HOLLYWOOD, CA - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second film in the series of adaptations from the hugely popular children's books, was released today to about five minutes of wild acclaim from audiences.

"It was great!" said Billy Whitney, 11, who saw one of the first screenings. "I really liked the part where Harry did that thing."

"I thought the kid was really good," added Whitney's mother, Amanda, 38. "The short kid, with the hair. And the special effects--the way the thing moved when it talked was really convincing. Can you watch Billy for a moment? I have to use the ladies' room."

Critics largely agreed. "The British guy was excellent," said J. Michael Reilly, critic for the Des Moines Register. "You know, the one from the Shakespeare thing that he did with Helena Bonham-Thompson--really good. The Schweppes guy too--or was he from the Young Ones? Well, whatever. Gandalf was great in it, as usual."

Other favorite scenes from the audience we polled included the loud part, the part with the mysterious-sounding music, the Quidditch game, and Count Dooku.