Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magi zoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A. comments, “This fascinating film, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore finally gives us the long-awaited backstory of what is going on in Dumbledore’s brilliant mind throughout the Harry Potter saga. The movie is heart-wrenching, and yet at moments it leaves you bent over with laughter.” Katherine S. adds, “After four years of waiting, the third movie in the Fantastic Beasts franchise is finally here! Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has a perfect balance of comedic scenes that will make you chuckle and action-packed scenes that will make your adrenaline pump and tightly grip your seat.” Ava C. adds, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the 3rd movie of the Fantastic Beasts movie series. It brings the same mysterious, dangerous-yet-exciting adventure as the movies that came before it. Actor Eddie Redmayne’s character, Newt Scamander has a new mission that is more courageous and dangerous than before! Can he do it?” Heather S. wraps it up with, “This movie is every bit as magical as the Harry Potter series. After ten Wizarding World films, fans might expect a decline… However, The Secrets of Dumbledore puts in new creatures, new defense spells, and a whole world of port keys that will astound even die-hard fans.” See their full reviews below.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This fascinating film, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore finally gives us the long-awaited backstory of what is going on in Dumbledore’s brilliant mind throughout the Harry Potter saga. The movie is heart-wrenching, and yet at moments it leaves you bent over with laughter. The actors are truly convincing, bringing their characters to life. Every Harry Potter fan will enjoy hearing the subtle references to the books as they watch the infamous Grindelwald at the height of his power.
The storyline follows Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his comrades as they act on instructions given by Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) to find and defeat the dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen). This unlikely team faces major challenges and setbacks as they try to stop Grindelwald from winning the election for Minister of Magic. Newt uses his quick mind to find him, with help from his fantastic beasts, his friends’ brilliant minds and his brother’s spell work. Dumbledore has a plan, although he is just as secretive as all Harry Potter fans will surely remember. Will a small group of wizards (and a muggle) be able to defeat the greatest dark wizard of the time?
Jude Law portrays Dumbledore almost perfectly, just as people have always imagined his younger self to be. Dumbledore’s secrecy, love and trustworthiness come across effortlessly in Jude Law’s face. The protagonist, Newt Scamander, is likable and a spark of joy in these dark times. The computer generated fantastical beasts are extremely realistic and adorable, and the visual effects during fight scenes are powerful. My favorite part of this movie is the bittersweet ending. Watching the characters finally enjoy their lives, far away from evil, brought tears to my eyes.
The message of this film is that strength comes in numbers. One person may be powerful, but when people come together using their unique strengths, they can triumph. This is a beautiful message to all those who feel helpless, reminding them that they can always turn to people they trust. There are not many age restrictions in this movie, but I think it will be more interesting to slightly older audiences. The film starts slow and there are subtle clues that the viewer needs to pay attention to in order to completely understand the storyline. Because of this, this movie would be most appealing to people over the age of eleven.
I give Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on Friday, April 15, 2022.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
After four years of waiting, the third movie in the Fantastic Beasts franchise is finally here! Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has a perfect balance of comedic scenes that will make you chuckle and action-packed scenes that will make your adrenaline pump and tightly grip your seat.
Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), former partner of Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) and future headmaster of Hogwarts, calls upon Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), the socially awkward but loveable “magi zoologist” to lead a team of witches, wizards and muggles to defeat Grindelwald and his vast crowd of supporters before he takes over the Wizarding World and starts a war between muggles and wizards.
I highly recommend watching the first two films in this prequel, Harry Potter spin-off series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald before watching this third installment. However, it is not necessary to watch the Harry Potter movies or read the Harry Potter books. The special effects are remarkable, as all the magical animals are truly “fantastic” and the magic spells coming out of the wands are so convincing. The movie takes place in the 1930s and the costumes, objects and sets are absolutely beautiful and so well put together. The movie also maintains an accuracy to the era. The acting is very strong in this movie, especially with Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, Mads Mikkelsen as Grindelwald, Eddie Redmayne as Newt, and Jessica Williams as Professor Hicks. My favorite character is, without a doubt, Jacob Kowalski, (Dan Fogler), the amiable muggle, because he is so hilarious at some points and also convincingly serious in others.
The message of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is to do what is right and not what is easy. There is violence and death in this movie, so be aware of that for younger viewers.
I give Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Fans of the Wizarding World will definitely enjoy this. This will be released exclusively in theaters on April 15, 2022.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
By Ava C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the 3rd movie of the Fantastic Beasts movie series. It brings the same mysterious, dangerous-yet-exciting adventure as the movies that came before it. Actor Eddie Redmayne’s character, Newt Scamander has a new mission that is more courageous and dangerous than before! Can he do it? Will Newt and his team be able to successfully complete this mission?
Newt Scamander and his team are tasked with trying to stop Gallert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) from taking over the wizarding world. Not only is this movie mysterious with great humor, but it is also dark, eerie and action packed with enough action and suspense to keep you guessing. There are parts where I laughed so hard—I love a movie when I can get a good laugh in. Let’s talk about suspense: The whole movie kept me on my toes. I kept wondering what was going to happen next. I was never able to predict what would happen next, which made the movie extremely enjoyable. Viewers of the previous Fantastic Beasts movies will really enjoy this movie. Part 3 aligns perfectly with the other two movies; therefore, it makes it easy to follow what was going on from the start. Honestly, you really do not need to watch the other two to follow the movie.
There is a lot going on in the movie with switching clips from one character to next, yet the camera quality and editing makes it easy to keep up with. The acting also makes this movie wonderful— it has a marvelous cast, and you can see how well they all worked together. I really enjoyed the plot and storyline of this movie. It is interesting all the way through, and I never lost my attention.
The message of this movie is to not judge people or alienate others because they can’t do certain things, look different, and accept your family members for who they are. The movie is kid appropriate. There’s no bad language or drugs. The most violence shown is battling with the wands. Some of the creatures can be scary or creepy for younger kids, but it is not too bad.
I give Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in theaters April 15, 2022.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
We return to the Wizarding World once again! Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a grand adventure you won’t want to miss. Fan-favorite characters make their return and fans are swept up in an incredible ride of magic and mischief.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore picks up right after its predecessor Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) has a blood pact with Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen), who is gaining power and rallying supports to kill muggles. With the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), Dumbledore assembles of team of wizards to break the blood pact and end Grindelwald’s war.
This movie is every bit as magical as the Harry Potter series. After ten Wizarding World films, fans might expect a decline, for example, with common spells that have been seen before. However, The Secrets of Dumbledore puts in new creatures like the Chillen, new defense spells, and a whole world of port keys that will astound die-hard fans. The visuals are exciting; with many slow-motion fight scenes, scattering papers, and jets of light from wands. Spells and magical creatures are hidden in every nook and cranny of film, which makes the magical universe seem infinite and extremely detailed. The director, David Yates, shows how the Wizarding World evolves, keeping fans on their toes for more violent duels and even better special effects. The best part of the film is seeing new sides of the characters we know and love. Newt’s kindness and bravery is on full display, as well as seeing Jacob, a muggle, use magic. Seeing Dumbledore question himself and make mistakes reminds fans that before he was the most powerful wizard on the planet, he was just a human who was in love.
Several characters learn different messages throughout the movie. Newt learns that he can be kind but also brave and a valuable asset to a team. Jacob and Queenie fight for their love in a world that was disapproving of their relationship. Dumbledore and Credence have to face old ghosts of their pasts and do what is right to save humanity.
I give Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It premieres in theaters April 15, 2022.
