Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Review) 👾

I loved all the Harry Potter films and while I wasn't a massive fan of the books - I thought they went into too much detail - I did read them all, a long time ago! I really wanted the series to be left where it was so when I heard about the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play I had mixed emotions...albeit I did go on to read the book

When I heard of this new film series franchise, I was shocked but of course, I had to watch it. 
I went in with a totally open mind. I hadn't read any reviews, I hadn't read the book and I hadn't even watched the trailer. Click here if you want to watch the trailer. 
I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised. In fact, more than that...I really enjoyed it. When the opening credit came on to the theme tune of Harry Potter, I thought it would be very same-y and I was a little upset but then as soon as the film started I really felt that it's a totally new film series and not at all like Harry Potter. With the historical scene setting, all new characters and new plot line, it doesn't feel like a Harry Potter film but I actually like that. You don't need to be up-to-date on the Harry Potter world and you don't miss anything by not being a part of the fanzone. "It plays a homage."
Newt Scamander arrives in New York to pursue his work promoting the care of magical creatures, but finds himself drawn into a conflict between the wizarding world and witch-hunters led by Mary Lou Barebone. Quickly, who looses some of the collection of beasts he has brought with him and so he battles against the odds to find them all while trying to help solve the mystery behind the magical mystery going on in the city.

Pretty early on. I was impressed with the film. I loved how the magic was almost archaic and it had a sentiment about it. The 'muggle' worthy suitcase feature made me laugh. This movies was a perfect easy going, laugh-a-minute comedy. It was so funny! There were some really clever jokes entwined as well as nice little inside jokes between certain characters.
Without a doubt, the acting is supreme. Eddie Redmayne has always amazed me, especially since his portrayal in The Theory of Everything. Somehow he seems to be the perfect person for every character he plays. I also loved Dan Fogler as the No-Maj (muggle for Americans). His naivety and easy going nature was just fascinating to see as well as the connection he found to the wizarding world. Furthermore, I actually loved seeing the little differences between the English and American Wizarding World, from vocabulary, rules, leadership and the school - it's not Hogwarts anymore, but Ilvermorny and the competition between which is the better one is fueled.
I was really impressed by the suitcase world. All the graphics are incredible and truly believable. There was one seen where the creature and the acting movements didn't quite match up but in the grand scheme of things, that can be totally written off. But more so, the beasts each have their own personalities and it's lovely to see the interactions between them and the wizards.
I loved the little flashbacks at the end and while it left more unanswered questions, it did nicely sum the film up in some aspects. 

I honestly can't wait to see the rest of the movies in this supposed 5 part series. I think that we will see some Harry Potter characters, of course with Dumbledore who was only mentioned by name in this film, as well as hopefully some more. It will be interesting to see what they do with the rest of the films because this one, while good, was very much reliant on a group of beasts being let loose and the battle to find them. In fact, there are so many unanswered questions that left the film feeling very unended.

We never actually learnt why Newt Scamander was in America and he never did actually do anything other than loose his beasts, find them again and then fail to help a young wizard.

PS. Trying to find good pictures of the film is almost impossible. it's defintely a tightly kept secret.

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