Or is it a long time has passed? As you probably know already without me having to point it out, this is based on a book by the Harry Potter writer (even in the movie there are references). I haven't read the books (I know shame on me), so I can't compare anything from Potter books or this in specific.

What I can tell you though, is that this has great special effects. And a really neat story to carry too. Is it predictable? Yes of course it is, painting peoples characters pretty easily. But while people claim this to be more of an adult version of Harry Potter (and there is some light violence and death), this still can be called a kids movie. It's an adventure for everyone sort of. You can actually enjoy this without thinking too much. There is so much visual stuff in there, that your mind will be opened