With "Fantastic Beasts" J.K. Rowling Has Done It Again

DETROIT (WWJ) - Following up on the phenomenal success of her Harry Potter franchise, J.K. Rowling returns to the wizarding world with "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." Devout Harry Potter fans will know that the name of this film was also the name of one of Harry's textbooks at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And, the author of the book, Newt Scamander, is the central character in "Beasts."

A very unassuming Scamander arrives in New York in 1926, decades before Harry Potter and his adventures begin. He's there as part of a trip he's taking around the world, during which he's researching and rescuing magical creatures, some of which are traveling along with him inside of a simple, brown leather suitcase. After one of the creatures escapes, Scamander finds himself in an unexpected adventure to try and keep the creature from harm and prevent a war from breaking out.

With an imagination as vivid as Rowling's, as you might expect, there's a lot going on in this film, leading to a number of exciting and unexpected twists and turns. This movie is entertaining, it's adventurous and it's fun to watch. If you want to "get away from it all," and you're in the mood for a bit of fantasy, this movie does the trick.

Multiple Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne stars as Newt Scamander, and Tony Award-winning actor Dan Fogler practically steals the show as the adorable Jacob.

See you at the movies!

Be sure to tune in to WWJ Newsradio 950 every Friday for my weekly look at the movies with Midday Anchor Jackie Paige.

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)