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As an avid Harry Potter-fan, my expectations for this movie were high even though 'Chamber of Secrets' is my least favourite of the four published books. But CoS the movie works very, very well indeed – a nice step up in quality from 'Philosopher's Stone'. Whereas the first movie – for all its charm and freshness – had to cover so many different aspects of Harry Potter's life and his magical world that it sometimes gave the impression of being assembled by a row of different scenes which didn't always fit well together, the structure and overall aim has been greatly improved in CoS. Since this is a sequel, we can disperse with all the explanations and introductions to the magical world and go straight to the plot (which, in fact, strongly resembles the plot of the first book/movie: something evil is going on at Hogwarts, and it is up to our three heroes to figure out what it is and how to stop it). But the story works better in CoS, mainly because the film constantly moves forward – all the scenes serve a purpose, and they are sowed perfectly together. Sure, there are some omissions, but nothing significant in the overall plot is missing. Add to that some greatly enhanced special effects (mostly noticed in the Quidditch match) and an improved group of child actors, and the result can only be a success.

It falls to the three young protagonists – Harry, Ron and (partly) Hermione (she is absent from much of the last quarter of the film) – to carry most of the movie, since they definitely get the most screen time. They do well in my opinion – my personal favourite is still Ron (Rupert Grint), who shows superb comical timing and has an overflow of facial expressions to match any given situation. Daniel Radcliffe is more convincing as Harry this time around and gives a good performance, while Emma Watson has surprisingly little to do as bossy Hermione takes a back seat to the boys in this movie (but she still sparkles at times). All three seem to have grown more into their roles since the first movie (as well as maturing physically), and it will be interesting to see if they choose to stay on for all seven movies. Tom Felton also gets several chances to show he can be a real menace as Harry's arch-enemy Draco.

The adult cast is flawless as expected, with newcomer Kenneth Branagh as the wonderfully self-centred Gilderoy Lockhart stealing most of the scenes he participates in (interestingly enough, Branagh seems to be down-playing Lockhart a bit, which gives him more credibility and actually seems quite appropriate here). Jason Isaacs as the evil, venom-dripping Lucius Malfoy is another noticeable addition. A haggard Richard Harris portrays headmaster Dumbledore with quiet dignity in what was to be his last movie, and Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman are solid as Professors McGonagall and Snape (even though they get far too little screen time).

The special effects in the movie also deserve praise. Having more than a mild case of arachnophobia, I strongly feared the spider scenes in the Forbidden Forest (more so than Harry's final encounter with a giant snake), and the computer generated eight-leggers completely gave me the shivers with their credibility. Equally impressive (if somewhat annoying) is the 100% animated house elf, Dobby. Other treats in the special effects department include the journey to Hogwarts aboard a flying Ford Anglia, the Mandrake plants, the tongue-in-cheek Quidditch match and the huge basilisk in the chamber. All of these – as well as the scenes involving more 'everyday' magic like staircases changing directions, people in paintings moving around and pots and pans cleaning themselves – are excellently crafted and executed, and they blend in with the 'real' actors and the 'real' scenery amazingly well, adding an extra dimension to the movie.

So, with a strong plot, convincing actors, a strong musical score by John Williams (very reminiscent of the first HP-movie, but it still works well), excellent special effects and a darker, more 'adult' cinematography and scenery, 'Chamber of Secrets' is a great movie which should entertain almost everyone (but avoid bringing very young children to see this movie, as it is definitely scarier than the first). Almost three hours in front of the silver screen fly by, and I left the cinema wanting more (or at least to see this movie again). I'll rate 'Chamber of Secrets' a strong 5 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend it warmly. Enjoy!

'Air Force One' is a slick, fast-paced, exciting thriller – not very innovative or ground-breaking in any respect, but solidly made and well executed. Harrison Ford gives a commanding performance as the President (wouldn't we all like to have someone like him in the White House?), and Gary Oldman is – as always – an excellent choice as the villain, snarling and delivering his punch lines with fierce conviction. Glenn Close, Dean Stockwell and William H. Macy add to a convincing supporting cast.

There are a few scenes where credibility is stretched far beyond the limit – for instance a sequence where the plane lands, skids around the airport at several hundred mph and then takes off again (not to mention all the shooting going on inside the plane, miraculously avoiding any damage to the fuselage or windows). But if you're willing to swallow this (and loads and loads of American patriotism as well), 'Air Force One' is two hours of solid, well-made entertainment. I'll give it a 4 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend it if you want to watch an exciting movie without having to apply your brain too heavily.

The idea of making a "realistic" version of Snow White, much like it was actually written by the brothers Grimm, is a quite fascinating one. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't deliver what it promises - in fact, it does very little to justify its existence.

There are so many flaws in this movie, it is hard to know where to begin. But for starters, it seems to have been edited with a weed-wacker, leaving lots of important scenes on the cutting room floor. There are sudden changes in the character's behaviour towards each other (particularly between Snow White and the "dwarfs") - which aren't explained at all. The viewers are left to guess what must have happened off-screen. Furthermore, almost every character seems to be made out of cardboard - and most of the actors, too. Sam Neill sleepwalks through his entire "performance", and Monica Keena as Snow White can't seem to do anything but alternate between sulky and bewildered. Gil Bellows ("Billy" from Ally McBeal) is half-decent, but still too polished to play a rugged thief. The only interesting character is Sigourney Weaver's stepmother, but even she delivers a somewhat restrained performance - I always pictured the evil stepmother as being much more over-the-top and lunatic, but Weaver chooses to downplay the insanity and go for a more matter-of-factly portrayal. She does have some good moments, though - particularly when she sings at the different parties at the castle (in her own, remarkably fine voice), and when she's all disguised as a hideous old crone.

But sadly, not even Sigourney Weaver can rescue this movie. Apart from her and some breathtaking location scenery, there's very little to write home about here. I'll give the movie 2 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend people to stay away from it.