The latest installment of the Fantastic Beasts series is out with even more allusions to the Harry Potter series. But is Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore appropriate for younger kids? Read this family-focused review to decide for yourself.
The third installment of the Fantastic Beasts series is finally out after a four year wait. The movie picks up months after the events of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Here is the official synopsis:
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?
There is much to spoil in this movie, so I will tread lightly in this review. I will say that Harry Potter fans will be pleased to know that this movie has many connections to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, and it fills in some of the blanks from the events in The Deathly Hallows book (if you have not read the Harry Potter books, you are missing big parts of the story!). The clear connections to the beloved world of Harry Potter might make you think this is the perfect family movie. However, there are some things you may want to know as you consider whether to take the kiddos when you watch this movie.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore earns its PG-13 rating. There is more than one vicious killing of an animal, several dark and violent exchanges between characters, and we see several violent deaths (although they are short). Adult language is minimal and includes hell, bloody, and sod. For families wishing to avoid non-traditional content, Dumbledore’s alluded to romantic relationship with Grindelwald is confirmed. Dumbledore and Grindelwald are at odds, but they discuss that they were in love. It is clear that Dumbledore understands Grindelwald must be defeated, but his heartache is obvious. Finally, there is reference to child abandonment and family discord.
The Secrets of Dumbledore is an enjoyable movie. It is complicated, interesting, funny, intense, and chilling. Fans get to see some of their favorite characters again as well as meet new characters. Of course, it would not be Fantastic Beasts without amazing creatures, and we get to meet a few more of those as well (some cute and some, well…not).
Details
Rating: PG-13 for some fantasy action/violence.
Scene after credits: No.
Runtime: 2 hours 22 minutes
I attended a media screening of this movie to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.
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