Alien at the Movies

Based on a first year Hogwarts student's required reading text book, author J.K. Rowling has created an intriguing screenplay (supposedly the first of five) about the adventure of magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) in America some 70 years prior to the Harry Potter Universe. For those fans suffering from wizardry withdrawals, this prequel with an American twist can be described in clichéd terms as magical, enchanting, & spellbinding. The special effects are amazingly spectacular & the creatures outrageously awesome. Redmayne portrays another totally unique character in this shy modest hero with a "Scooby Gang" (2 wizard sisters & a factory worker/baker) who's chasing down some extraordinary beasts from the magic world that have escaped into 1926 New York City. Of course, they also cross paths with some evil individuals. Dan Fogle is delightfully funny as the No-Maj (American term for Muggle) unintentional sidekick. Jon Voit & Colin Farrell are in the supporting cast. Look for a surprise cameo with some apparent significance.

Alien gives it 3½ "incredible suitcase" stars out of 4.