2 nights, 8 'Potter' flicks in Gurnee

The epic showdown between good and evil - or rather between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort - splashes onto the big screen in 3-D when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" opens Friday, July 15. But what if you don't remember all of the details that led up to the final confrontation?

Marcus Theatres in Gurnee will host a marathon of the seven Harry Potter movies before the eighth and final film opens.

The screenings of the first seven films will start with three Wednesday (running at 3, 6 and 9 p.m.) and four on Thursday (at noon, 2:55, 5:30 and 8:20 p.m.) culminating with "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" at midnight Thursday at the Gurnee theater, 6144 Grand Ave.

The price for all eight films is $45. For details, call (847) 855-9940 or see marcustheatres.com.

Or, if you just want to get a refresher on what happened in the first half of the finale, Classic Cinemas Charlestowne 18 Theatre, at 3740 E. Main St., St. Charles, will show "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" at 9 p.m. Thursday for $5. Then, stick around for the premiere of "Part 2" at midnight.

Advance tickets are on sale now, and regular admission prices apply for the midnight premiere. As a bonus, free special Harry Potter 3D glasses will be given out at the 3D midnight screening only at Charlestowne 18 while supplies last.

For details, call (630) 587-3300 or see classiccinemas.com.