"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" Review

I don't know about you but "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" has been on my must watch movie list ever since my first glimpse of the trailer what feels like almost a year ago now. I adored the first movie and found it undeniably cute and dark all in the usual "Harry Potter" fashion. So the question is did "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" meet my expectations based on the last movie... and the answer is yes.

Once again we fallow Newt Scamander on another adventure, the criminal Grindelwald who we saw arrested in the previous movie has escaped prison and is building an army to overthrow muggles as the main commanders of society and make the magically born in charge. In order to do so, Grindelwald needs Credence the boy from the previous "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them" movie for some unknown reason, but what we do know is that Newt can't let Grindelwald have him. Newt sets off with many of the previous characters we have grown to love with the intent to stop Grindelwald, but can he?

If you are a fan of the "Harry Potter" Universe naturally you will carry some intrigue as to the quality of this movie and will it meet such high standards as our favorite movie do. Well, my advice to you as a viewer is to try and go in with as little bias as possible and remember this movie only takes place in the same universe and very few characters are actually of relevance to our future favorite children. So here is what makes this such an excellent movie in my opinion.

Graphics: I viewed this movie in the 3D version and was not disappointed, besides a little blurriness at the beginning of this film, the creators definitely went beyond my expectations. When Newt is in his briefcase where he keeps his creatures the creators did not disappoint and brought so much color and vitality alive on screen it felt as though you were there. When the plot began to get dark and twisty and magic was utilized the viewer is mesmerized by these special effects just as one might be by the beauty. Conclusively I am giving the Graphics a 5/5 no question.

Characters and acting: I just want to start with a wow on how well this movie was cast! In this film, we meet Newts older brother Theseus who even though shares no real relation the Newts actor genuinely looks like he could be his brother right down to the freckles. This wasn't the only brilliant casting decision on part of the producers Jonny Depp as Grindelwald and Zoe Kravitz as Leta Lestrange were among some of the best choices I as a viewer could have imagined for these rolls. All the acting felt real and not overdone or cheesy. Casting and acting are getting a solid 5/5 from me!

• Plot: As far as the plot is concerned this movie is what I call a "building" movie. What I mean by a "building" movie is rather than a stand-alone film where there is a firm beginning a, a building middle and a conclusive ending. This film works as the middle of any story and is preparing the audience for a bigger more extravagant ending. So in that regard, I have found many people don't tend to like "building" movies for they feel unfinished and tend to drag. "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" however, did not drag and almost skipped about so much it could make the view dizzy. My one and only complaint is how sporadic this film came off. If you blinked you may have missed a vital piece of information, God forbid you actually have to pee or something in the middle of the film. In general, the plot was excellent but a little overwhelming so I'm giving the plot 4/5 stars.

"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is just the beginning to another spectacular series in the "Harry Potter" universe. Just remember to try and go in with as little bias as possible and don't forget it was written by the wonderful J.K.Rolling, everything and everyone one in this series have a purpose. She is too much of a story builder to leave any stone unturned. Enjoy the little connections to our beloved "Harry Potter" series and otherwise view this movie as a separate entity and you won't be disappointed, I know I wasn't... just skip the pop or water before going in, you don't want to miss a second of it!