NOW this really is a magical feat – a Harry Potter spin-off that is a worthy successor to the original and an absolute joy.
It has it all, including huge set pieces, surprises, fun creatures — the Niffler being my favourite — and a LOT to laugh at.
This includes a twerking routine from Eddie Redmayne, no less.
Eddie nicely underplays Newt Scamander, a British Ministry of Magic employee and expert on magical beasts.
The story is set long before Harry’s time — in fact Newt will go on to write a textbook that the young wizard studies at Hogwarts — and in a very strange and different world. Namely, America. Newt is there to set free Frank the Thunderbird in his native land.
But it is the Twenties and Prohibition is in full swing — and not just for alcohol.
Magical beasts are also banned, which is a problem as Newt has smuggled in a suitcase full of them through customs. And he’s not very good at keeping them in one place.
He is soon dashing around New York trying to round them up — and getting in trouble with the sinister US version of the Ministry of Magic.
But, with the help of ex-Auror – a special wizard catcher – Tina (Katherine Waterston), her mind-reading sister Queenie (Alison Sudol) and factory worker Jacob, Newt quickly starts tracking them down.
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Jacob is the only “no-maj” (American for muggle) in the group, but actor Dan Fogler is pure magic and steals scene after scene.
The quartet is soon dealing with more than just runaway beasts.
Evil is also afoot in the form of Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) — the second most dangerous wizard of all time after Voldemort.
As if that wasn’t enough, Samantha Morton crops up as head of a creepy cult. Think Scientologists with less of a budget and equally bad haircuts and you’re there.
And they are not fans of wizards in the slightest.
More cheerily, Potterworld’s familiar house elves are present and correct, as is the US branch of Gringotts — and Deathly Hallows and Hogwarts also get mentions to glue the universe together.
It’s cleverly done.
Director David Yates has wisely kept as close to the winning formula as possible while soaking up new influences and introducing future classics such as giggle water. I’ll take six shots.
It’s relentlessly fun from start to finish and the two young Easts sitting next to me were completely transfixed. Truly fantastic.
★★★★☆
TOP 5 FILMS THIS WEEK
1. Arrival
2. Doctor Strange
3. Trolls
4. The Accountant
5. A Street Cat Named Bob
Catch Jamie’s Virgin Radio show every morning between 10am and 1pm. Listen on DAB, online or on the Virgin Radio app.