News Archive, 3rd Quarter 2002

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Third Review of "Chamber of Secrets"

Story filed: Sept 27th, 2002.  Source: DarkHorizons.com

Movie news web site DarkHorizons.com has been sent this review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by someone calling themselves "KGB".  It's another doozy...!

"Warning: This movie lives up to Secret part of its title. Big secrets are revealed, big twist ending. In A Nutshell is safe zone but Review contains major spoilers. Do not read Review if you aren`t already familiar with major twists and turns from the book, movie script or any other reliable spoiler source. In a nutshell: COS rocks the house.So-so franchise starter gets an awesome follow-up.

What`s good? COS is anti-Sorcerer`s Stone. It`s dark, tought-provoking anti-fairytale tackling heavy issues such as racism. Yet Stone fans won`t be alienated for the movie also provides clever humor, stunning action and eye candy and improved acting. What`s bad? Next sequel is due in 2004. 2 years of waiting. Damn. Have you seen COS trailers? Trust me, you haven`t seen anything yet. To get the best stuff you must see the movie. Review is about the best stuff so if you don`t want to be spoiled stop reading now.

Review

“You Mudblood!” is the line that sets the tone of the movie for COS deals with pure-bloods vs “Mudbloods”(extremely offensive racist name for Muggle -born wizards ) , a fantasy take on racism/Nazism. While Stone was a fairytale where Hogwarts was an escapist place, COS is anti-fairytale that destroys illusion of escapism as we learn that negative things of Muggle world such as racial bigotry exist in wizarding world poisening minds of Hogwarts youth. There are students who are pure-blooded wizards (Ron, Draco), others have Muggle parents (Hermione) or are half-bloods (Harry). Racial purity doctrine is adopted by young students of Slytherin House whose founder Slytherin had very Mein Kampf-ish ideals. The legend has it that Slytherin made a secret chamber containing a monster that will be released and kill all Muggles when Slytherin`s rightful heir arrives to school. Indeed, an unknown evil force that calls itself Heir starts turning one by one Muggle student into a stone.

The movie handles this heavy topic well. There`s tension between young Slytherins and other students and Draco`s “little Nazi” antics are creepy. Also, the movie doesn`t have a feelgood ending where young Slytherins admit they were wrong and embrace Muggle pupils. Nope. When the movie ends you know that these kids still believe in superiority of pure blood and that they hate everyone else.

Since half of schoolchildren are potential victims, including Muggle-born Hermione, Harry&co race against time to find the murderous Heir. But things get complicated when an incident during the spectacular wizarding duel reveals that Harry possesses a rare gift only Slytherin had. This convinces other students (minus a fistful of loyal friends) that Harry is the Heir and they begin to boycott him.

Popular jock Harry`s sudden loss of fandom ties nicely with B plot that revolves around fame-hungry professor Lockhart who has many “wise” things to say about fame. Much to my surprise hyped Kenneth Branagh, who plays Lockhart, has nothing to do with A plot.

But Harry believes that the Dark Side of Slytherin heritage is strong with him cause the talking hat from the first movie wanted to put him in Slytherin House, but when Harry begged him not to he decided Harry should be Gryffindor. I expected the Dark Side thing to be red herring but I was wrong. Harry carries great darkness in himself and the explanation is chilling. Think Farscape..

Almost everyone believes that Harry`s the bad guy while Harry&co think that Muggle-hating Draco is the Heir. Disguised as Draco`s goons, Harry and Ron extract a major information from the little Nazi - that he isn`t the one. Looking for new evidence Harry finds an old spellbound diary which takes him to the past when Chamber was opened for the first time. What he sees in pensive makes his skin crawl : one of his friends opened the chamber!

The movie mixes serious moments and clever humor. For example, when Muggle-hating pure-blood Draco calls Muggle Hermione “a Mudblood” , her pure-blood friend Ron stands up to him and tries to curse him in Hermione`s defence (“Eat slugs, Malfoy!”). But the serious situation gets unexpectedly humourous resolution when Ron`s broken wand backfires the curse on him. It`s a cerebral humour that makes a point that cursing isn`t the best solution but also doesn`t make kid-spewing-racial-insults less disturbing. Another example, the scene is wizarding duel between Harry and Draco. Duel is hilarious - Snape kicks Lockhart`s ass, kids kick each other`s asses with different spells. But when Draco casts a “snake” spell revealing that Harry can talk to snakes (which only Slytherin could) the funny scene gets a creepy twist.

The movie gets darker and darker as it progresses and once Harry walks through Chamber`s door, comic relief is left on the doorstep. Showdown with the Heir is simply magnificent. The Chamber is wonderfully creepy place with snake figures and giant statue of Slytherin`s head. The climax is visually like one of stories from Greek mythology : there are a damsel in distress, a young hero who gets mythical sword, a phoenix with healing powers who fights on his side, an evil beastmaster and a beast, a giant snake. It mixes stunning action pieces with cerebral stuff that gives you goosebumps like the moment when young Heir reveals his true colors (“…past,present,future”, anagram).

Heir is formidable yet tragic villain. He appears in only 2 scenes but the movie makes a great use of it. He shows both deceiving innocence, real vulnerability (when talking about his sad life) and Dark Side. His background is well-explained so we see what pushed a brilliant student over the edge and made him embrace his ancestor`s Kampf. He isn`t “genetically” evil, however, it`s the tragic events from his past that made this half-blood teenager reject his Muggle heritage and, ironically, become wizard version of the Baddest Muggle Adolf .

There`s disturbing similarity between Heir and Harry. They have almost identical background and share the same rare gift among other things yet their choices set them apart. Still, Harry`s creepy “link” with Heir remains. The movie solves many mysteries but also makes new ones. For example, why is Harry destined for the sword that belonged to Gryffindor, the founder of Gryffindor House? Is he the Heir of Gryffindor, perhaps? Hopefully sequels will pick up this thread.

Surprises don`t end here but you`ll have to watch the movie to find out what else is in store. I loved how they explained why the cat, children and ghost wound up petrified, not dead like they were supposed to. Not to mention who masterminded the opening of Chamber and who did it. Phew, so much about the plot. What new and improved effects are like, you can see in trailers. Again, best stuff is kept under the wraps.

Child actors do a good job this time. Harry is no more wooden but shows different emotions and the actor gained charisma with age. As for headline-making broken voice I thought it was cool to see kids maturing on the screen from movie to movie which is how it is in real life. Perfection wouldn`t be so appealing. Ron is resident comic relief who has different style of acting (physical comedy) than Harry but they work excellently. Also, we get to see more of his family (father, mother, ambitious eldest brother, his elder twin brothers resident pranksters and kid sister who looks like young Alyson Hannigan and has serious crush on Harry). Hermione is less over the top but kick-ass attitude is intact. Yet even the feisty know-it-all screws up big time (kitty, kitty,kitty). Draco`s role is expanded and his butting heads with the leading 3some is priceless. We also meet his creepy father, a former dark wizard, who is up to nothing good. Other colorful characters include paparazzo boy Colin who stalks Harry with his camera, teenage ghost Moaning Myrtle who mourns her own death and slave Dobby whose noble attempts to save Harry almost get the boy wizard killed or, worse, expelled (he appears in only 3 scenes so any comparision to Jar Jar makes no sense).

Of course, COS isn`t a perfect movie. Dumbledore is still Stoned Sorcerer and although I haven`t read the books I suspect he should be like Ian McKellen`s Gandalf. But the movie belongs to the leading trio, Draco and Heir who do excellent job and get good support from papa Malfoy, Lockhart, Ron`s family members, Colin, ghost girl, Snape,etc.

I can`t make any boxoffice predictions but I think that this movie `s going to be enormous hit on video and DVD for there`s cerebral stuff that requires repeat viewing and concentration not to mention quotable lines and rewindable moments such as flying car, crazy willow, violent quidditch, spectacular duels, diary coming to life, Harry and Ron`s physical transformation (and Hermione`s meow screw-up), Dark Forrest, and, most of all, the powerful climax.

Highly recommendable."

Second Review of "Chamber of Secrets"

Story filed: Sept 23rd, 2002.  Source: TheFacer.net

Pop culture blog site TheFacer.net claims to have got its hands on an advance DVD of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Here's an excerpt from its largely complimentary review (click the above link for the full review):

"First, Daniel Radcliffe got big. Real big. But I want to send a message very loudly and clearly to the usually thickskulled boltheads over at Warners: FANS DON'T CARE. You must keep Radcliffe as Potter! I know 12-year old's who are bigger than him with more hair on their chests than Sophia Coppolla (that's a lot), so I don't want to hear any more BS about fans not "believing" in him for movies 3 & 4. Give the kid a year off and then bring him back for the other films.

But at first, the transformation that Radcliffe has undergone since the first film is a bit startling. He's taller, his voice is almost baritone, and his posture is more assured and... well, "adult" than before. Smartly, director Chris Columbus (whose non-Potter work I hate) uses this maturity to enhance the theme of the second book: that Potter is older now, no longer a Hogwarts newbie, but a seasoned (if still curious) wizarding student. Another director might have had Radcliffe play the part in one of two opposite extremes, as jaded, sullen teen or awkwardly bright-eyed neophyte. Both directions would have been wrong, and the Potter/Radcliffe/Columbus combination proves itself more startling natural than even the first film.

Likewise, Rupert Grint as Harry's pal Ron Weasly is "all growed up", but dammit if this kid isn't still hilarious. Unlike so many child actors out there who play to the camera in a mugging, "hey, Mom look at me!" way, Grint is completely natural even when he is clowning around in the fantastical setting of Hogwarts.

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, the third of our heroic triptych, was somewhat given short shrift in film 1, with her final scene cut and forced to wear an abominable wig. Not so here. Hermione is a big player, and she gets to goo and gush over Kenneth Branagh's Professor Lockhart, tug on the heart strings when recovering from a basilisk attack, and show her mettle when defending her mixed "Mudblood" heritage to the Hogwarts bullies. Her range is fantastic, and I am certain a promising film career is guaranteed for Watson.

At the opposite end of the spectrum we have the annoying little Tom Felton as chief bully Draco Malfoy, who apparently hasn't dropped his set yet, and squeaks noticeably beside the other actors. Felton is more of the child actor school I mentioned previously, very aware of his performance and completely unconvincing. Since you're supposed to hate him, I suppose one could say "who cares?" but I'd like to see a better actor take up the role of the menacing and smarmy Malfoy some day.

Richard Harris sleepwalks yet again through his performance as headmaster Albus Dumbledore, looking more like a constipated Alzheimer's patient than the charming, winky-eyed grandfather-figure of the books. There is about as much chemistry between Radcliffe and Harris, or Harris and (Hagrid actor) Robbie Coltrane as there is when mixing argon and xenon (that's not a lot.) Recast this old fart already!

Hagrid isn't used to much effect in this film, and I don't recall if that's because of the source material or if it was a script choice. Either way, I found myself wondering "where's Hagrid?" during a number of points. Maybe that will be tightened up a bit in the final cut? Anyway, Coltrane is great, and his performance surpasses the previous film, if that were possible.

Newcomer Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasly (pay attention to her in this film!), does a great job as the lovestruck First Year, and pulls off her pivotal role like a seasoned pro. Again, Columbus has cast a great child actress who doesn't act like a child actress.

Other quick summaries. Alan Rickman as Snape: excellent, but underutilized. John Cleese as Nearly Headless Nick: annoying; someone finish the decapitation already. Maggie Smith as MacGonagall: she looks confused, as if she's not sure how she got on the set. Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy (Draco's dad): does a good impression of Snape, but I'd rather see Snape do Snape. Do we really need two of them? Kenneth Branagh as Lockhart: good, and not as hammy as Loveless in Wild, Wild West or the doctor in Frankenstein. A little too much screen time, I think. (Branagh's a lot like fellow Shakespearean actor Patrick Stewart: when they do humorous genre work, they tend to go overboard. I much preferred Branagh in Conspiracy.)

All right, on with the film itself. There's been a lot of hype about the effects. With some exceptions that I will point out later, they are about on par with the first film, although there are certainly more of them. The quidditch match is more rough-and-tumble, and Columbus pulls out all his Speilberg mimickry, using such annoying tricks as "edit the hero out of danger" (remember Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom?) Still, it's great to see this very unique sport played out on the big screen, and watching irritating Draco get swatted around a bit is always fun, fancy new broom notwithstanding.

The quidditch match, along with the flying car sequence that opens the film, are nonetheless still very obvious greenscreen effects. Critics of the first film's quidditch game, who said it looked like Harry was flying in front of a movie screen, will repeat their gripe this time around. I'm not sure who did the effects, but perhaps instead of increasing the effects budget they should shop around for a new F/X house?

There are some wire effects here, nicely done and which don't invoke either Matrix or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Harry is more physical this time, and by all accounts he did his own stunts (but with CGI-added faces all the rage, who knows?) The best F/X by far are those used for Aragog, the giant half-spider, and Slytherin's basilisk. Much improved over the goofy troll in Film 1, but still not as advanced as, say, the Balrog from Lord of the Rings. However, the effects also have a more cartoonish look to them, which makes the film much more accessible to youngsters, and let's remember that the film is technically a kid's film.

A scene where Lockhart, an inept magician, turns Harry's harm to rubber by accidentally removing the bones in it is unsettling, but dashed with a sense of humor. I don't know why, but it grossed me out a bit. Still, a good effect and a nice combination of CGI and prosthetics.

AICN's alleged "review" falsely reported that Dobby the House-Elf invokes memories of Jar Jar Binks. Hogwash. Dobby's screen time is minimal, and while the voice actor was a bad pick (sounds like your local elementary school's cafeteria lady), the character is not annoying. Trying, perhaps, but not annoying; and that's exactly how I recall Dobby from the book. Dobby will not be universally reviled like Jar Jar, and comparing the two is like comparing Harry Knowles to Jessica Alba. (I'll let you figure out which one of them is the irritating one.)

The ghost "Moaning Myrtle" is a bit annoying, but if you have a sensitive side you may feel more pity than annoyance at this character. I'm overall disappointed with the ghost effects in general; just using transparent actors floating around seems a bit of a cop out. I think I had expected the Bloody Baron, Peeves and Myrtle to be more ghoulishly inhuman than the way ghosts are portrayed in this series, perhaps more like the animatronics in Disney's Haunted Mansion. But everything else pretty much matches what I envisioned from the book.

As for the score, there were some bits taken from the first film (unless they were re-scored?), but I definitely heard some new cues and a menacing new theme for the baddies. John Williams is putting together another great CD-seller here. The finished product is going to be great.

The story involves mysterious messages and grim voices hinting at some terrible thing about to be unleashed within Hogwarts, a place previously considered to be the safest wizard haven known. As "mudbloods," --- magical folk who are half-nonmagical --- are being turned to stone, Harry begins to investigate. Because the mystery involves the "Heir of Slytherin," Harry is drawn into conflict with the evil class house of that name, as suspicions abound about who the Heir is and what is kept in "the Chamber of Secrets." Harry, who can speak to snakes, is even suspected himself. Soon thereafter, we learn with not a small dose of melodrama, that this Chamber of Secrets has been opened, causing Dumbledore and the other teachers to fall into a panic that only steels Harry's resolve in solving the puzzle.

Chris Columbus is certainly doing well as the Potter films' director, and it will be a shame to see him replaced on the next installment, but he does exercise some of his more mundane habits in this film. Primarily this means formula, formula, formula. Columbus is a formula director, the whitest slice of vanilla white bread you can get short of a Mormon. As a result, the pacing of the film, the sequence of events, the camera movement and lighting are all virtually identical to the first film. This is not a direct result of the source material, either; it's just the way Columbus works best, in a safe and calculated environment. It's not a slight against the film, but viewers of the first will find the surprises are well-telegraphed, and the build up to the climax is clearly identical to the first film.

The climax, however, is outstanding. I am still confused by the ending of the first film (I really need to go back and read the book, I guess), but this one ends with a bigger bang (actually, a few of them!), and more coherent plot closure.

Okay, SPOILER WARNING! (Highlight with your cursor to read.)

The final battle between Harry and the serpentine basilisk is amazing, and the effects are almost as if another F/X house came in to do the sequence. This basilisk is not a goofy "troll in the dungeon" thing, but a very realistic and nasty bugger. The confrontation with Tom Riddle / Valdemort is much, much, much creepier and cerebral than the ending of the first film. The role of Fawkes the phoenix is a bit drippy (literally, heh heh) but the kids in the audience are going to cheer when he revives Harry. Again, almost as if Columbus is mimicking Empire Strikes Back, the ending has a much more cliffhanger feel to it than before.

SPOILERS OFF

Overall, the film is faster-paced (a slow second reel is actually welcome after the rollercoaster start), much more menacing, but with enough fun and magic to suit both the young fans and the old ones. I think they've really captured the spirit of the books here, which continue to break bookstore records by selling to a huge array of readers. The other great accomplishment in Chamber of Secrets is that it immediately rekindles our familiarity with the characters, making it feel as if we know them much more intimately than from just one previous film. As a result, we care a lot more about the characters, and that really drives the plot.

An amazing adventure ride for all ages. I'm excited, and you should be too."

Baby on the Way for JK!

Story filed: Sept 20th, 2002.  Source: The Leaky Cauldron

We'll add our congratulations to the many winging their way to Jo Rowling and husband Dr Neil Murray following today's announcement of her pregnancy!  A little sibling for Jo's first daughter Jessica, 9, is expected in the spring of 2003.

Potter 5 'really is getting there' says JK

Story filed: Sept 19, 2002.  Source: CBBC Newsround

JK Rowling has spoken exclusively to Newsround and has revealed that the new Potter book, the Order of the Phoenix, isn't as far away as people think!

Click here for the FULL interview

She says she's getting there: "I have a beginning, a middle and an end - you could read it all the way through and I know a lot of Harry Potter fans will say just give it to us.

"But I'm a perfectionist and I want a bit more time to tweak!"

The Order of the Phoenix will be as long as The Goblet of Fire and there'll be plenty of new things to keep fans engrossed.

There'll be a new female Defence of the Dark Arts teacher and a new sorting hat song!

Don't believe what they say!

She also said people shouldn't believe everything written in newspapers and on websites about how far off the book is.

She says she's never had writer's block in her life and admits she's loving the writing.

Court case relief

JK has just won a court case against an US author who claimed JK has stolen some of her ideas. 

She said: "I'm so relieved. This court case has dragged on for a few years - I'm a really happy woman today!"

[Note: This refers to the case of author Nancy Stouffer, who claimed that JK Rowling stole her ideas for Harry Potter from Stouffer's book "The Legend of Rah and the Muggles", which includes a character called Larry Potter.]

"HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS" TRAILER IN THE WB'S COMEDY PREMIERE IS A WARNER BROS. "FAMILY AFFAIR"

Story filed: Sept 10, 2002.  Source: The Leaky Cauldron

BURBANK, CA (September 9, 2002) - For the second consecutive year The WB Television Network and Warner Bros. Pictures will give viewers an exclusive first look at Harry Potter as the opening episode of the new comedy   FAMILY AFFAIR will include an exclusive look at the second installment of the Harry Potter film series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

During the one-hour premiere of FAMILY AFFAIR on Thursday, September 12, 8:00 p.m. EST, The WB will air the world premiere of the first full-length trailer for the movie, which will be released in theaters in North America and in the U.K. on Friday, November 15.

"We are thrilled to offer our growing number of family viewers the exclusive opportunity to get a look at one of the fall's most anticipated feature films, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' " said Jed Petrick, President & Chief Operating Officer of The WB. "Harry Potter's huge fan base of kids, teens and their parents should drive viewers to the premiere of 'Family Affair," a new series that's in one of the most difficult time periods on network television."

"We are very excited to be presenting the first look at our trailer for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on The WB," said Dawn Taubin, President of Domestic Theatrical Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures.  "The WB brand is synonymous with young adult and family audiences, making the network the perfect outlet to share this exhilarating footage with Harry Potter fans throughout North America."  

Last year, The WB presented an exclusive look at a scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and achieved its best Friday night ratings of the season.  The film has grossed nearly $1 Billion worldwide to date.

In " Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," young wizard Harry Potter (DANIEL RADCLIFFE) and his friends Ron Weasley (RUPERT GRINT) and Hermione Granger (EMMA WATSON) face new challenges during their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they try to uncover a dark force that is terrorizing the school.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films/1492 Pictures production of a Chris Columbus film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, starring DANIEL RADCLIFFE, EMMA WATSON, RUPERT GRINT, KENNETH BRANAGH, JOHN CLEESE, ROBBIE COLTRANE, WARWICK DAVIS, RICHARD GRIFFITHS, RICHARD HARRIS, JASON ISAACS, ALAN RICKMAN, FIONA SHAW, MAGGIE SMITH and JULIE WALTERS.  Directed by CHRIS COLUMBUS from a screenplay by STEVE KLOVES, based on the acclaimed novel Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. ROWLING, the film is produced by DAVID HEYMAN.  CHRIS COLUMBUS, MARK RADCLIFFE, MICHAEL BARNATHAN and DAVID BARRON are the executive producers.  ROGER PRATT is the director of photography; STUART CRAIG is the production designer; PETER HONESS is the editor; and JOHN WILLIAMS is the composer.  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will be released in North America and the U.K. on November 15, 2002 by Warner Bros. Pictures, an AOL Time Warner Company.  This film is not yet rated. 

FAMILY AFFAIR, starring Tim Curry (Mr. French) and Gary Cole (Uncle Bill), is a re-make of the '60s classic about a carefree Manhattan bachelor and his protective butler, whose lives are turned upside down when a pair of 6-year-old twins (Jimmy "Jax" Pinchak and Sasha Pieterse) and a 16-year-old girl (Caitlin Wachs) invade their world.  It is produced by Turner Television.

Producer Talks Potter Changes

Story filed: Sept 6th, 2002.  Source: Sci-Fi Wire

David Heyman, producer of the upcoming sequel film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, told SCI FI Wire that director Chris Columbus will continue to be a key player in the franchise, even though he won't be helming the third installment. Columbus—who directed the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, as well as Chamber—will pass the baton to Alfonso Cuarón (A Little Princess).

"Chris will be involved, or is remaining involved, in a production capacity," Heyman said in an interview. "We're working together on this next film [Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]," based on the third of author J.K. Rowling's Potter novels.

Heyman added, "He, just as I am, is really excited about Alfonso Cuarón coming in. Alfonso has already met with the kids, with the three leading actors [Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint], and has gotten along incredibly well with them. But Chris is here for support and for guidance and for us all to benefit from his great wealth of experience, having directed the first two. The third film will grow out of what has already been created. The third book is slightly more mature, so I think the approach will be slightly more mature. The film will be a little darker, more mature and more adult, just as the book is. Also, Alfonso Cuarón is a different filmmaker from Chris, and I think the film will necessarily reflect that, because film is a director's medium." Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets opens Nov. 15. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is currently in preproduction.

As If By Magic, Harry Potter Sprouts An Extra Six Inches

Story filed: Sept 5th. 2002.  Source: Daily Mail.

He may be getting too big for his broomstick.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the boy wizard in the film Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone last year, appears to be outgrowing his role.

Seen walking to a gym near their home in South West London, 13 year old Daniel is easily taller then his mother, Marcia Gresham. He now stands at around 5ft 3in and is reckoned to have grown up six inches since last year.

Filming of the second J K Rowling adventure, Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets – out in November – was rushed through after the first movie to reduce the risk of any of the child actors growing up too much.

But if Daniel’s dizzy rise continues at the same rate, director Chris Columbus may be forced to look for a replacement wizard for future Potter films.

Daniel however still has a lot more growing up to do before he can emulate the giant American wrestling star `Stone Cold` Steve Austin whose nickname is celebrated on his lurid T-shirt.

Ain't It Cool News Reviews Early Cut of Chamber of Secrets

Story filed: August 24th, 2002

Industry mole "The Walkabouter" scored another coup for the Ain't It Cool News movie news site by reviewing an early cut of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Walkabouter caused a similar stir this time last year by leaking details about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  Here is his long, but largely complimentary, review:

"Sorry, Mr. Columbus. Sorry, Warner Bros. I've tried to keep my mouth shut the last two weeks. I tried REALLY hard but I can't help myself. I know I promised. Sorry, I'm an addict. I like teasing people. I'm the "Deep Throat" of your wizarding movies; I lead people on and hint at things, but for my own safety (and conscience) I can't fully divulge. Spilling it all this early just wouldn't seem right. So I'll spill only a little bit. It's no secret that I liked the first film, PHILOSOPHER'S STONE, a lot. None of us really had any idea what exactly was going to be done to the book in its translation to the screen, as the potential for disastrous "creative liberties" was great. Rumours of a CGI feature. Haley Joel Osment as Harry.

That the final film stayed true to the book was largely why it was so successful. Cinematic landmark? Masterpiece? Flawless? No, no, and no...but it WAS a wonderful movie, and one obviously made by people who gave a damn.

(Thanks Mr. Heyman, Mr. Kloves, and Mr. Columbus for giving a damn. And, just in case they think I've been picking on them, thanks to Warner Bros, too -- believe it or not, I'm sorry for any headaches I may have caused you guys.)

So what of Harry's second adventure? Is it bigger and better? Scarier? More mature? Will audiences flock to the theatres a second time 'round?

Before I answer those questions, let me say here and now that I will not be giving away any major plot points or spoilers. The book is out there, on every continent on the planet, and most of you who are going to see the movie probably already know what it's about. For the rest of you, I presume this will make you all the more skeptical about my review, and, well...what can I say? Blast me with your conspiracy theories and criticisms....That's what the bloody message boards are for. Bring it on.

The film is still coming together, though from what I've seen, the cut looks pretty refined in terms of editing. Some VFX completion work is in order, and will likely be in progress all the way through October. I think the predub has come along well, though sadly I was not able to hear the film with John Williams' new score. Damn. But as it is all still a work in progress, I'll keep my comments to a broad overview, and not ruin it for either the filmmakers (who deserve to keep their secrets until they're completely ready) or for audiences (who don't like spoilers but are inclined to read them, regardless).

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS has some things REALLY going for it. There are improvements, there are smiles, and there are scenes of fancy. But there are drawbacks, too, though few and far between. SECRETS seems to have taken three steps forward but one step back.

Okay, so that doesn't make any [bleep!] sense. Time for another analogy.

SUPERMAN. A film made with love and care. A respect to the character. Wit, humor, charm, and innocence. SUPERMAN 2: faster, more energetic and exciting. Funnier, wittier. Great performances. Better defined. But at the same time, it's a little sloppier around the edges, and lacking the sincerity of the first.

SECRETS is rough around the edges, especially in the final act. I think they've also tried to condense everything, making it move faster and faster, while skipping over some nice details. In the movie's defense, purists might say the very same thing about the books. SECRETS shoehorns much more into the story -- new characters, funny scenarios -- than PHILOSOPHER'S STONE had, but for a newcomer, it is surely to be a little overwhelming. I thought the ending was a BIT much, but as I also felt that way about the book, I could hardly chastize the filmmakers.

If there's one significant difference between the films, however, it concerns the actors. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all back...a little older, probably not much wiser...but very different from before. (And no, I'm not trying to dwell on the issue of puberty, here. These young actors have enough to deal with...especially since the breaking of their voices has already made front page news.)

In the first film, Harry was an outsider, a symbol of wide-eyed innocence coupled with soulful restraint. Here, Daniel Radcliffe is MUCH more...shall we say...playful. There's a devlish twinkle in his eyes that wasn't there before...he's a little on edge and a LOT more mischievious. Mind you, he's still good old Harry...a nice kid, but now he's not always quite so nice.

The film's mid-section really plays off this fact, especially when all the other students grow suspicious of Harry in something pretty spooky going on at Hogwart's. It seems as though a mysterious, evil force is dwelling within the school, and petrifying things in its path. (When one of the leading characters succombs to the unknown entity in the third act, you know that the books are beginning to take on a more sinister tone....But that's something that PRISONER OF AZKABAN should REALLY deliver for us...In time, guys...in time...) Having become a hero in the first movie, and admired by other students at the beginning of SECRETS (there's a cute subplot of Harry grumpily shrugging off the affections of Ron's little sister, a new student at Hogwart's), Harry suddenly finds himself abandoned all over again. He even begins to doubt his own feelings -- he's paranoid that he ALMOST got into Slytherin (that's the EVIL STUDENTS' house of Hogwart's, for the uninitiated), and is afraid that maybe, just maybe, there's an evil dark wizard lurking inside him. (One can recall young Jonathan Scott-Taylor of OMEN II here...a young, angelic face with a possibly satanic personailty. Of course, the big secret Rowling has in book five is that Harry was actually born of a jackal without his adopted parents' knowledge.)

Rupert Grint's performance delivers more comic relief than before. Though it's not RON WEASLY AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, Grint seems to like putting on a show by trying to steal every scene he's in. And for the most part, he does. It's easy for us to like Ron, and it's easy for me to like Grint in the part.

Alan Rickman, sadly underused in the first movie, isn't really given much more here, but he has seething sinister snares down to an artform, and for that we should be grateful. Rickman seems to enjoy being bad, but with a campiness that makes him rather charming.

Hermione is as prissy as ever, but I found Emma Watson quite sincere and adorable this time 'round, especially in her swooning reactions to the new dark arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart.

Oh yeah...Lockhart. He's played by some guy named Kenneth Branagh -- you know, the bloke once married to Emma Thompson?

Seriously, now, for those of us old enough to recall a time called 1989, remember the young, fair-haired prince who burst onto the screen at a ripe old age of 27? The one who redefined a Shakespearean role, out Olivier-ing even Olivier? Branagh's triumphant HENRY V was not just a smashing performance, but a work of a master director full of energy, of vigor. Then his comic turn in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING made him seem unstoppable. Everyone seems to have forgotten those days once FRANKENSTEIN hit theaters. It was so eagerly anticipated (featuring one hell of a movie trailer) that when the handsome, ambitious project failed, Ken seemed to fail with it...at least in the eyes of the public.

Well, dammit, I for one still think Ken Branagh rocks. I can forgive him for FRANKENSTEIN...I can admire his 4 hour HAMLET (even if I didn't always connect with it)...

I still think he has genius within him.

I still want him to go back into directing a major, epic studio film someday.

And if he had more screen time in CHAMBER OF SECRETS, I think Ken Branagh could get another Oscar nomination.

He's smug, vain, pompous and charming. He's foolish and clever, witty and bumbling. This is not just Branagh doing Lockhart...It's Branagh spoofing Branagh.

CHAMBER OF SECRETS is at its best during these lighter moments. The silliness Branagh shows seems contagious with his actors. (There is a CLASSIC scene at the end with Harry and company challenging Lockhart -- the terrified look on Branagh's face, and the playfully sinister look on Radcliffe's are priceless.) It also works as it gets a little darker. There are some chilling moments throughout the film, and there's more mystery and tension.

The film starts off great, with a hilarious opening with Harry vs. the Dursleys. But then Harry encounters a house-elf named Dobby...

OK, I'm on another track all over again. Dobby Dobby Dobby Dobby Dobby...

Dare I say the words to compare?

Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar...

Well, no, Dobby's not THAT bad. He's quite charming, actually, in a deflated-whoopie-cushioned-voice sorta way.

Dobby is more like a cartoon: a caricature, a creature of artificiality, somehow both annoying and endearing at the same time. He's an important character to the story, though, and by the end, I was rather endeared to him.

(Others might not be, but I doubt to the extreme of another CGI creation... It's safe to say we won't see www.death-to-dobby.com out there.)

There's so much more I can write about...A faster, more thrilling Quidditch match...Robbie Coltraine's lovable Hagrid under some dubious suspicion himself...freaky spiders, snakes, and whomping trees (oh my!)...

But I'm tired. I need sleep. My trusty dog has his head perched on my left foot, and it's time I end my day.

CHAMBER OF SECRETS is turning out to be a really good flick. In some ways it is superior to its predessessor, with its young cast coming into their own. (It's impossible for me to imagine anyone else as Harry, Ron, and Hermione now.) It's funnier, spookier, and a little more complicated...but as there's so much crammed into the film, one can't help but think that it's both too much and not enough. It's not that there's anything missing -- all the ingredients are there. But perhaps there's some flavor lost when you don't let the food simmer long enough.

As I said...time will tell."

Sounds delicious!  Chamber of Secrets opens on November 16th in the UK and US.

Blockbuster Additions to Hollywood Wax Museum Capture Movie Magic

Story filed: Aug 2, 2002. 

Copyright ©2002 PR Newswire Association Inc. All Rights Reserved. A United Business Media company. Distributed by FluentMedia, a service of Tribune Media Services. Copyright ©2002 by Tribune Media Services.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Characters from three of the all-time highest grossing movies will join the star ranks of the Hollywood Wax Museum. Starting July 31, Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Captain Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg), along with three primate co-stars from Planet of the Apes, will appear as if they stepped off the movie screen casting their spells, webs and blame.

Eleven-year-old Daniel Radcliffe, already waxing nostalgic about his role as the young wizard-in-training, is "lifelike to the point it's spooky," according to the Museum's wax artist Paul Barnes. The biggest challenge? "His eyes," says Barnes. "We had to bring in a pediatric ophthalmologist to help us create his baby blues with the focus and depth of the real thing." The spellbinding Hogwarts student is the Museum's fourth figure of age 12 or under, joining Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker, Macaulay Culkin as Home Alone's Kevin McCallister and Shirley Temple.

Here is the picture. 

Alfonso Cuaron will direct "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

Story filed: July 22nd, 2002

Alfonso Cuaron has been signed to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third movie in the Harry Potter series for Warner Bros. Pictures, it was announced today by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Motion Pictures, Warner Bros. Cuaron is best known for directing the critically acclaimed Y Tu Mama Tambien as well as the enchanting children's classic A Little Princess. Production is scheduled to begin in England in the first quarter of 2003.

"Prisoner of Azkaban" will reunite the principal cast from both the record-breaking "Sorcerer's Stone" and the upcoming "Chamber of Secrets," and will introduce new characters from the ever-expanding world of Hogwarts School. The film will be produced by David Heyman, Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe for release by Warner Bros. Pictures in the summer of 2004.

Stated di Bonaventura, "We have prided ourselves on fulfilling our promise to the millions of fans to remain faithful to J.K. Rowling's beloved books. We are certain that Alfonso's gifts as a director will sustain that commitment and continue to bring the adventure and fantasy of this wonderful series to life onscreen in even more compelling ways."

"I've come to love all of the cast and crew on these movies and have completely immersed myself in this amazing and intricate story," said producer Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter movies. "But, as I've made the decision to step into the role of producer for the third film, I am thrilled that we have found someone as talented and inspired as Alfonso to take over the reins as director. It will be a pleasure to work with him on this project."

"In Alfonso Cuaron, I know we have found the right director for 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,'" said producer David Heyman. "He has a unique vision and sensibility as a filmmaker, and an extraordinary ability to inspire memorable performances in children and adults alike. His humanity and belief in the magical possibilities of film and life make him the ideal choice."

"I am so pleased to be entrusted with presenting the continuing Harry Potter saga," said Cuaron. "It has captured the imaginations of many people, myself included, and I am so excited to join an amazingly talented cast and crew. To be able to add my own contributions to this rich and creative material is a wonderful opportunity and I know the collaboration will be a great one."

Harry Potter III may not be out until 2004

Story filed: July 20th, 2002.  Source: CBBC Newsround.

All the main filming on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secret finishes on Friday at Leavesden Studios, but a few more bits of info are starting to come out about this film and the next.

The best news is that Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will all be back for the third film, The Prisoner of Azkaban.

That's the good news.

The bad news is, to give the children in the cast a good break, filming won't happen until at least early to mid-2003.

That means the film probably won't be out until 2004.

And it looks like an announcement about who will direct the Prisoner of Azkaban will happen in the next few days.

As for other children's roles in Azkaban - like Cho Chang - no casting has been done yet.

And there won't be for quite a few months, so the film company says there's no point in trying to contact them about auditions!

As soon as there's any more news on that, we promise to let you know.

The Chamber of Secrets is out on 15 November and Potter fans will be delighted that Cornelius Fudge does appear in the movie.

He's played by British actor Robert Hardy. He's most famous for appearing in a long running BBC series All Creatures Great and Small.

And he played the doctor in Thunderpants!

Someone who won't be in the movie is Rik Mayall as Peeves. But he didn't even get to film any scenes this time around - the part of Peeves was cut out before filming started!