HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS

Decidedly darker than its predecessor, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is also more satisfying and entertaining. Mere mortal words will have affect on your decision to see the film, but for those on the fence, there is good news and bad news. Good, because “Chamber of Secrets” is everything a sequel should be and more. Bad unless you pre-bought your tickets for this weekend.

If not, expect to see something else. Since “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” introduced the characters and story, director Chris Columbus and writer Steve Kloves (like author J. K. Rowlins) are free to move beyond the familiar and explore deeper, more complex issues. The filmmakers are still slaves to the novel, but manage to take us beyond the written word and into a fantastical world that comes alive with spirited characters, exciting action, honest sentiment and a couple of scenes that will give impressionable children nightmares. What more could you want? Please click on title for complete review. (Warner Bros.)

HIT ME (R)

(Lion’s Gate)

PAID IN FULL (R)

(Miramax)

WAKING UP IN RENO (R)

(Miramax)

FIRST SHOT (PG-13)

(Columbia-TriStar)

FOR DA LOVE OF MONEY (R)

(Columbia-TriStar)

This entry was posted on Monday, July 17th, 2006 at 5:42 am and is filed under Film Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.