Reviews: 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore,' 'Father Stu'

Rejoice, "Harry Potter" fans! The third installment in the "Fantastic Beast" series, "The Secrets of Dumbledore," comes alive on the big screen this weekend. The film stars Jude Law as the title wizard, enlisting the help of a magizoologist (Eddie Redmayne) in his fight against a malevolent, dark wizard (Mads Mikkelsen).

Also available for your silver-screen jaunt this weekend is the Stuart Long biopic "Father Stu," starring Mark Wahlberg in the title role as a boxer-turned-Catholic priest who is ultimately reunited with his estranged parents (Mel Gibson and Jackie Weaver).

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Here's what to see and skip this weekend:

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” — Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen; directed by David Yates

The third installment in the five-movie “Fantastic Beasts” franchise — a prequel to J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series — comes alive with the story of a young, resolute Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) trying to thwart the nefarious magic of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen, replacing Johnny Depp in the role).

Set in an otherworldly version of the 1930s, the new film features a kaleidoscope of magical events that take place as Dumbledore and his motley crew (Eddie Redmayne, Jessica Williams, Jacob Kowalski, Callum Turner, William Nadylam and Victoria Yeates) spring into action.

Audiences will be in awe at self-pouring teapots, fantastical creatures and all the delight a magic wand can bring — replete with extravagantly staged production pieces and aesthetically colorful coats.

Alas! Dumbledore’s secrets are revealed, but unfortunately, by the end, it feels as though they were just a figment of one’s imagination, eclipsed by the movie's convoluted storyline and frenzied pace.

But don’t despair! Mikkelsen and Law come to the rescue as they buoy the movie with their magnificent performance.

See it. “The Secrets of Dumbledore” can certainly bring a dose of nostalgia to “Harry Potter” fans. Just don’t expect the magic spell to last that long.

Watch the trailer.

“Father Stu” — Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg; directed by Rosalind Ross

Rosalind Ross’s “Father Stu” is a biopic inspired by the life story of the late Fr. Stuart Long, a former boxer-turned-Catholic priest.

Briefly, audiences will see a glimpse of Stu’s traumatic childhood, brought upon by his neglectful and ineffectual father, Bill (Mel Gibson), and mom, Kathleen (Jackie Weaver).

Years later, Stu (Mark Wahlberg), now a boxer in his 30s suffering from a series of injuries, finally decides to hang up his gloves. Surprisingly, his next goal in life is to become an actor. And so, he begins his quest for movie stardom as he drives West to Hollywood.

As Stu settles in his new abode, Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), a devout Catholic and charismatic Sunday school teacher, catches his eye. Moments later, he tries to woo her, but little does he know that the young lady will become a conduit to his spiritual awakening after Stu gets into a horrific motorcycle accident. In his comatose state, the Blessed Virgin Mary visits the agnostic man and guides him to his path of redemption — his calling to the priesthood.

By the end, Bill and Kathleen, who have been separated for years, suddenly get a second chance to shower their son the love he has long deserved.

See it. Although the story is full of clichés, “Father Stu” has a beating heart that ultimately wins you over.

Watch the trailer.