Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: a more mature look into J.K. Rowling’s wizard world

FANTASTIC Beasts and Where to Find Them is the latest instalment in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

Set in 1926 New York, a British wizard by the name of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) travels to America with a magical suitcase full of strange, mythical creatures.

For fans of the Harry Potter films, Fantastic Beasts is a satisfying addition to the wizard universe, with a similar aesthetic shared between the two series.

The movie has just the right amount of familiarity, with nostalgic music and recognisable spells, while also having a good balance of new characters and creatures.

For people who have not seen the Harry Potter films, the new narrative is still easy to understand.

The story is full of anticipation and humour as well as fantastic visual effects, with realistic, majestic monsters in vibrant colours roaming the streets of New York.

Harry Potter fans will find interest in the American wizard society, including the American Ministry of Magic known as The Magical Congress of the United States of America, which is just as stunning as the Ministry from the original films.

The plot is very different to what is expected from a Potter film, being much more mature and without a distinct enemy.

J.K. Rowling enthusiasts are sure to enjoy Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the Potter-like vibes it brings along with it.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (M)

Directed by: David Yates

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterson, Colin Farrell

Four stars

In cinemas now