It turns out that Harry Potter can speak snake. How he came by that power we can't tell you but we promise you'll find out by the end of this latest episode in the life of the burgeoning wizard. And, it's not a power too soon, as we find out when someone has opened the Chamber of Secrets and he has to confront the demon that's been unleashed. Very useful, indeed, this ability to speak to and control snakedom.

Too bad he doesn't have the same power over spiders since that particular genus will threaten his and sidekick Ron Weasley's (Rupert Grint) lives in a major episode. But, not to worry, since a magical flying car figures into the author's imagination for this sequence. As are portals through solid brick, demonic cannon balls, a dying and reborn Phoenix, conniving enemies armed with advanced magic, a free floating phantasm who guards the ladies' room and has a twinkle in her eye for our hero, and considerably more.

We've seen it all weave its magic spell for the fans of the book and movie series, many of them minors, some adults, before. Like two years ago, when our band of wizards were much (percentage-wise) younger and, given this space between movie releases, part of its delight is in seeing them grow in size, awareness and acting ability.

An adult who has not read the book is not as likely to be enchanted by the magical effects and wondrous adventures of the Potter series quite so much as a child who has previously bonded with the novel's characters would, but seeing it with a child is all you will need for appreciation. Barring that, imagine it

The 5 books: 1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Published: September, 1998 Sold: More than 24 million Movie released: Nov. 16, 2001 Worldwide box office: $969 Million (2nd highest) 2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Published: June 1999 Sold: More than 20 million Movie released: Nov. 15, 2002 3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Published: September, 1999 Sold: More than 16 million Movie: Production expected to begin in February, 2003 for release in 2004 4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Published: July 2000 Sold 16 million Movie: Production expected to begin in spring 2004 for anticipated release in November, 2005 5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Publication date: Not yet announced. Movie: Plans pending Source: L.A. Times

through the eyes of one and go with the bewitched imagination that conjured such spells and potions; its good guys n' gals and bad. Grab a broomstick and sail along for the ride.

Our stalwart trio (Radcliffe, Grint and increasingly gorgeous Emma Watson) rises well into their roles as they levitate to greater maturity, and they are fully engaged in the dangers and exploits. Robbie Coltrane as the warm and fuzzy Hagrid plays a big role in his seamlessly embracing manner; Maggie Smith is spot on as the flinty Professor Minerva McGonagall and we're glad to see that Richard Harris completed his role as Albus Dumbledore before his death.

This installment is nicely charmed with the addition of the self-promoting, colorful fraud of an instructor, Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) who is more effete manner than magic; and the scheming Headmaster Armando Dippet (Alfred Burke).

Having said all that, we're left with a certain feeling of detachment, which may stem from an inadequate emotional tie to our hero and what he and his friends venture through. It's been suggested that this limitation may be due to director Chris Columbus' take on what should be emphasized out of the books, and that the next in the series might provide the missing connection, a more effective potion to produce that visceral engagement than what these popular movies have manifested so far for the adults in the audience.

While we look forward to it, we also read that Radcliffe's real life parents want him to attend a prestigious school rather than be tutored on the set. That, and the rapid maturing of all the youngsters, rendering them too old for the parts by the time Warner Bros. is likely to make and release part three, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" might see a new casting for the lot of wizard trainees and a whole new kettle of incantations.

                                      ~~  Jules Brenner