Much Darker than The First "Harry Potter" movie

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2017)

Spoiler: Two very unlikable characters are killed off in this first installment of a proposed new series of 5 films. I can't help comparing a "Dementer" to an "Obscurus". Both have evil foreboding and purpose. This film is at-its-best when showcasing the "Fantastic Beasts" that wreak havoc on old NYC, such as a platypus-like creature that likes shiny things and hangs around banks! They get released on an unsuspecting city by a pastry baker named "Kowalski" who accidentally switches identical-looking briefcases with a wizard. It's about restoring the balance of things in America with the release of a "Thunderbird" creature by young wizard Newt Scamander, barely in his 20's. Like Hogwart's, there is a magical school and a Congress of Magicians, but it's all in the U.S.A. circa 1926. As always, great production values. Enjoyable on it's own but I can't possibly go through another "5 Part Series" as the Harry Potter movies just got darker and meaner with more death and destruction as the series progressed. However, I did like this first one and Johnny Depp might make a great "foil" if he doesn't over-act, which he sure tends to do. "No-maj" people and wizards in love? Unacceptable! Many other unexpected plot twists as well! I liked the ending as "Mr. Kowalski" the baker doesn't remember why, but runs a successful bakery because of a magical spell.