The Basics: Harry participates in the very dangerous Tri-Wizard Tournament, and kids argue amongst themselves a lot in the best of the four movies so far.

What's the Deal: Look, I was dreading even going to this movie because I'm fed up with half a decade of Harry Potter marketing hype. I was seriously ready to see Voldemort just eat one of these kid's faces. But this is the most adult-ish and interesting of the series to date. The kids have grown into human beings who do more than react to special effects and fantastical adventures. They bicker, fight, seethe and lust in this one — sometimes for each other. Only the most prickly and demanding book fans will have anything to complain about.

How Long? Oh, Lord: Two and a half hours. But it's full of enough rambunctious energy that it keeps you from that butt-growing-into-the-seat feeling.

The Awkward Years: Thank goodness they keep using the same kids in these movies. It's refreshing to see them get older and enter their dorky-looking phases. It has the effect of endearing them to the audience much more than then the endless Hollywood parade of perfect princes and princesses ever could.

Support Staff: It's been said before, but it bears repeating — Alan Rickman's sneering Professor Snape is the coolest teacher character to come along in the movies since Election.

Fake Stuff: This one also has the best special effects of the lot, but parents of very little kids should know that the monsters and creatures that would love to eat Harry this time around are pretty scary.

Britpop Cameo: Check out Pulp's Jarvis Cocker as the lead singer of the school dance's rock band. Just don't blink.