The movie screen dimmed as the Warner Brothers symbol appeared in silver with a dark background and Hedwig’s theme began playing. As an extreme Harry Potter fan, I shook in my seat with anticipation. A bright light flashed across the screen to present a group of men with their wands raised standing in a semicircle, then the screen changed to a young man, Newt Scamander sat on a large ship coming into port with a very dull seeming case next to him.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a new movie that just came out on Thursday, November 20th. It is based in the same Harry Potter universe we all know and love with many new characters, and some mentions of old ones such as Albus Dumbledore. The movie is set in 1920s New York. Newt Scamander is visiting with his case filled with magical beasts of all sorts. Due to a no-mage or a person with no magic Newt’s case was opened and some of his creatures released. Newt, two witches and the no-mage must go on a quest to recapture the creatures, but something is going on behind the scenes, that no one could have imagined.

In my opinion, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them written by J.K. Rowling is an epic new addition to the wizarding universe. The movie is great and very family friendly. I believe it is a must watch especially for Harry Potter fans and lovers of magic and fantasy. Tammy Greeley Garvin, Hingham High School Alumni stated, “The movie was awesome, it was non-stop action from the beginning to the end. With very likeable characters, and adorable and really scary monsters, lined with terrific effects.” A great movie for young and old it had the whole movie theater gasping and giggling on the edge of their seats. The movie included many unexpected plot twists and turns, taking what you believe is going to happen and doing the exact opposite. The scenery is beautiful, the creatures were very detailed and creative, and all of it is very well done and believably in 1920s New York. Sabrina Garvin, also a former Hingham High School Alumni of the age of nineteen announced, “It was wicked awesome.” I recommend this movie to anyone looking for a new magical and fun adventure for the whole family.