Opened: April 15, 2022

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, William Nadylam, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Victoria Yeats, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Fiona Glascott, Richard Coyle, Oliver Masucci, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Dave Wong & Katherine Waterston

Although it’s a step up from its predecessor, The Secrets of Dumbledore continues to prove that the Fantastic Beasts franchise just doesn’t hold the same magic that the Harry Potter series did.

As Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) continues to rise in power, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) recruits Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner) to thwart Grindelwald’s plan. Credence (Ezra Miller) challenges Albus now that he knows he’s a Dumbledore.

There are almost too many elements fighting for spotlight in this film between politics, the titular beasts and the Dumbledore family dynamics. Some choices made for the plot and characters contradict and/or confuse those shown in the later-set Harry Potter.

Mikkelsen has more charisma as Grindelwald than Johnny Depp, whom he replaces, and should’ve been the choice from the start.

Final say: Too many secrets, not enough unity. ★★★☆☆