After the Harry Potter movies ended many hearts were broken. The conclusion of the series signaled a sad conclusion for Harry Potter fans. But fans of all things related to Hogwarts, wizardry and butterbeer were certainly of good cheer when a new iteration of franchise arrived in theaters in November. When “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” started playing, cinema-goers knew that the Potter Generation had returned with vigor.

While Harry Potter is already a much-loved series, the fact that the loveable-goof, Eddie Redmayne, was the star of the movie furthered the excitement for the continuation of the saga.

As the title said, this movie was about creatures and Newt Scamander, Eddie Redmayne, was huge advocate for beasts and how – don’t you know? – they really aren’t that dangerous after all.

As a professed Potterhead, I must say that the movie was very enjoyable. There was always something that was happening that would keep you on the edge of your seat as well as some humor to lighten up the intense parts.

When I viewed it at Parkway Point near Cumberland Mall, the theater was packed and the audience was nearly church-silent as they prepared for the magic. There was certainly a lot of hype for the movie and it certainly lived up to it. “As ever, magic is a state within a state, a secret in plain sight, and part of the fun is being let in on the secret,” said a review from The Guardian.

At the movie’s conclusion, there was a lot of discussion about its strength and there was corresponding discussion – on my end if nowhere else – about when we could look forward to another “Beasts” installation. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is definitely one to see and truly measures up to the other Happy Potter movies. As always, an adaptation of any J.K. Rowling story is always a cinematic treat.

Rating: 9/10