Without wanting to invoke the wrath of die-hards, we may have had a at this point.
Hear us out.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (, which is a prequel spin-off to the eight Harry Potter films) is absolutely a fun watch.
Following the adventures of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), we catch up with our hero as he joins the fight against the powerful wizard Gellert Grindelwald (previously , now recast as Mads Mikkelsen).
A young Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) is well aware that Grindelwald is trying to seize control of the Wizarding World but, due to a magical pact they made when they were young, he’s unable to fight against him. So it’s down to Newt, his friends and, of course, his fantastic beasts, to stop him.
The cast are one of the main triumphs. Eddie is an absolute natural as Newt, particularly shining in the absolutely bizarre comedic moments that can only happen as a result of the Wizarding World’s weird and wonderful creatures.
Despite the controversy , Mads slips into the role of Grindelwald impressively.
Jessica Williams as Eulalie Hicks and Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski were also stand-outs, bringing the much-needed charm alongside leading man Eddie.
And then there’s the nostalgia. Of course, much of the magic of Harry Potter has been lost for fans who have been left disappointed by
But, however much we might be ready for this franchise to end, anyone who’s grown up with Harry Potter would find it difficult not to appreciate when Hedwig’s Theme hits, or a sprawling shot of Hogwarts. But that in itself isn’t enough.
After all, the film isn’t without its problems, which largely come from this franchise being just too long. The Secrets of Dumbledore is the third instalment in a five-film franchise and it’s difficult to think why on earth it needs to go on for so long.
At plenty of points, it felt like we were dawdling along. We had the space for so many questions to be answered and they just…weren’t, presumably because we’re still having to build up to the ends being tied up in two films’ time.
And, without spoiling too much, the incessant build-up could only have made for a very anti-climactic ending.
All in all, it’s easy to believe that The Secrets of Dumbledore will be quickly forgotten.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is in cinemas on Friday.
