I attended an advanced screening of this film. All opinions are my own.

“At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.”-©Warner Bros.

I am a big Harry Potter fan and I really enjoyed the last Fantastic Beasts film. I have been so excited to see Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. I enjoyed it but I thought that the story felt scattered and not tidy.

I love the look of the film. I love the visuals and the set design. I enjoy the old fashioned look of the Wizarding World.

I love all the creatures in the film. They are so enchanting and imaginative. My favorites were the new baby Nifflers. They were so adorable.

I really enjoyed the cast. I love Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander. I think he is perfect in this role. I really loved the addition of Jude Law as Dumbledore. I think he really respects how much this character means to fans. I really like his take on Dumbledore.

I struggled a bit with the storyline. Without spoiling anything, this movie felt like a ‘transition’ film for me. It had a lot of story to tell but I felt like it didn’t have a lot of resolution. I was left with more questions than answers. I personally needed a little more loose ends tied up. At least we have 3 more films to get all those answers. I wish the movies could come out faster though.

This movie is rated PG-13 “for some sequences of fantasy action.” If your kids have seen the first Fantastic Beasts film, they should be fine seeing this one.

Although I didn’t like it as much as the first, I enjoyed Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Harry Potter fans will be happy and will be anxiously awaiting the next installment.