David Westrope

I'd had some average reviews from friends who had already seen this film, so my expectations had been lowered somewhat. I'm not sure what film they saw though, as average is not a word I would use to describe The Secrets of Dumbledore. It was, if you'll allow the pun, fantastic. All my pre film worries about replaced actors and missing characters fell away after the first two, quite frankly superb, scenes which leave you in no doubt about the direction and heart of the movie. Anyone concerned about the swap out of Depp for Mickelson, and I was, don't be. Mads brings a more balanced but no less menacing Grindelwald to screen. Here is a dark wizard you can see the masses following. Jude Law matches mickelsen perfectly. His Dumbledore showing flashes of the regrets and doubts of his younger self whilst still embodying the assuredness which echoes the character we saw in Potter. The film is as lavish and beautifully filmed as its predecessors, the action sequences well placed and, as is required by the franchise name, there are an array of magical beasts although, not so many that you feel they are being thrown in. They all have their place. The cast of characters are well drawn and played and bring a real ensemble feel. Lally in particular, merits a special shout out. In the middle of this is Newt. Here, released from the sub plot of any romantic struggle and with Dumbledore more prominent, he is no longer the chief focus. But somehow I think this works. Here we have the awkward, introspective Newt flitting in and out of the action, moving the plot along doing what Newt is good at. Suffice to say I very much enjoyed the first two fantastic beasts, but this I feel is a far superior film. Does it have negatives, yes, a few, and could you argue its one for those of us that love the wizarding world as opposed to drawing in new fans, very possibly. But I for one was glad for a brief return to the magic.