive. My personal favorite scene in the movie is the dueling club, and that is one of the many places in the film where the special effects shine. Even though I know that the wizards in the scene aren't actually slinging spells at one another, it appears so real, that I purposely let my imagination run away with it.

As far as movies based on books go, the first two Harry Potter films are some of the best; especially if you watch the extended editions. When there are scenes in the movie where the dialogue comes directly from the text, you know you have a well done adaptation. The feeling of seeing such a beloved story and collection of characters come to life on the screen is, for lack of a better word, magical.