Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

So it would appear that the Dursley's get to start every instalment. OK as long as the film doesn't linger there, I guess. The problem now is that they add the extremely irritating Dobby to the mix, making the intro rather unbearable, despite downplaying both Petunia and Dudley. The Weasley's are a much more likeable, albeit not particularly interesting, family, and the film is soon back on track with them and a few of the lovely details that were so brilliant in the first instalment.

This movie is even longer than its predecessor, and this time it feels like it. A harsher editor would have proven very beneficial. Branagh is one character that could use a little less space. Not a bad idea in himself, but nowhere near interesting enough for the screentime he's awarded.

A brilliant piece of casting is Jason Isaacs. Sneeringly arrogant and just outside being outright rude 90% of the time. Most menacing the remaining 10.

So there are simply more things at fault here. The balance of humour has shifted to the level of eye-rolls with Dursley's, Dobby, Ron driving stick, Lockhart etc. It leaves the flick feeling a bit hectic, and quite frankly stupid at times.

There is still lots to enjoy though. The kids are all acting better this time around, though Watson is still in a league of her own. The mystery is good (the diary that writes back a suspenseful and outstanding feature), Isaacs, Rickman and Harris wonderful, and you are mostly well entertained. With a rather subtle way of introducing a racial debate, this is not an instalment without value for the rest of the franchise either. As a film though, it might have been rushed a bit, and hence suffers.

The end game is thrilling nonetheless (well aided by a fine turn from Christian Coulson), albeit a disappointing deus ex machina that shows its ugly head at the end of it.

6/10