Something Wicked This Way Comes

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emily Watson, Rubert Grint, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Well, Well, Lupin. Out for a little walk... in the moonlight are we?" - Professor Snape

Why watch this? This film notably changed in tone from the first two. It's more grown-up.

Plot Summary: In their third year at Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, and Hermione learn that a dangerous prisoner named Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban, a wizarding prison guarded by the terrifying Dementors. It is widely believed that Black, a supposed follower of Lord Voldemort, intends to harm Harry, causing a heightened sense of danger throughout the wizarding world and Hogwarts itself. As the year progresses, Harry and his friends unravel a complex web of events surrounding Black's imprisonment and the true nature of the threat he poses, ultimately revealing a story of betrayal.

Dad's Preview: There is so much that works in the third film. A new Academy Award-winning director takes things in a darker, more moody direction. The lead actors feel more at home in their roles. It's always a good idea to add Gary Oldman to a cast. Where the first two films are bright, the third gets scary as an escaped manic appears to be hunting Harry. The ghastly, black dementors are circling Hogwarts, and also have a thing for Mr. Potter. All this feels like a stage is being readied for the return of the evil Voldemort.

Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures