More urgency as stakes are raised

Thankfully, The Secrets of Dumbledore is the closest the fresher franchise comes to matching Potter’s best.

The series’ third entry finds Jude Law’s Dumbledore assigning Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and his allies with a crucial mission related to the rising power of Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen).

There’s more of an urgency, and a purpose, as J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves’ screenplay is less fussed with adding to the Potter lore, and muddying its timeline, and more concerned with this film’s characters.

David Yates injects more action too, with one set piece involving some of the titular Beasts a treat for the senses, while the tête-à-têtes between Dumbledore and Grindelwald are a real highlight.

Mikkelsen replaced Johnny Depp as the main antagonist after the latter’s off-screen troubles and he’s a better, more subtle fit as a relentless villain with a close connection to Dumbledore.

It’s nice to see Law fill out his iconic role with more screen time and steadfastness, but it doesn’t mean Redmayne’s Newt is sidelined; the Londoner is still an eccentric, loyal force of nature.

Dan Fogler’s Jacob continues to win our hearts as the audience’s eyes and ears and Alison Sudol (Queenie) is charming and engaging.

Ezra Miller’s Credence becomes a grating presence, though, and the minimal part played by Katherine Waterston (Tina) is inexplicable given how important she has been in the franchise thus far.

Yates manages to maintain the magic all the way until a satisfying finale that promises even better things to come.

With luck the Fantastic Beasts series can continue its ascent to ultimate, spellbinding glory as it nears its, hopefully, epic conclusion.