The third installment of the first Harry Potter spin-off series Fantastic Beasts: Secrets Of Dumbledore. The Pre Harry Potter film franchise which started early 20^th century , Mads Mikkelsen now has replaced Johnny Depp as the film’s antagonist Gellert Grindelwald all thanks to Johnny’s off screen troubles .

This film takes place not long after the events of Crimes Of Grindelwald the previous film. Gellert steps up his game to go to war with the Muggles (humans). Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world at the same time . Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker (Dan Fogler)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?

Fantastic Beasts : Crimes Of Grindelwald was considered a total flop at the box office and is probably why the box office returns so far are very disappointing. The push from Warner Bros this time was more low key compared Fantastic Beasts and where to find them (the first film) which got a type of promotion one of the Harry Potter films got when they go released. Secrets of Dumbledore is a vast improvements to the second film, Whilst Mikkelsen is not in the film alot, the part feels a natural one for him. He commands Grindelwald perfectly, people fear him as with Depp you just think some thing comedic like Captain Jack Sparrow and doesn’t come across as evil. A bit too plain for Depp as he’s notwearing a silly hat or mask or acting like Keith Richards is his auld man. Mikkelsen becoming that villain is like a blessing in disguise for the stumbling spin-off . His on screen chemistry with Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore is one of the big positives from the film, it’s fantastic.

So why The Secrets of Dumbledore? As learned in previous films Ezra Miller’s Creedence is a dumbledore, but what are the secrets? What we will say is, we do learn about those secrets . One which we sort of knew since Jude Law appeared in the films. This was never said, one the outcome some fans might be a tad disappointed how it concludes, however there is another 2 films to come so something might happen there. The main crux of the film is trying to stop Grindelwald becoming the leader of the wizarding world, as dumble gets a group led by Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to stop him and a certain thing Grindelwald needs.

The plot isn’t perfect, it’s clumsy at times, but more steady. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore might be the closest to reminding us it’s a Harry Potter world film. Enough to bring a smile to any Potterhead including a cameo appearance from another older Harry Potter regular in their younger days. It has the charm, but it’s also surprisingly dark even dark, entertaining maybe in need of a few more of those fantastic beasts.

★★★1/2

Fantasy, Adventure | UK, 2022 | 12 | 4K,Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD | Warner bros | Dir.David Yates | Eddie Redmayne, Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Jude law, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, Callum Turner