Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Yesterday, we finally went to the theatre to watch the newest instalment in the Potterverse (it was a kid / school thing it took a while), and I must say I really adored the film.

You see, this is all about the magical world without a bunch of kids hitting puberty running around...

The story is set in New York during the middle of the 1920s, a time when wizards where doing their best overthere to remain hidden, the wizarding world is being terrorised by Grindlewald, and as Newt Scamander, the main hero, states that the americans have idiotic laws in place.

Newt has travelled to the States with his suitcase full of mythical creatures, as he has a true zoo inside it, and wants to bring "Frank" home to Arizona.  However, an accidental meeting with Jacob, a No-Maj (Muggle) sets in motion a series of events and he has to recover some of his beasts.  Like the escaped, adorable Niffler... who wouldn`t want one of those.

In the mean time, the Second Salemners, who are claiming wizards live amongst them, are trying to weed out the wizard community and expose them, while an auror named Mr Graves (a fantastic performance by Colin Farell) tries to keep it all in check and bring Newt in for disturbing the balance.

What follows is a 2hr13 rollercoaster of great visual effects, a nice storyline and just a great family time in the theatre.  This film is going to be part of a new trilogy, and I must say I actually look forward to the next instalment!

Rating: 8.5 / 10