Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

A satisfying expansion on the Harry Potter cinematic universe, based loosely on an early faux text book by Potter creator J. K. Rowling, the film follows eccentric English wizard Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, perfectly cast) on a 1926 visit to New York City with a suitcase full of magical creatures, some of whom inevitably escape. Scamander stumbles upon some darker, ominous goings on while in New York and assembles a small group of friends, Hermione-esque Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein (Katherine Waterston, daughter of Sam Waterston), a No-Maj (American slang for Muggle) Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) as Ron-like comic relief, and Tina's Luna Lovegoodian sister Queenie (Alison Sudol). Those four seem set to make up the casting base for what apparently will be a trilogy of films. The movie is fun and exquisitely well constructed, with a screenplay written by Rowling herself. While there is a lot new in Fantastic Beasts, there really isn't a lot "new" to it. Rowling plays it safe setting up an archetype heavy story arc, but frankly its what we want to see from her and as long as she keeps filling it with interesting people, places and things, this series will prove excellent cinematic comfort food. ***