Too late to upvote this (left a tip instead), but I wanted to check in and tell you I watched both 1 and 2 since you mentioned them. Your review does them justice.

I really, really liked both movies. Kind of a British Nancy Drew. I think these movies are great 'crossovers'--that is, adults and young girls can enjoy them. Each has a message, an important message.

As for Helena Bonham Carter--was she not fantastic? She has such flexibility as an actress. Delightful mix of physical performance and humor. I just learned she studied clowning under a clown master and you can see that in this movie.

Thanks for a great recommendation.