By CHRIS GLADDEN SPECIAL TO
THE ROANOKE TIMES

Archives Reprint

   "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" conjures up the same charms and chills as last year's installment of the movie versions of J.K. Rowling's popular books. The intrepid trio of fledging wizards is back. The faculty of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is just as daunting as ever.

    And there are enough bad guys and creepy critters to keep faculty and students busy - though just barely, at two hours and 40 odd minutes not counting an annoying string of trailers no doubt intended to capitalize on the movie's popularity. Director Chris Columbus and writer Steve Cloves could have streamlined the movie a bit.

    But the young heroes are immensely appealing and the veteran oldsters (a powerhouse line-up of British thespians) add plenty of heft to the production in their own right. This marks the last performance of Richard Harris, one of the last of the old school of British hellraiser actors, and it's a treat to see him play such a wise and worldly character.

    The story begins with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) at home with his abusive aunt and uncle. He can't wait to return to school to escape the unpleasant household, but circumstances conspire to keep him away from his magical studies at Hogwarts. Harry's buddy Ron (Rupert Grint) finally appears in a flying car to whisk Harry back to his old digs, where the two rejoin Hermione (Emma Watson) to generally stir up trouble and save the day.

    It seems there's a movement afoot - led by Harry's nemesis and the young villain's odious father - to purify the bloodlines of the students at Hogwarts. Those who come from non-Wizard stock aren't welcome. And what neo-Nazi students and alumni can't manage, a monster residing in a secret chamber can. Only the heir to an ancient wizard lineage can release the monster, and it appears that the heir has returned.

    Like the first installment, this one offers a little bit of mystery, a lot of Hogwarts lore, some strange creatures and richly imagined set designs and costumes. Kenneth Branagh, as a vain and inept wizard, joins Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman and Robbie Coltrane on the staff of Hogwarts. And if the youngsters get bored with school, there are giant spiders and snakes to recapture their attention.

    Fantasies of this nature can be judged by how completely they create the world they depict. The Harry Potter series thus far transports us totally to a picturesque British boarding school where the commonplace becomes magical, the suspense is flavored with whimsy and the people are dependably interesting.

    Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

    HHHH

    At Carmike 10 at Tanglewood Mall, Valley View Grande 16 and Salem Valley 8. Rated PG for action and yucky creatures. Two hours , 45 minutes.

Let any elected or appointed official know what you think and how you feel by CLICKING HERE.