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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

(2002, Rated PG, Fantasy, Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Action- and creature-packed Potter sequel.

updated 06.26.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series. So is the idea of making good choices. Diverse cast and strong female characters, but all major characters are white. A charismatically dishonest teacher gets his comeuppance.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness :

    Kids are in peril often, but at the hand of fantasy creatures most of the time: giant spiders attack, and a basilisk (giant serpent) has Medusa-like abilities, nearly killing characters and putting them in a rigid, comatose state -- it chases Harry in a really tense scene. Harry falls from his broom and breaks his arm, then bones in his arm are magically removed. A house elf punishes himself by hitting his head repeatedly. In a practice wizards' duel, students and teachers are thrown to the ground and a (small) snake threatens a student. A spell backfires and Ron coughs up slugs. Harry almost falls out of a flying car. Two main characters almost die in the film's climax.
  • Sexy stuff :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Hermione is called a "mudblood" by Draco, an offensive term in the Potter world meaning "dirty blood."
  • Consumerism:

    While the candy mentioned wasn't originally real, it is now: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Jelly Slugs, and more. And then there are the action figures, Lego playsets, wands, Band Aids... you name it.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Parents need to know that this movie is scarier than the first in the series and characters spend a lot of time in extreme peril. There are frightening creatures, including lots 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 good guys are ultimately fine. Children who are not familiar with the story, however, may be upset. There are also some gross moments when Ron's spell backfires and he spits up slugs, and when another misapplied spell leaves Harry without any bones in his forearm. Friendship, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series. So is the idea of making good choices.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about year two at Hogwarts and what Harry learns about himself. What traits are helping him become a hero figure? Why must he face is enemy alone? What do we find out about Tom Riddle and his diary later in the series that make them so important?
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  • What did you think about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 38 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    a little scary for under six.

    i have a little brother who got scared when he heard those hissing voices and the snake but other than that a good movie!

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Can be scary for younger kids. Ron says Bloddy Hell. Huggng Scence

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    Kids ages: 1, 9, 10, 15
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Good Mystery

    Classic like the rest

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    An overall good movie.

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