Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them Review: 4 Ups & 6 Downs
Missing the magic of Harry Potter.
The long-awaited continuation of the Harry Potter cinematic universe, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is in cinemas now, and critics have mostly praised the film, even if that praise is far more measured than for the better Potter movies.
It is a mostly technically accomplished but largely frustrating film, one that comes front-loaded with so much promise and so much talent attached, but it's clear from this awkward opening installment to the new franchise that the characters and plot need a little work to catch up to the quality of the world-building.
Those Phantom Menace comparisons from less-cordial members of the press are probably a little harsh, but honestly, this one really should've been a much more decisive hit than it will inevitably end up being.
Here are 4 ups and 6 downs from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them...