It is time to head back to the magical world of Harry Potter!! How long have you been a fan? I have enjoyed escaping to JK Rowling’s world since the first book, back in 1997. I adore the imperfect characters, the multi-layered story, and especially the fantastic beasts. My 17-year old daughter is more of a fan of the FANTASTIC BEASTS chapter of the Harry Potter world. Therefore, with high expectations, we welcomed the opportunity to watch the third installment of FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE.
What is this movie about? Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Professor Albus Dumbledore was once close with the Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Dumbledore knows better than anyone, about Grindelwald’s plot to plunge the wizarding world into war against the non-magical world. Despite his own formidable powers, Dumbledore is unable to strike at Grindelwald himself for some mysterious reason… Therefore, while he has devised the moves from the sidelines, Dumbledore must leave it to Newt Scamander and his team to engage in this magical match of wills where the stakes could not be higher. Losing this battle could mean the destruction of both the wizarding and non-magical worlds. Thus, the question remains: how long will it be possible for Dumbledore to stay out of the fray?
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE includes a delightful array of creatures as well as wonderful actors to bring the characters to life. The cast includes some familiar and some new members: Albus Dumbledore/Jude Law (“Captain Marvel”, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, “Gattaca”), Newt Scamander/Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”, “Les Miserables”), Gellert Grindelwald/Mads Mikkelsen (“Hannibal”, “Doctor Strange”), and Credence/Ezra Miller (“Justice League”, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”).
Do you need to be familiar with all the Harry Potter books and movies to enjoy FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE? No. My daughter has not read or watched most of the Harry Potter pieces. However, since THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is the third installment of the FANTASTIC BEASTS franchise, it is more important to have that knowledge. Otherwise, the continued storyline and character development may be confusing and not as enjoyable an experience.
If you and your kids enjoyed FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, then you will like this next edition. It is just as PG-13 serious, with moments of humor.
According to Stella Rating: Family Viewing Disclaimer (1/low – 5/high scale)
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is rated PG-13 by the MPAA due to “some sequences of fantasy action.” The movie includes several fantasy fight scenes with mild violence and no blood. There is also a creature shown lying in a pool of blood and its intestines out. My 17-year old daughter and I give the movie a PG-13 rating of:
- 2 – SEX/NUDITY
- 4 – VIOLENCE/GORE
- 2 – PROFANITY
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