***Advanced access to the film was provided, opinions are my own***
The third film in the Fantastic Beasts franchise is in theaters near you on Friday, April 15th. So, I promise, this will be a spoiler free review.
Starring Jude Law as Professor Dumbledore of Hogwarts and re-introducing favorite characters like Newt, Kowalski, and others from the previous movies, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore struck me as the right mix of action, adventure, suspense, light comedic moments, and wholesome messages of good versus evil.
All members of my family watched the film in the theater. Each of us remarked that doing so heighten the enjoyment of the vivid imagery, immersive sounds, and intense action of Secrets. Note: three members of my family had watched the preceding two films (four had not). Those of us that hadn’t watched the prior films were able to connect to the characters quickly (and will now be going back to watch the others).
From a parenting point of view, my teens experienced the movie differently than my elementary schoolers. My little ones (ages 6 and 9) enjoyed the cute animals (the blue duck, the deer-like qilin, dancing lobster things) and funny moments, but were lost in the plot and frightened by early action scenes. There were times when they hid their eyes in my chest at an intensity of certain moments laced with conflict, blood, and fighting.
My teens (ages 12, 14, and 16), my wife, and I, though, were locked for the entire two hours and thirty minutes. My boys loved the action and conflict while I grasped onto messages and poignant themes throughout.
For me, The Secrets of Dumbledore connected this fantasy world with things we see around us: the importance of peaceful transitions of power (or not), endeavoring for unity in a society full of differences, and the concept of unconditional love of family and community. Additionally, the idea of the love(s) of Dumbledore is something that I’d love to explore further – though do not want to spoil anything here.
A few phrases, and corresponding themes, will stick with me from the film (paraphrasing from memory and notes):
Choose right, not easy.
Don’t underestimate yourself if you have a full heart.
Historic days seem ordinary when you’re living through them.
-Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, 2022
For my family and I, the movie provided exactly what I envisioned: action, adventure, fun, endearing characters, advancement of a known story, and a few hour respite to enjoy on-screen, visually stunning eye candy. As an added bonus, I was reminded that, even in a make believe world of wizardry, it is the responsibility of all to ensure that good, or the aspiration for good persists.
And, alas, I walk away from The Secrets of Dumbledore with a new task: how to find a pet qilin for my daughter.
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