This movie was excellent in most every regard. It felt like I was plunged into yet another chapter of the magical world that Rowling has so successfully and imaginatively created. Her imagination seems to know no bounds. Our main characters move forward, as does the villainous Grindelwald, and more secrets are laid bare. But you really have to see the first episode in order to understand what is going on, as the movie does not do well standing on its own without a reference point. And I have no problem with that because there is no reason to go backward and re-explain everything, and it would take away from the plots and subplots presented. I appreciated how, though it had its dark parts, still it is not as violent as parts of the later Harry Potter films. You can tell what is happening but it is done without the unneeded gore. The only problem I had was Jude Law playing Dumbledore. I am a fan of his other movies, but for me, the Dumbledore I connected with in the Harry Potter films and this one didn't quite come together. Too many of the old wizard's idiosyncrasies seemed to be missing. However, I account this as personal taste only-he did an excellent job in the acting, as usual. Great movie and highly recommended.