Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

As a dedicated Harry Potter fan from pre cinematic times I am rather disappointed at how long it took me to see this movie. Alas, I do not have the freedom to see movies as often as I would like these days. I started reading the Harry Potter books in 1999 around the release of the Prisoner of Azkaban. My copies of the books are the ones they have spoken about on social media recently that are supposedly worth something because of the artwork on the cover. Back in the day I actually tracked down a first edition copy of The Philosophers Stone in a second hand Bookstore in the UK which I wanted to have shipped over but they already knew the potential of the series (as did I) and wanted $1000 for the book which an 18 year old me did not have. Just think what that would be worth now.

Anyway, I did finally get to the movie with my seven year old daughter who has seen all the other films. Yes, even the ones with all the death and horror. She has a very good understanding of cinematography, actors, makeup and digital graphics and knows it is all pretend. I am selective about the movies she sees and knew she would be fine with this one.

I had heard mixed reviews about the movie though I ignored them and I personally thought it was fantastic. I loved the view into the magic world outside the UK, though I was disappointed that the Americans couldn't come up with something more original than 'Nomag's' for their Muggles. It was a fun and delightful dive into the world of magical beasts, the history of magic and the differences between the US and the UK, especially in the past when relationships with magical and non magical folk were not permitted (which I am assuming has changed since then). I love the world J.K Rowling has created and this movie was another fun adventure into that place. There were a few points where my daughter was a little scared but overall she absolutely loved it and has been talking about it for days.

Great fun all round and some more Harry Potter fun for a long time fan. ****