A great movie set in the Wizarding World

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2016)

This movie was really great. But it is not a Harry Potter movieso you should adjust your expectations if you think it is a Harry Potter movie.
It's not a Harry Potter movie for the following reasons: Fist and foremost Harry isn't in it, it's that simple. The main characters are adults, that makes a big difference. The setting isn't a boarding school, and believe it or not, the setting of a school makes a movie almost a different genre. This is set in New York, you can't go more different than a boarding school. This isn't British (which I kind of miss). And last, but not least, the music is very different. It isn't as theatrical as in Harry Potter. I kind of wished they had used more theatrical music, it would have made it more magical. This movie misses some of the magic the Potter movies have. But you know what, that doesn't make it bad at all. It's just different. It's not a Harry Potter movie, but it is a 'Wizarding World' movie.
I like the Wizarding World of Britain more than the Wizarding world of America. In this movie we learn about their different rules, which is interesting. But I don't like America's wizarding rules as much. If I was an American wizard, I would move to Europe. So I do hope the other movies will be back in Britain or Europe.
I am a huge fan of Rowlings books. I love the world and the characters. One of the characters that have always interested me was Grindlewald. I always wished Rowling shared more of Grindlewald in her books. I think Grindlewald is a more interesting bad guy than Voldemort. He is less 'pure evil' and more of a multidimensional villain. So I was very excited when I learned that these movies had something to do with Grindlewald. But I didn't expect however that he would play such a big role in the first movie, I thought he was reserved for the next moviesbut this was a very positive surprise, that makes me excited for the next movies.
The acting was great. Johnny Depp as Grindlewald could still go either way in the next movies. I hope he doesn't make it too much of a silly character with make-up onwhich he tends to do lately. But I still remember he used to be a great actor, so maybe he'll be good? Colin Farrell is always great in a side role (he can't carry a movie however). He plays the villain great. However the thing with his hair made me know he was an accomplice of Grindlewald immediately, but I didn't think he was Grindlewald. It's a bit weird that Grindlewald would change he appearance completely except his hair. But that is a minor detail.
The story was pretty strong. A friend of mine thought it was too slow in the beginning, but I like that. It gives you time to get to know the characters. The romance between the two main characters was forced. This is one of my few downsides. There was no chemistry between them and I felt it was a bit out of the blue. And we didn't need another romance. The other romance between two side characters however was a very nice surprise and very sweet. It's an unusual pairing but they have nice chemistry. It's a great idea. We see the guy as a bit unattractive looks-wise. But because she is can read minds she sees him for the great guy he is. that subplot was a nice addition. I liked the humor throughout the movies. The characters and animals all had their fun or serious parts. They were all well flushed out characters.
Visually this movie is great, the cgi animals were done well. I like the New York setting. But it's not Hogwarts. The visual element aren't as good as in the Potter movies. but it is still done well.
This movie was a pleasure to watch! I would recommend it to anyone. Kids and adults will love it, just like with the Harry Potter movies. Don't expect this to be a Harry Potter movie however It's not, but you are in for another enjoyable trip to the Wizarding World.