By Tanya Batson, Staff ReporterJUST THE other day, a co-worker and I briefly engaged in a very philosophical discussion. It was one of those which usually starts out with those infamous words: "Hey you ever notice that..." This time her argument was that Harry Potter worked no magic in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Because this claim is for the most part true (if you discount the flying broom and talking to snakes) it begs the question, what is the big deal about Harry Potter? The truth is, magic is not the most important thing about Harry Potter. It helps, but it is more like the pineapples on the ham, while Harry and his friends are the ham itself.
I've realised this because I do believe that the Harry Potter bug has finally sunk its teeth into me. It may be late, but in watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, I finally see what all the hooplah is about. Harry Potter is simply your classic Cinderella story, where the hero doesn't just sit around and cry. It is a story of friendship, bravery, and faith with sidebars of good triumphing over evil and the rise of the underdog. The Chamber of Secrets combines a good plot, great graphics and interesting characters - the perfect ingredients for a great movie (plus at least in this movie Harry effectively waves his wand a few times).
The film, based on the J. K. Rowlings novel of the same name, is the second instalment in the Harry Potter series. In terms of the maturity of the plot, The Chamber of Secrets is leagues ahead of the earlier movie, The Sorcerer's Stone. The first film for the most part introduced the characters and the magical ideas that will take shape in the later movies. The Chamber of Secrets takes flight from those ideas.
Those who for some reason did not see the first film, however, need not worry about being unable to follow this movie. Even if you are currently wondering 'Harry What-his-face?' you can still enjoy this romp through childhood. Additionally, though the Potter series is about children it is not exactly a children's tale. While the young ones will undoubtedly enjoy it, it is the kind of movie that adults can enjoy too.
It is Potter's (Daniel Radcliffe) second year at Hogwart's, a school of magic. Once again the story begins when he is at home with his Muggle (non-magical) family the Dursleys, who continue to treat him like a leper.
The intrigue begins when Dobby, a house elf, turns up at the 'Dursley home' and warns Harry not to return to Hogwart's. From then on, Harry's trip through his second year is a very bumpy ride, as he tries to discover what is in the 'Chamber of Secrets' and who has opened it.
Of course, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) help him along. These two have also developed tremendously since the first film. Ron is quite close to stealing the limelight from Harry, having delivered several hilarious one-liners. He seems to be fast developing into more than a sidekick. As Hermione is a little more relaxed than in Sorcerer's Stone, her character is also more enjoyable.
Those who worry about the moral implications of the series should actually look at the morality that the film attempts to teach. It ends almost fable-like, with all the good being rewarded for their efforts and lessons being learnt.
New characters also help to bring fresh blood to the movie. Lucius Malfoy (Jason Issaccs) promises to be a spectacular villain in the future. As yet, very little is seen of him, but even that is great to watch. Lucius exudes the same malicious lovability as Scar of The Lion King.
Dobby the house elf is the very opposite. He brings laughter to the programme. Additionally, he is part of the excellent graphics associated with the film. Kenneth Branagh, who is probably most famous for his serious portrayals in Othello and Hamlet, gives a much more light hearted feel to this movie. Branagh plays Professor Gilderoy Lockehart. He is the embodiment of the pompous ass.
Along with the laughter, the movie also holds sufficient suspense to keep you interested. Additionally, the action is fast-paced and can occasionally get a little scary (depending on how easily frightened you are). If you do decide to give it a try, make sure you wait until all the credits end. There's a little extra you will really enjoy.
