Harry Potter and the gang are back for another big screen installment, based off the uber popular series of books by J.K. Rowling. If this sequel is any indication this is going to be one hell of an amazing series of films that will likely find its place amongst Hollywood's classic fantasy movies. The Chamber of Secrets easily maintains the quality of the original film and continues to add depth to the burgeoning storyline that will carry forward in later episodes. It is a triumph in terms of a sequel and another winning effort from the filmmakers.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets find our magician in training hero returning to Hogwarts for his second year of classes. However, danger lurks as Harry and his friends are made aware of the terrible ramifications of the just opened chamber of secrets that threatens not only the future of Hogwarts School but also the lives of the students. Practically every actor from the original film returns to their roles this time out. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) are once again an excellent trio for the three leads. Grint is particularly endearing as Weasley and displays a sharp comic timing for his young age. Ron's exploits with his broken wand are definitely amongst the films most amusing. Initially I was quite distracted by how much older the children were, not that it didn't make sense for the purposes of this second film (seeing as this does take place a year later) but I felt somewhat disappointed sensing that the three actors are likely going to out-age these roles shortly after the third film. Among the new cast members, none are better then Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart the conceded though dimwitted new teacher at the school. It is a truly inspired comedic performance. The cover of his autobiography "Magical Me" and his portrait of himself painting a portrait of himself are damn funny sight gags.

Chamber of Secrets is a much darker film then the original. For children, I would presume, there are some truly scary scenes. The bouts with the spiders and a massive serpent are incredibly realized but also may be a bit too intense for some younger viewers. Having said that, when I saw the film, every child present was mesmerized. And for good reason. This film like the first is overflowing with creativity. Imagination is truly at work here. There are so many clever concepts in this film from flying cars to Cornish pixies. The movie is filled with a number of magical moments. Just wait until you see the Quiddich game this time…it is a spectacular set piece.

Though most of the accolades should be heaped on Rowling for devising such an inventive tale, returning director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves both should be highly commended. They have made a wonderful movie that can equally stand aside the quality of their original film. Columbus will apparently not be returning for Harry Potter three, which is somewhat of a disappointment as he has clearly piloted this ship to incredible heights. It is without a doubt the best work of his career.

The one thought that was constantly in the back of my mind as I watched this movie (and the first film Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone) was how much I anticipated exploring more of this world. With each establishing shot of the Hogwarts school ground I would find myself thinking…what is that patch of forest over there and what is off to the side by those rocks? Rowling and the filmmakers have developed with this Harry Potter concept such a large canvas of potential story ideas that this is one of the few film series you want to see reach seven installments. Even after sitting through both of these films (which admittedly are both very long movies running over 2 and a half hours a piece) I can't shake the feeling we are just getting started. And that excites me to no end.

When I recently asked a friend if he was going to go see Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, his reply was "those are kid movies". He couldn't be more wrong. The Harry Potter films are classic fantasy tales in the tradition of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings. I highly recommend this film and am immediately anticipating the next sequel…which is a rarity in films.

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