Jesse Levinson ’17

After months of anticipation among Potterheads and movie enthusiasts, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” hit the big screen on Thursday, Nov. 17.

The movie, detailing “magizoologist” Newt Scamander’s tumultuous experience in New York City, is a prequel to the famed “Harry Potter” series. Viewers will be treated to surreal special effects of Newt’s magical creatures––which he haphazardly carries around in a suitcase––and the beloved witchcraft “Harry Potter” fans have become accustomed to over the years.

Yet among the adorable “beasts” and the heart-tugging relationships presented in the film, there also lies deceit and violence, most notably through the actions of the famed villain, Grindelwald. Though love always prevails in J.K. Rowling’s fantasies, that does not mean there won’t be a handful of wretched plot twists and gut-wrenching losses along the way.

Of the devoted Staples students who made their way to the theatres last night, the reviews have been mostly positive.

“There’s a new Harry Potter in town,” movie-fanatic Ben Harizman ’17 said. “And his name is Newt Scamander.”

Played by Eddie Redmayne, a recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor, the instant likeability of Newt’s character comes at no surprise.

However, individuals with little “Harry Potter” background tended to find the plot bewildering.

Bryce Reiner ’17, who was baited into seeing the movie by friends, said, “I sat through two and a half hours of pure confusion.” He went on to advise future viewers to brush up on some background information before seeing “Fantastic Beasts.”

Of course, Reiner’s advice does not apply to the many “Harry Potter” fans who were unable to make it to the movie’s premiere.

“I can’t wait to see ‘Fantastic Beasts’ this weekend,” Hannah Roseme ’18––a self-proclaimed Potterhead––said. “I don’t know what exactly it will be about, but I like it that way.”

The magic doesn’t end here, though, as J.K. Rowling has announced that “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will be the first film of a five-movie series.

So brush up on your “Harry Potter” knowledge, practice a few spells and hit the theatres; you won’t regret it.