Exciting and endearing

Rating: 8/10 (15 April 2018)

This movie was both exciting and endearing. The set-up is strong: while admittedly setting the stage for further entries, an entirely new magic world is introduced in New York City, with a cast of characters that are exciting to watch. The level of imagination in realizing the setting is, as the title suggests, fantastic. The digital work accomplished on this film is stunning - more than enough so to rival the best of the Harry Potter films. The cast is wonderful with Katherine Waterston- she proves to be a true leading lady- Alison Sudan -wonderfully flirty- and especially Dan Fogler. His dynamic performance and emotional relatibility is the key ingredient to the films success. While Eddie Redmayne portrays the main character admirably, his performance comes off as one-note, making it clear that his acting chops, while underutilized here, are being saved for future installments. Looking forward to what comes next in this franchise.