After the success of 'The Philosopher's Stone' (or 'The Sorcerer's Stone' if you're in the US) it was only natural for Warner Bros to do the sequel 'Chamber of Secrets'.
The cast were also more than glad to return to their respective roles from the first film. Sadly, this would be the last time that we ever saw Richard Harris playing Albus Dumbledore as he died shortly after the film's release and was replaced with Michael Gambon who had been the studio's second choice for the role.
Also returning was John Williams for the scoring of the film and Christopher Columbus in the director's seat.
The story starts off with Harry (Daniel Radcliff) looking through his parent's photo album when he is suddenly called downstairs by his Uncle Vernon because of the noise Hedwig- his owl- is making in her cage. "I can't let you out Hedwig!" Harry tries to tell her sympathetically as Hedwig screeches angrily at him to let her out. Harry has had to lock her up in her cage for most of the summer because of his cruel aunt and uncle who won't tolerate Harry using magic.
"She's bored! If I can just let her out for an hour-!" Harry tries to reason with his uncle. "So that you can send secret messages to those freaky friends of yours? No sir!" Vernon replies.
Harry is then ordered to go back upstairs and pretend that he doesn't exist. The reason becomes clear; Uncle Vernon has an important dinner to host that evening and he doesn't want Harry to be seen by them. Vernon hopes that if everything goes well, he'll be promoted by the end of it all.
Of course, everything isn't going to go well for him. Especially with the arrival of House-Elf Dobbie (voiced by Toby Jones).
‘Chamber of Secrets’ was received positively by both fans and critics when originally released. I also enjoyed it along with- of course- the John Williams score. Richard Harris gives off a fine performance as well in the last time we’ll see him play Dumbledore before being replaced with Michael Gambon. The only complaint I’ve got is that the acting just feels a bit…off with the younger cast. I get that they were young and inexperienced and that’s fine. However, as an adult, I do think it’s a bit distracting now.
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