"Harry Potter" proves magical

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" isn't just for children. With the intense special effects and enthralling story line, it's easy for adults to get wrapped up in the excitement.

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) find themselves in more scary situations when Harry discovers that he is hearing mysterious voices that are somehow linked to people becoming "petrified" or frozen stiff and the mysterious Chamber of Secrets. The trio must then solve the mystery before Hogwarts is closed and Professor Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris) loses his job. This mystery leads to spells, secret diaries, discussions with ghosts and talking to snakes.

This sequel surpasses the first when it comes to special effects. Several realistic-looking creatures, from elves to giant serpents were created for this movie. There is also a flying car, a "womping willow," and transporting flu powder. The effects help to transport the viewer into the world of witches and wizards.

In one flashback scene an interesting effect is used where Harry is the only object with any color. The quiditch match, a wizard game played on flying broom sticks, has scenes that are incredibly unique. These scenes are much like watching high speed car chase scenes in other movies, only it's children on brooms. One important thing that made this a good sequel is the fact that the characters are all the same people from the last movie. It helps to keep the story more realistic for the viewers.

The actors used are also good for the parts they play, especially for people who read the novels. The children easily resemble the characters in the books. The story line, although long, also follows closely to the book. It is very hard to tell which images were created by computer and which are actual places. Each actor did an excellent job in protraying his or her characters. Even though the story is entirely fantasy the actors helped bring the movie into a more believable realm.

The only problem with this movie was the length. The director, Chris Columbus, tried so hard to follow the book that he left in too many scenes. The film runs about two and a half hours, which is too long to sit through. The pacing is good until about the middle when one realizes that although you've been in the theater for two hours nothing has been solved. The story continues to build until the last 15 minutes where finally Harry helps solve the mystery.

Other than the length, Columbus does an excellent job converting the children's novel into this thrilling movie. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is a must-see for avid Harry Potter fan and anyone else who is interested in seeing a good movie. The film offers several good surprises and twists for the audience.