Review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) by Victor T — 18 Nov 2016

In 2001, Harry Potter became a colossal hit by earning critical acclaim, more than positive feedback from audiences and earning almost a billion dollars (something that was only achieved by Cameron's "Titanic" at the time), so only a year later the first sequel arrived. Is this second installment better than the first?

Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his second year of learning magic but now a new evil emerges as an old legend held within the walls of the school is unleashed and threatens the students.

Making a sequel to successful film is a tricky assignment, as you can either go to new territory or repeat the same formula of the predecessor, so it is surprising that the second adventure of Potter and company lands in between those scenarios. "Chamber of Secrets" introduces some welcome ideas that can be fun for one scene (and expand the world), the inclusion of a mystery (which is quite ludicrous to be honest) is a smart decision as it gives a new angle to the story and starts taking the franchise to a darker territory, Kenneth Branagh is so much fun to watch, the action sequences are more exciting than last time (which is not saying much but still they are well executed), the acting is at the same level as last time, and it is still enjoyable. But regardless of those new welcome additions this first sequel is more flawed than the original. The story is easily the most forgettable of the whole saga (granted there are three memorable action sequences but the story that unites them isn't), the script lacks character moments, Columbus' directing is as bland as last time, Williams' score is lackluster, and it repeats numerous beats of "Philosopher's Stone".

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is the most forgettable installment of the saga. It lacks an identity as it continues to use the style of the first film but it doesn't add anything new to the table. But regardless it is still charming, fun to watch and introduces key elements to this franchise.