Not very engaging and lacks the Potter charm

Rating: 7/10 (27 November 2016)

Firstly I haven't read the book so came deliberately ignorant to this film. As time went on it felt that JK Rowling had watched a few recent Doctor Who's and come up with this...Tardis suitcase anyone? Lead character unable to engage with people? Anyhow the plot of the movie feels a bit contrived with Newt apparently either looking to return a beast to Arizona or to buy a particular one in NY. We have the wizards and witches more underground and frankly far less charming than those of Hogwarts. They basically seem like a neo-fascist bunch that like to keep themselves to themselves and have a penchant for Gestapo style leather coats. The plot then turns to whether Colin Farells character can locate an Obscura or Obscuris... whichever it doesn't really matter and possibly use them for...well presumably something evil...it's never really explained. There are some good parts with the actors who play Credence and Kowalski being very believable. However, Redmayne is not an engaging or warm actor. There are far too many effects, not enough humour and it really doesn't feel...magical. All in all it passed the time but I won't rush to watch it again.