Following one of the most successful film franchises in history (Harry Potter is currently ranked fourth all-time), the Fantastic Beasts films had a lot to live up to. Having the book’s author (J. K. Rowling) on board writing the screenplays has helped to give the movies a solid direction. Ditching Johnny Depp this time is an added bonus.
With magic at its core, all three of the works so far have been filled with wonderful creations, and the creatures of the title have run the gambit from cute and cuddly to quite menacing. There are scenes in The Secrets of Dumbledore that could be traumatic for the smallest members of the family so beware.
The previous success of the franchise has given the filmmakers the budget to fully realise their vision. The special effects both real and digital are impressive and they will fill the young ones with a sense of awe. The final battle between Grindelwald (now played by Mads Mikkelsen) and Dumbledore (Jude Law) brings things to an exciting conclusion.
This latest chapter fits nicely with what has come before and adds to the strong catalogue. With an edge-of-your-seat sense of peril and imaginative expressions of magic, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore brings the trilogy to a rousing close. But then again if it makes big box office never say never.
Rob Hudson
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