Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)

When Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is visited by an impish creature who warns him that danger lurks at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year, Harry decides to ignore his warnings to not return to school. But when the non-pure-bloods begin to get attacked by an unknown enemy, Harry begins to investigate the strange goings on at Hogwarts, including: a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher (Kenneth Branagh) who seems to be more in love with himself than his teachings, strange voices coming from nowhere and haunting Harry's footsteps, a new Slytherin Team Seeker who just happens to be non other than Draco Malfoy, and a depressed and sulking spirit who haunts the girl's bathroom. And, of course, the ensuing hilarity and the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, who may just be the one planning the attacks. But, could he have an accomplice?

Trivia: Fourteen Ford Anglias were destroyed to create the scene where Harry and Ron crash into the Womping Willow. The "Let's just hope Mr. Potter will always be around to save the day" "Don't worry, I will be" dialogue was improvised by Daniel Radcliffe and Jason Isaacs. As Harry enters Professor Dumbledore's study, a portrait of Gandalf the Grey is included in the collection of the great wizard paintings. It is above the door-frame and slightly to Harry's right. While chatting with the Grangers at the bookshop, Mr. Weasley says, "I understand that other muggles are afraid of you." This makes little sense unless you know that both Hermione's parents are muggle dentists. The Weasley's car is a Ford Anglia. This is actually the same color and model car that author J.K. Rowling and her best friend from school used to ride around in when they were younger. She used the car for the book, and later the movie, out of her fond memories driving in it. The script originally said that Hermione would hug Harry and Ron in the final scene. As the then eleven-year-old Emma Watson was embarrassed about having to hug the boys in front of the entire cast, Chris Columbus allowed her to changed the scene so instead Hermione just hugs Harry then starts to hug Ron but the two get embarrassed and resolve to only shake hands. Watson also stated in a recent interview that she kept letting Daniel Radcliffe go too quickly, so the filmmakers eventually had to freeze the film for a few seconds to make the hug last longer than it actually did.

It is amazing how much the three main kids (Dan, Rupert, and Emma) grew up in just one year. They are also a little more comfortable in their roles in this one. The story in this one is a little different then the others. Voldemort isn't really a big part of the story (well, actually he is but he really isn't if that makes any sense). This film marks the end for Chris Columbus who directed the first two films. It also marks the end for Richard Harris as Dumbledore. Harris died shortly before the release. The style will change in the next movie without Columbus at the helm, but that is a story for the next film isn't it?