I think I even enjoyed the film more than most of the 'HARRY POTTER' movies!

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2016)

'FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
A prequel to the 'HARRY POTTER' film franchise, set 65-years before the first film (in 1926 New York City). It tells the tale of an introverted wizard activist, named Newt Scamander, that travels to New York, from England, while writing a textbook (for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry) titled 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'. The movie was directed by David Yates (who also helmed the last four 'HARRY POTTER' films), and it was written by debut screenwriter J.K. Rowling (adapted from her 2001 book). It's the first installment in a planned series of five movies. It stars Eddie Redmayne (as Newt), Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Carmen Ejogo and Jon Voight. The film has been a big hit at the Box Office, and it's gotten mostly positive reviews from critics. I enjoyed it.
Newt Scamander (Redmayne) is a British wizard, and fantastical animal rights activist, that's traveling form England (in 1926) to Arizona. He stops in New York City, and while he's listening to a 'No-Maj woman (Morton), speak about the dangers of wizards and witches, a 'Niffler' escapes from his magical suitcase; which also houses several other magical creatures in it. While he's trying to catch the Niffler, Newt meets a baker, named Jacob Kawalski (Fogler), and a witch, named Porpentina (Waterston). The witch arrests Newt, for the havoc his critter causes (and for being an unregistered wizard); and while she's taking him to America's Magical Congress headquarters, the two learn of much greater dangers, that are facing the city (and the world), of the fantastic kind.
The film is filled with dazzling visuals, wonderful characters (and critters) and magical charm. Redmayne is great in the lead, and his character is extremely likable (and possibly autistic). I think he's a very positive hero, for children of all ages because of this; and so is the beautiful Porpentina (who has just as strong of a heroic role). I really like how the film deals with animal rights too (even if they're of the fictitious kind). I think I even enjoyed the film more than most of the 'HARRY POTTER' movies (if not all of them).
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