Excellent in every way, but...yeah, I got spoilers

Rating: 9/10 (19 September 2017)

I have not read the book, but I have to say that even though I don't particularly care for magic, this was one magical movie experience. The premise is that dangerous, magical beasts are loose in 1920's New York, and an Englishman abroad, Newt Scamander, dares to brave the Gotham streets in order to find them. Along the way, he meets a No-Maj, Jacob Kowalski, Porpentina (Tina) Goldstein, a disgraced former Auror, her sister Queenie, and eventually solves his problems...most of them.
There are sub-plots aplenty. A potential war between No-Majes and wizards is brewing. A rogue wizard, Grindelwold, has been causing havoc and no one knows where he is. Newt is in over his head, and only by some quick thinking does he get out of it. And then there's the romance (sort of) between him and Tina, and that of Jacob and Queenie.
So, is it a perfect movie? Yes...and no. The positives first. The acting is first-rate. Eddie Redmayne as the shy, almost Asperger-like Newt, is fine in his role. He's passive, yet shines when he has to and takes command. Katherine Waterston as Tina is fine, if somewhat bland in her role. Colin Farrell as Graves is excellent and Johnny Depp provides a startling cameo. He has only two lines, but packs menace into each of them. The other parts are well handled.
In particular, Dan Fogler as Jacob and Alison Sudol as Queenie, a seemingly bubble-headed flapper, is nigh on perfect. Unlikely, yes, but perfect, and the ending sets up a possible reunion. His line to Queenie at the end--"I wasn't even supposed to be here...I wasn't supposed to know"--is touching and heartbreaking.
The music is, at turns, sprightly, dramatic, and moody, yet never overpowers the movie. The direction is solid, and the period detail along with the mythical beasts is fine. The CGI--what else can you expect in a movie like this--is superb, yet never dominates.
Now, the downside. There are plot holes--big 'uns. (A few spoilers ahead). Kowalski at the bank seemingly causes the disturbance and the bank manager thinks he's guilty of potential theft, yet no one ever comes around to question or arrest Jacob.
As well, Newt wonders about Graves' origins, and at the end he casts a spell to reveal Graves' true identity. However, unless there was a scene cut out where even a little exposition is given about Graves, then something is amiss.
New York is not as crowded as it should be. My mother grew up in the Bronx in the 1920's and she remembered it as being VERY crowded, but here, while there are a number of people, it isn't as packed as it should be. Cinematic license, I guess...but it stood out to me.
There are a couple of other outstanding unresolved plot points--mainly the fate of the Obscuris, well acted by Ezra Miller--so perhaps they'll be addressed in the sequel. Overall, though, I found it a fascinating flick and one I'd definitely buy the DVD for.