The second instalment of the Fantastic Beasts series begins with Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) being transferred from the American Ministry of Magic to the English, which obviously doesn’t go to plan; or what would the film be about? So, with Grindelwald on the loose again, and Creedence (Ezra Miller) on a journey of self-discovery, Dumbledore (Jude Law) sends Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to find him. Prompted by a little romantic fulfilment (chasing his “ex”) Newt and co. end up in Paris where Grindelwald is rallying the troops.

I am from the Harry Potter generation, I waited for the books to be released so I could read them as quickly as possible, I was super excited when my school arranged a trip to see Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as part of our English class and I have visit both the Wizarding World in Universal and the Warner Bro’s Studio tour. I actually even have Harry Potter pjs I’m that cool. Therefore, any Harry Potter themed film is already going to be a winner in my book, but I especially love that I feel as if the Fantastic Beasts series is an opportunity to have an older and maturer view on the wizarding world, but also embrace the technological advances which have occurred since the first franchise series (that makes me feels super old).

Don’t get me wrong, Eddie Redmayne annoys me as much as the next person with his typical head tilted side smile thing he does in every film he’s in, and I hate that it was as if they changed their mind about keeping Jacob Kawalski (Dan Fogler) in the series; remember he was obliterated so he could go back to his NoMaj life at the end of the first film? BUT, who would have ever thought we would be able to create a world inside of a suitcase that is believable!?! And I was SOLD on the baby nifflers, seriously, if somebody could get me one of those for Christmas I would love them forever.

What I particularly liked about this film were the links to the original Harry Potter series, not only did we have Dumbledore and Hogwarts featured, but McGonnagall appeared, the LeStrange’s, Nagini was introduced and Nicholas Flamel! However, they were done in the subtle way that if you have never been in to Harry Potter it totally doesn’t matter. It was also nice to see the Ministry of Magic back in one piece.

It did succeed in leaving me desperate to know what happens next, I only hope I don’t have to wait another 2 years as I feel like that’s quite a substantial wait!