Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The news is getting worse all the time. If this flick had been a pure movie all the way, it would be bad; but given its origin in print, the result is actually abysmal. Not only is the transition from page to screen unimaginative, but much of the cinematic aspects are just plain wrong: many scenes are awkward, the kids have regressed as actors, the big name cast is mostly going through the motions, and even at well over two hours, the story feels strangely edited and out of joint. There are a few pleasures, mostly in drawing up memories of the reading experience--and it's tough to go wrong when Dobby is in the house--but that's not enough to rescue this mess.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Not awful, but certainly a disappointment, considering the source material. Very lifeless and flat. The kids are fine, but the supporting cast doesn't quite live up to their pedigrees. (Especially Richard Harris as Dumbledore; a cigar store Indian would have been more lively.) This was mostly made for money, and that's hardly magical.

Bicentennial Man

It deserved better reviews than it got upon release. Nice work by Robin Williams--an actor who always depended upon showing his humanity--as a robot trying to be human. Worth a look.