Reviews

Movies Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Directed by Christopher Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emily Watson

Even by the second film in the series, you'd imagine that our boy hero would need a long nap. He's already battled the forces of evil on a much grander scale than any of his peers, and perhaps teachers, will ever have to face. But of course in keeping with the consistency of J.K Rowling's books he'll no doubt have to face a lot more ghoulishness, long before he applies a razor to teen stubble. Such is the life of the most powerful boy wizard in the world.

The director's chair on this occasion is once again filled by Chris Columbus, who has always brought a glass-half-full approach to his films. Columbus sees magic everywhere here; like a Hogwarts tour guide that constantly reminds his clients just how wonderful the place is. But with all of the ballyhoo that takes place inside the castle walls, the fact that it's a unique school is a given I'd say.

And because Columbus is so busy fiddling with frothy fantasy, the inherent darkness of this mysterious place is smothered by the visual fairy floss. Even the giant monsters look like they need a cuddle. The cast have by now grown more comfortable in the skin of their famous characters and Daniel Radcliffe, in particular, has a chance to allude to the fire brewing in Harry's belly. A step up from the first film, this is also evidence that the directorial wand should be passed on.

Ben Davey

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Directed by Alfonso Cuarn, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emily Watson

Now this is what I'm talkin' about. A new director, a fresh approach, a willingness to steer the camera into the shadows and voila - the darkness that was so sorely lacking in the first two Harry Potter films finds its way to Hogwarts. So whom do we thank? Well, we should start with the man at the helm, Alfonso Cuarn whose past works include the lusty Y tu Mam Tambin. A controversial choice to direct a children's book adaptation? Only if you consider J.K Rowling's stories to be children's books.

Harry, Ron and Hermione have hit their teens and the effects of hormones have already begun to take hold. They are feistier, more rebellious but more fragile. New characters are introduced to the teaching staff, which thankfully blesses audiences with the peerless David Thewlis (pictured middle) as Professor Lupin. You may also be pleased to know that Gary Oldman (pictured left) joins the cast, starring as the brooding Sirius Black. Of course Harry's got another fight on his hands and you'd understand if he is getting a bit jack of it by now.

That is something that this film understands: The kids are not only dealing with frightening matters of the supernatural, they are also now dealing with the onset of puberty. Cuarn's Hogwarts is a far creepier place than that of the first two films and instead of staying inside the castle walls, the director steers our attention to the murky woods that surround the school. It's a step in the right direction for a fantasy series than needed a reality check.

BD

(China Daily 07/27/2007 page20)