Ignoring the ominous warnings of a well meaning but misguided elf, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) returns for a second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry only to discover that someone – or something – aims to harm him. With the fate of the entire school hanging in the balance, Harry and his faithful friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) race to discover which of their fellow students has unleashed the deadly power of the Chamber of Secrets. A magnificent example of moviemaking magic, this guaranteed blockbuster features greater thrills, better effects and a more intriguing story than its predecessor. But enchanting as it is, the film suffers from an unwavering faithfulness to its literary source; clocking in at nearly three hours, it’s a perfect example of too much of a good thing.

Grade: B+

Kinsey Scale: 1 (Several cast members, including Alan Rickman, John Cleese, Kenneth Branagh, and Maggie Smith have appeared in gay-themed projects, but there’s nothing remotely gay in this family-oriented flick.)

(Appeared in Q Syndicate)