The movie was humorous, entertaining and touching. The characters (who were portrayed by some amazing actors) were very interesting. I was hoping to see plenty of colorful creatures of amazing properties and I was not disappointed, although I expected the movie to stick to the Beasts a bit more. We don’t really get to see the “where to find them”, other than in Newt’s suitcase! Of course, he gives certain small details throughout the film, but not as much as I would’ve hoped and some of which weren’t in sync with the book. For instance, the Nudu (leopard-pufferfish-looking beast) was among many of Newt’s menagerie that was described as harmless in the movie, whereas the book had it classified as a HIGHLY DANGEROUS creature that can kill entire villages with its BREATH. Yeah, sounds harmless… Please keep it far, far away from me.
The Thunderbird was just ABSOLUTELY stunning, but the Swooping Evil looked super cool as well. Then there is Pickett, the shy Bowtruckle who stole my heart with his adorable clinginess and the Murtlap (bald, rat-like creature) at the beginning made me chuckle.
Overall it was a good movie, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had it had been a plot that was more focused on the beasts and a bit less on the characters and sub-plots (like the creepy orphanage with the abusive mother).
I give this adaptation a 4 out of 5 feathers.