By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
The adventures of writer Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school. (IMDB).
As might be expected no expense was spared in making this film because of the blockbuster Harry Potter predecessors. J. K. Rowling has created another wonderful world of wizards and creatures. Newt (Redmayne) is a somewhat reclusive wizard who arrives in New York with a suitcase full of a variety of creatures. The big problem is that it’s strictly illegal in the United States to have and transport such creatures plus perform any acts of wizardry in public.
Redmayne is an excellent actor and is the perfect choice to portray Newt. Newt immediately draws the viewer into his world and takes them on a wonderful ride. It is impossible not to be drawn in and care deeply for him and his creatures. There are also some wonderful supporting characters in this film which add to its depth. Most notably Colin Farrell as Graves, Katherine Waterston as Tina, Don Folger as Kowalski and especially Alison Sudol as Queenie.
This film is slow to start but once the action begins it is a fun ride. Rowling could have another great book/film series on her hands.