What did you think? Was this film unfairly maligned, or did it deserve the critical howler? Let me know in the comments below. Header image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

It is the Attack of the Clones of the Wizarding World—a dark, talky, structurally messy bridge that prioritizes lore dumps over character arcs. However, it also contains some of the most ambitious themes Rowling has ever attempted: fascism rising in plain sight, the ethics of love versus duty, and the idea that choosing your family is more important than blood.

One thing is certain: The Secrets of Dumbledore (the third film) had a lot of cleaning up to do. And while it did a decent job, the shadow of Crimes still looms large.

But five years later, is it time to re-evaluate this controversial chapter in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World? Let’s dive into the magic, the muddle, and the mayhem. Let’s start with what works, because when this film shines, it shines .