I'm not a Harry Potter fan. Have never read any of the books, and don't intend to. Saw the first film once in a theater, and that was enough. Yes, I've watched bits and pieces since it came on cable, but never again the whole film in one sitting.

So my hopes were not high Wednesday evening, when we went to see Chamber of Secrets. Although the reviews said the sequel was better than the first.

They were right.

Graphics were better, although still not good in places. But better plot, action, and yes, characters. As usual, 95 percent of Ms. Rowlings' "surprises" were predictable, well in advance, but with one big unexpected surprise along the way.

I cannot imagine what it would be like watching the film if you had read the book. Spending all your time seeing how well they followed the text, I guess, rather than enjoying the trip.

Made the mistake of enjoying lots of popcorn, and therefore soda, early in the film. A mistake with such a long film. Hence the extreme pressure on the bladder when the big climax fight arrived. Unlike our usual routine, the wife and I exited midway through the credits, to address the fluid imbalance problems.

This naturally on the night Chuck was gone, and the assistant manager was kind enough to leave the lights off until the last customers (us) had left the theater.

The basilisk was wonderful (although, i believe, real basilisks have legs). Worth a second viewing just for that.

So that is what we did this evening.

Really enjoyable film, even a second time through. Basilisk was even better.

And we fasted this time, saving the soda for late in the film. Enjoyed watching it until the very end of the credits. Even though Chuck turned the lights on so they could start cleaning almost as soon as the credits started.

One of the gals cleaning is a friend of youngest son, and was encouraging everyone else to stay to the end as well.

Seems Chris Columbus (of 1492 Productions... wife didn't get that at first) is one who believes in giving little treats for those who actually sit through the credits.

As usual, Chuck was there in the lobby as we left. When he found out we had come a second time, he immediately dug into his pocket and produced two free passes.

Not good for any special films, like Lord of the Rings, but we'll use them sometime soon. And I'm sure he realizes the two free passes will bring in two paying seats as well. And sell popcorn and soda.

Still nice of him, since he knows we'll probably come anyway.

Like on Wednesday, 18 December. It's 2 hours and 59 minutes, he says, so there'll only be one showing a night.

Otherwise I'm sure we'd be there for two. As it is, I'm sure we'll be back on Thursday.