The world of a fictional Harry Potter novel comes to life in this extension of the world pushed even further than Hogwarts. In “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander (Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob (Dan Fogler), a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts across the imposing city, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds. “Fantastic Beasts” is directed by David Yates, and is rated PG-13 for fantasy action violence.

Because eight films certainly weren’t enough for Harry Potter fans, “Fantastic Beasts” allows them a new series of films to dip their feet in imaginative waters. For someone like myself who isn’t the world’s biggest Harry Potter fan, I found this movie to be surprisingly rich in its entire package for crafting a world where to dream it is for it to be possible. The film is a side project of sorts, considering Scamander does technically exist in the Potter world, and this movie proves that his story has just as much to offer on the forefront of intrigue and inspiration that elevates the film to levels just as high as their fantasy creatures can fly. Will it hit the same notes of dedication that its former universe accomplished? That’s not quite for me to say. If I comment on one thing however, it’s that the biggest tragedy in this world is the fact that these kinds of things doesn’t exist beyond the silver screen that many will flock to this weekend. It’s a film that requires its audience young and old to dream, and will serve as that full circle moment when adults who were kids during the original series, will now take their children to embark on an adventure that will leave them feeling levitated.

I checked out this movie in 3D, and the overall presentation is one that was very warranted to spend the extra couple of bucks to engage in the bigger picture quite figuratively and literally. This is one of, if not the best 3D effects that I have seen on-screen this year, and there’s plenty to justify the choice to go big on this opportunity. As with any 3D presentation, the in-your-face effects radiate mesmerizingly to make you feel every impact. There’s also perfectly applied shading and outlining here to give the characters an eye-popping trait to their physical appearances that many might miss while paying attention to everything that is going on in the dreamy backgrounds. As for some of those set pieces and landscapes, the movie’s 3D breathes perfectly with the 1920’s New York setting. The very existence of one with the other makes for something truly ironic, but the crispness of a third-dimensional aspect really pops in making this throwback something much more timeless. If I had one problem with the 3D, it was in the cinematography that originally does feel a little mundane and dreary. I certainly understand the choice to stay faithful to the almost colorless backdrop that was the era during The Great Depression, but when coupled with 3D glasses that darken every picture, it does make for some difficult transitions during night time scenes. It’s enough to sacrifice for the overall better effects work, but beware of the absence of light that will sometimes have you seeking out any kind of bodily frame to grasp what is going on.

This is also a very top-notch cast that carries the reigns of the magic in chemistry that Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint each mastered in three decades together. Eddie Redmayne is usually an actor who I am hit or miss with, but he seems to strike the perfect mastery that captures the innocence behind Scamander. There are times when his character is a tad over the top or corny in dialogue delivery, but Redmayne works here because there’s always that tick of genius that is evident behind his shy exterior. Eddie envelopes this character because of the air of care and concern that he presents for these creatures. There’s very much a feeling of parent/child relationship being played off here, and it’s in Scamander’s urgency where we feel something more than just the thrill of magic here. Katherine Waterson is also a breath of fresh air, giving the film a female influence who we can embrace for a personality that is equal parts law and free will for the citizens of her city. Waterson and Redmayne’s relationship doesn’t quite hit all of the strides that it could, but lets leave some room to breathe for four more films still to come in the series. Without question the person who stole the film for me was Dan Fogler as Jacob the No-Mag. Fogler reminds Hollywood once again that he is one of the very best in expressive acting going today, and his childlike expressions are a nod to gentle giants like John Candy, John Belushi and of course Chris Farley. With Fogler, I embraced the opportunity to laugh on more than one occasion, and it’s in that light hearted humor where I feel the movie resonated the most with my investment and patience well beyond the two hour mark.

The script is captivating, but does have its problems on the storytelling forefront. There’s a battle going on here between three different characters for on-screen antagonist, and every time the film tends to drift away from Scamander and company it feels against the grain in tone and fluidity for the direction the story is headed. I appreciate a film that isn’t afraid to get dark in material with a child’s story, but it doesn’t feel necessary this early in the series, especially when played against a dreamy first act that is every bit as light-hearted as it is whimsical. When it does settle on an chosen antagonist with a half hour left, there isn’t enough backstory in exposition to understand the motivations for this character and why they have decided to oppose Scamander. What I did enjoy about the story is the attempt to Americanize the Potter universe considering the other movies were set in Europe. The very American traditions good and bad are emphasized here, and serve as a reminder to some of the decisions that shaped the country that you see today. All is documented finely enough, and it proves that screenwriter J.K Rowling can dazzle on more than just one continent.

James Newton Howard offers another brilliant musical score that captures the imagination and big-league feel to the responsibility that comes with magic. The best scores to me are the ones that capture the personality in feel of every emotion being displayed on-screen, and James can do this without ever coming off as manipulative in forcing his audience to feel a certain way. Through an arrangement of orchestral tones that strike the perfect chord both enthusiastically and monotonously, Newton Howard proves that even at sixty-five he is still one of the most respected and downloaded names in cinematic score.

The Fantastic in “Fantastic Beasts” isn’t just an adjective, it’s a stamp by this critic on a journey of surprises and colorful creatures that dares to carry on the Potter legacy. There’s some storytelling aspects that deserved another draft, but Yates’s film is something that is simply too fun not to embrace. The reflection of a life for many fans of the series who have stood by the power of the wand through each changing face. This one has me excited for future installments, and this Beast packs quite the roar.

8/10