Magic is back in ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’

In 2016, several die-hard ‘Harry Potter’ fans got really excited when the Wizarding World cinematic adventures were returning in a ‘Fantastic Beasts’ prequel series.

The first movie became a huge success and fans of the Wizarding World really enjoyed it. The 2018 follow-up, ‘Crimes of Grindelwald,’ however, didn’t receive as much acclaim.

Now, after a little wait due to the pandemic and a few other setbacks, the Wizarding World returns to the big screen in an all new adventure.

In ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,’ Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers.

But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The third entry of the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series continues to deliver on the magic and excitement that you expect from this lucrative magical film franchise. ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ is definitely a step up from the previous installment.

This new adventure definitely shows you quite a few exciting and, sometimes, thrilling moments. The sequences that show the Dark Wizard Grindelwald begin his effort of taking over the Wizarding World is amazing to watch. Actor Mads Mikkelson, who takes over the Grindelwald role from Johnny Depp, does an incredible job and gives his own little spin on the character. Mikkelson makes a compelling villain and always does a great job in all of his film roles.

Despite the story trying to fit in quite a bit that leads to the eventual Dumbledore-Grindelwald showdown, the film’s story is very compelling and exciting. The action can be really tense at times and the last third act of the film is definitely the best part of the feature.

So, if you have enjoyed the past films of this franchise, then I definitely recommend that you check out ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore’ at the Dietrich.

The cast: Jude Law (The Rhythm Section) as Albus Dumbledore; Eddie Redmayne (Netflix’s The Trial of the Chicago 7) as Newt Scamander; Mads Mikkelson (Chaos Walking) as Gellert Grindelwald; Poppy Corby-Tuech (Crimes of Grindelwald) as Vinda Rosier; Ezra Miller (Zach Snyder’s Justice League) as Credence Barebone; Paul Low-Hang as Zabini; Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein; Callum Turner (Emma.) as Theseus Scamander; Richard Coyle as Aberforth; Victoria Yeates as Bunty Broadere; Jessica Williams (Booksmart) as Eulalie ‘Lally’ Hicks; Dan Fogler (Paramount Plus’ The Offer) as Jacob Kowalski and Katherine Waterston (The World To Come) as Tina Goldstein. ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore’ is written by author J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves (Harry Potter series; The Amazing Spider-Man) and directed by David Yates (Fantastic Beasts 1 and 2).

When the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ was first announced in October 2014, it was revealed that it would eventually become a five-part franchise.

In February 2022, producer David Heyman revealed that work on the script for a potential fourth film hasn’t begun yet. This month, it has been reported that the studio green-lighting the fourth and/or fifth films would be dependent on the success of this film.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ is rated PG-13 for some fantasy action/violence and has a running time of 144 minutes.