I was fortunate enough to take in a sneak preview of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets last night. I went as a chaperone for a charity group that works with kids. I can say firsthand that the movie is just too long for any kids under the age of ten. It runs 2:42 and follows the plot of J.K. Rowling's second book with painstaking exactness and detail. Now, I'm not saying it's not another fun romp through the wizarding world -- it certainly is. It also becomes clear, however, that some of the side-plots that make the books so rich seem irrelevant and detached on the screen. The plot was also difficult to follow for those who hadn't read the book. Still, fun, if a bit rambly and long for the kids. And watch out for the final standoff with the monster -- definite nightmare material if you're with someone who is so inclined.