Rotten Tomatoes® Score
TOMATOMETER®
Critics Consensus: Though perhaps more enchanting for younger audiences, Chamber of Secrets is nevertheless both darker and livelier than its predecessor, expanding and improving upon the first film's universe.
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Common Sense Media
Common Sense Says
Action- and creature-packed Potter sequel.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is scarier than the first film in the Harry Potter series (all based on the books by J.K. Rowling), and characters spend lots of time in extreme peril. There are frightening creatures, including hordes of big spiders and an enormous snake that can kill anyone who looks in its eyes. Though it appears that some characters have been hurt or killed, all the heroes are ultimately fine. But children who aren't already familiar with the story may be upset. There are also some gross-out moments when Ron's spell backfires and he spits up slugs, and when another misapplied spell leaves Harry without any bones in his forearm. Characters demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork. In addition, friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series, as is the idea of making good choices.
A Lot or A Little?
The parents’ guide to what’s in this movie.
Positive Role Models
DETAILS
Violence & Scariness
DETAILS
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
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Additional Info
- Genre:Family, Fantasy
- Release Date:November 15, 2002
- Languages:English
- Captions:English
- Audio Format:
5.1
- Screen Pass Eligible:Yes
If purchased in:4K
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If rewatching all eight Harry Potter films feels as daunting as mastering Quidditch, we've got you covered with a guide to the franchise's most surprising moments worth revisiting. Watch the videoVideos5
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9 Most Surprising Harry Potter Movie Moments
The 9 Most Surprising Harry Potter Movie Moments
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Review
Darker fantasy than the first Potter film...brisk despite its length...
Prepare yourself for a darker fantasy this time with some harrowing and scary special effects. Apparently J.K. Rowling has hit upon the fact that kids love to be scared stiff along with being entertained by touches of humor and excitement--although I think her imagination works overtime on scenes like the vomiting fit for Ron, one of the more tasteless sequences.
And apparently the makers of this Potter film have met the challenge of providing spiders and snakes that are hideous enough to have Ron and the audience in a fit of hysterics. It's all here--the main events anyway of the Rowling book--and for extra measure they've given a much needed humorous role to Kenneth Branagh who has great fun with his role as the self-loving Gilderoy Lockhart. The only real drawback is that Maggie Smith has very little to do--but the main chores belong to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint who continue to charm as the three leads. Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy has a commanding presence and an amusingly wicked final scene involving the computer created Dobby who steals every scene he's in.
Should keep Potter fans happy--and for a movie two-and-a-half hours long it moves along at a brisk pace from one adventure to another with what by now appears to be mechanical skill, thanks to artful direction by Chris Columbus who knows how to keep this sort of thing moving. John Williams' perky score is a distinct help.
- Doylenf
- Jun 20, 2003
FAQ25
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