I have always been a big Potter fan. I've seen every movie on opening day and read every single book at least three times.
I was never too excited about the idea of a spin off but I went in quite optimistic.
The film is a mixed bag. I believe it ends better than it starts. The four leads are decent with Dan Fogler being the most endearing of the bunch.
The themes of the movie are interesting but there isn't enough time to explore all of them and it feels jammed in.
I feel there is a huge misfire with the reveal of Grindewald as Graves was really turning into a interesting and imposing villain.
The main problem with this film is that it feels like a prologue, plot points and character motivations are teased but never explored because they are clearly waiting to use them for the sequel.
Therefore it becomes hard to be invested in the movie.
I am intrigued by the idea of the Fantastic Beasts franchise.....but I am not sold on the execution nor its addition to the potter universe.
3/5
B-